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The Council of Better Business Bureaus is warning residents about the newest scam surfacing.
The scam, which is a classic "get rich quick" scheme, works with residents receiving a text message, email, or even a letter claiming they've won millions of dollars or another high-value prize through Publishers Clearing House.
The correspondence seems legit as there are official seals and contact information for the contest organizer, but we assure you it is anything but.
The catch of this scam is that winners are responsible for paying shipping, handling, insurance, taxes, and other fees before they claim their prize. Scammers may pressure residents to pay quickly and with alternative payment methods, claiming that if the fees aren't paid a specific way the prize will be forfeited.
The real Publishers Clearing House is a BBB Accredited Business with a good rating, and it never asks people to pay upfront fees for anything.
Shown below are ways to avoid the scam:
- Be wary of unsolicited correspondence. If you receive a notice out of the blue and can't recall entering the contest, it's likely a scam. Look for typos and misspellings. They are tell-tale signs of a scam.
- Never pay fees to claim a prize. You should never have to pay any fees upfront before receiving winnings. Not even taxes.
- Keep track of any contests you enter. You can't win a contest you didn't enter. If you often enter contests and sweepstakes, keep track of them. This will help you spot a fake contest.
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