NOTTINGHAM, MD— Maryland State Police are warning the public about a telephone scam circulating in which the caller claims to be an agent for Publishers Clearing House.
The called states that the person contacted has “won the grand prize” from Publishers Clearing House, but they must first pay a $250 “fee” to cover the cost of taxes.
Publishers Clearing House and other sweepstakes do not require upfront fees to cover the cost of winning prizes.
This most recent case involved people in the Upper Eastern Shore region who reported receiving a telephone call from someone who identified themselves as “Agent John Clark” calling on behalf of Publishers Clearing House, saying the citizen had won the grand prize, but needed to send in $250 first, in the form of a wire transfer, or a loaded gift card, to cover the cost of taxes.
Visit the PCH website for further information or call their toll free number at 1-800-392-4190.
The Federal Trade Commission also offers information on reporting telephone scams at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-phone-scams or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
