This scam is using the Publishers Clearing House (PCH) name and claiming that victims have won a special Senior Citizens edition of the sweepstakes and that you will need to pay $1,000 fee to cover the taxes. STOP! This is a scam. If you think you have won a prize, here are a few things to keep in mind:
NEVER pay for winning a prize or sweepstakes or the lottery.
PCH notifies MOST winners in person. They will NEVER call a winner.
Never deposit a check and then send the money back. Once that check bounces, you’ll be out the money you sent.
Check out PCH website for tips and warning signs at https://info.pch.com/tips-and-warning-signs/
If you have received any communication from PCH that you believe to be a scam, please call their toll free number 800-392-4190. To report any scam, please file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Sources: PCH.com and Federal Trade Commission