Publishers Clearing House Scam
A resident of Filley, Nebraska was contacted from a phone number with the area code of 347 and informed he had won $3.5 million in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.
According to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office, the resident, former Army military police and intelligence officer, was immediately aware this was a scam. He was instructed to go to his bank and get a cashier’s check for $1,200.00, then drive to a bank in Lincoln and deposit the money in the bank to pay for “taxes” on the Three and a half million-dollar winnings.
The alleged victim chose to drive to the sheriff’s office, where he spoke with an investigator while still on the phone with the suspect. The suspect refused to divulge any information in the presence of an investigator and would not answer any questions regarding the legitimacy of the prize or contest.
The victim had not revealed any financial or personal information to the suspect and was taking precautionary steps to protect his phone, computer, and bank account. There was no monetary loss reported. The information from this account will be used in this, regional, and future investigations in coordination with the Mid-Staes Organized Crime Information Center (MOCIC).
This is just the latest variation in an ongoing series of attempts at tricking people out of money.
The sheriff’s office recommends, “If you receive a suspicious contact of any kind, do not succumb to pressure or demands for secrecy. Speak with a family member, trusted friend, or financial advisor or banker. You may also contact law enforcement and request to speak with a deputy or an investigator by calling Southeast Communications at 402-223-4080.”
