Publishers Clearing House Call or Letter: Real or Scam?

A caller, letter, or Facebook message says you've won a Publishers Clearing House prize — and to claim it, you need to pay taxes, insurance, or a delivery fee first.

How the Publishers Clearing House scam works

Impostors use the famous PCH name because people recognize it. They ask for fees by gift card, wire, or app, or request your bank details for the “deposit.” The real PCH shows up unannounced with cameras — it never calls ahead to collect money.

Red flags to watch for

• Any fee, tax, or insurance payment required to receive winnings
• Contact by phone, email, or social media about a prize you never entered
• Requests for your bank account for the “deposit”
• Pressure to keep the win confidential until fees are paid

What it looks like

“You've won $2.5 million from PCH! To release your prize, wire the $450 insurance fee today.”

What to do

1. You never pay to receive a legitimate prize — a fee means it's fake.
2. If you didn't enter, you didn't win. Hang up or delete it.
3. Never share bank details with a prize caller.
4. Report it to the FTC at 1-877-382-4357.

Other common scams