Scam pretends to be Publishers Clearing House

Scam Pretends to be Publishers Clearing House

By Hailey Higgins, Local News 8 Reporter

IDAHO FALLS - The Better Business Bureau is warning you to beware of letters claiming they're from Publishers Clearing House. The letters say you have won a second place prize of $1 million. Despite how official the letters look, the recipient is the target of a nationwide scam that is now in Idaho.

A check comes with the letter for as much as $5,900. The victims are told in order to receive the money, they must cash the check and wire back $4,000.

The BBB said the check is fraudulent and any money wired to the scammers cannot be recovered.

"If you get a check for $4,900 in the mail and it looks like it's coming from Publishers Clearing House, that's a name that's well known, as far as giving true cash giveaways and you're not going to look real logical. But do stop and think about it," said Donna Oe, Better Business Bureau.

The fake checks are copies from legitimate businesses stolen by the scammers.

Since last month, reports of the Publishers Clearing House scam have come in from 20 states. If you have received this scam, contact the better business bureau.