Publishers Clearing House Scam Calls Are BACK! Here’s How to Spot Them Fast
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Publishers Clearing House scam calls are designed to feel exciting, urgent, and official. You get a call, text, or voicemail claiming you have won a major PCH prize. The caller sounds confident. They may use case numbers, “verification steps,” and official-sounding language.
Then comes the real point of the call: they push you to pay a fee or share sensitive information.
Real prizes do not require upfront payment. If someone says you must pay to receive winnings, it is a scam.
Scam Overview
The quick takeaway
A PCH scam call almost always includes one or more of these:
You are told you won, even though you did not expect it
You are told to press a button, call back, or stay on the line
You are told to pay a fee first (tax, shipping, insurance, activation)
You are told to pay using gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or a payment app
You are pressured to act today and keep it secret
If you hear any of that, stop the conversation and verify independently.
What this scam really is
This is not a sweepstakes problem. It is an impersonation scam.
Criminals borrow the Publishers Clearing House name because it is widely recognized. The brand’s reputation helps scammers sound believable fast, especially to someone who has entered sweepstakes before or simply wants the call to be true.
The goal is always one of two things:
Get your money
Get your personal and financial information so they can steal more later
Why these calls feel convincing
Scammers do not rely on one “big lie.” They rely on a series of small pressures that push you forward.
Confidence: fast answers, no hesitation, constant reassurance
Familiar details: references to “Prize Patrol,” big checks, delivery stories
Fake paperwork: images of checks, badges, letters, “clearance forms”
None of this proves anything. It is staged credibility.
The core lie that defines the scam
The defining feature is simple:
They say you must pay something to receive your prize.
They may call it a tax, a fee, a bond, or insurance. The name does not matter. The moment payment is required, it is no longer a prize. It is a shakedown.
Common fee stories you will hear
Scammers rotate explanations until they find one that sounds “normal.”
These are the most common:
“Taxes must be paid before delivery”
“Insurance is required to release the check”
“A processing fee is needed to finalize the claim”
“Delivery costs must be covered today”
“A lawyer must file paperwork, there is a fee”
“Your prize is on hold at a bank, you must pay a release charge”
Sometimes they add a scary element:
“The IRS requires this immediately”
“Your prize will be forfeited if you delay”
“You are under a confidentiality requirement”
That pressure is intentional. It is used to stop you from checking with someone else.
Payment methods that are a dead giveaway
Real companies do not tell winners to pay using methods that are difficult to trace or reverse.
Scammers often demand:
Gift cards (the most common)
Wire transfers
Cash pickups by courier
Crypto
Payment apps
If a caller wants gift card codes read over the phone, treat that as confirmed fraud.
What real PCH contact normally looks like
Scammers want you to believe PCH runs like a bank transfer department.
It does not.
Real prize processes do not require you to pay a “release fee” or “tax” to an unknown person on the phone. If someone says you need to pay to get the prize, that is the end of the debate.
Who gets targeted most often
These scams often focus on people who:
Answer unknown calls
Live alone or do not have someone nearby to sanity-check the situation
Have entered sweepstakes before
Are under stress and want a positive surprise
But anyone can be targeted. Scammers use robocalls and mass dialing. They only need a small number of people to engage.
The most common red flags, in plain English
If you want a simple checklist, use this:
They contacted you first and immediately said you won
They want you to act fast, today, right now
They tell you not to tell your family
They demand payment before you receive anything
They want gift cards or wire transfer
They refuse to let you verify through official channels
They ask for bank details, card numbers, or login codes
They become aggressive when you hesitate
Even one of these is enough to end the call.
How The Scam Works
Step 1: First contact (robocall, live call, or voicemail)
Many victims first hear an automated message:
“Congratulations, you have won. Press 1 to claim your prize.”
Other times it is a live caller from the start, using a friendly, confident tone. They may leave a voicemail that sounds urgent and official, pushing you to call back.
The goal is the same: get you into a conversation.
Step 2: They create legitimacy in the first 60 seconds
Once you engage, they push credibility hard.
You may hear:
A “claim number” or “case ID”
A badge number
A department name
A supervisor name
References to PCH Prize Patrol
They may also send a text while you are on the phone, including:
A logo
A photo of a check
“Winner documents”
A fake confirmation email
This is not proof. It is a prop.
Step 3: They ask harmless questions that are not harmless
Before asking for money, many scammers gather details.
They may ask:
Your full name and address
Your age
Who you bank with
Whether you are alone
Whether you have entered sweepstakes before
These questions serve two purposes:
They help the scammer tailor the pressure
They build a file they can reuse or sell
Step 4: They introduce “verification” to lower your defenses
Next, they frame the situation as routine paperwork.
They will say something like:
“We need to verify you before release.”
“This is a standard security step.”
“We just need to confirm a few details.”
Then they move in one of two directions:
Information theft They ask for sensitive details, such as banking info, card numbers, or personal identifiers.
Payment extraction They claim a fee must be paid before delivery.
Either way, “verification” is a bridge. It moves the call from exciting to controlling.
Step 5: The fee demand arrives, dressed up as normal
This is where the scam turns into a transaction.
They may say:
“You need to pay the taxes first.”
“There is an insurance fee before the check can be delivered.”
“Your prize is ready, we just need the processing charge.”
They will often use round, believable amounts at first, like $199, $299, or $499.
If you pay, the amounts usually grow quickly.
Step 6: They guide you into an irreversible payment method
Once you hesitate, they do not debate. They redirect.
They tell you exactly how to pay:
Buy gift cards and read the codes
Send a wire transfer to a “processor”
Use a payment app
Deposit cash into an account
Hand cash to a courier
A common tactic is keeping you on the phone while you do it. That prevents you from asking for advice.
Step 7: They isolate you and tighten urgency
If you slow down, they apply pressure.
You might hear:
“If you hang up, the prize is forfeited.”
“This must be handled today.”
“Do not tell anyone, it is a surprise.”
“Do not talk to your bank, it will delay delivery.”
This is psychological control. It is designed to shut down your judgment.
Step 8: The escalation loop starts (the real money is in repeat payments)
If you paid once, you are now a high-value target.
Scammers often return with “one more step”:
“A second tax amount is required”
“The delivery team needs an additional permit”
“The insurance amount changed”
“Your prize is held, pay a release fee”
This can continue until you run out of money or finally cut contact.
Step 9: The second wave: identity theft and “recovery” scams
If you shared personal information, scammers may use it to:
Take over accounts
Open new accounts
Social-engineer your bank
Target your family with related scams
After the scam is exposed, another scam may appear:
Someone claims they can recover your money, for a fee
That is also a scam. Victims are often targeted again because scammers know they are emotionally invested and want a solution.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
Stop contact immediately Do not respond to calls, texts, or emails from the scammers. Do not negotiate. Do not “pay the last fee.”
Write down the facts and save evidence Save everything you can:
Phone numbers used
Dates and times of calls
Names and “badge numbers” they gave
Screenshots of texts and emails
Receipts and transaction confirmations
Call your bank or card issuer right away Ask for the fraud department. Explain it was a prize scam.
If you used a debit card, wire transfer, or payment app, speed matters. You may still be able to stop a pending transfer.
If you paid with gift cards, act fast Keep the receipt. Contact the gift card issuer immediately. In some cases, they can freeze remaining value if the code has not been fully used.
Secure your accounts At minimum:
Change your email password first
Change your banking and payment app passwords
Turn on two-factor authentication
Check your email forwarding and recovery settings
If you installed any app because the caller told you to, remove it and scan your device.
Watch your credit if you shared sensitive personal details If you gave information like a Social Security number or similar identity data, consider placing a credit freeze and monitoring credit reports for new accounts.
Report it Reporting helps create a record and can support broader enforcement:
File a report with the FTC (for scam tracking and guidance)
If money was lost through online transfers or large amounts, consider reporting to IC3 as well
Tell one trusted person This is not about embarrassment. It is protection.
Scammers rely on secrecy. A second set of eyes helps you avoid follow-up scams and make calm decisions.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
The Bottom Line
Publishers Clearing House scam calls are built around one idea: get you to pay or share private information by using a trusted name and a fake prize.
You do not have to solve the mystery on the call. You just need to recognize the pattern.
If someone says you won but you must pay first, it is a scam. Hang up. Verify independently. Protect your accounts. Then move on.
FAQ: Publishers Clearing House Scam Calls
Are Publishers Clearing House scam calls real, or is PCH itself a scam?
Publishers Clearing House is a real company. The scam is criminals pretending to be PCH. They use the PCH name to sound credible and trick people into paying fees or sharing personal information.
Does PCH ever call you to say you won?
Scammers do. If someone calls out of the blue claiming you won, treat it as suspicious and verify through official PCH channels. Legitimate prize notification does not require you to stay on a call or act immediately.
Do real PCH winners have to pay taxes or fees upfront to receive a prize?
No. Any demand that you must pay a fee to receive winnings is a major red flag. Scammers commonly label it “tax,” “insurance,” “processing,” or “delivery,” but it is still a scam.
What if the caller knows my name, address, or other personal details?
That does not prove it is real. Scammers can get personal details from data brokers, public records, leaked databases, or previous scams. They use that info to make the call feel legitimate.
Can caller ID show “Publishers Clearing House” and still be a scam?
Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed, meaning scammers can make the number or name look official. Never trust caller ID alone.
The caller told me to press 1 to claim my prize. Is that safe?
No. “Press 1” is a common tactic to route you to a live scammer quickly. Do not press anything. Hang up.
Why do PCH scammers ask for gift cards?
Gift cards are fast, hard to trace, and usually impossible to reverse once the code is shared. If anyone asks for gift cards to claim a prize, it is a scam.
What are the most common PCH scam payment methods?
The most common are gift cards, wire transfers, cash pickups, payment apps, and cryptocurrency. Real prize claims do not require those methods.
What should I do if I gave my bank info or Social Security number?
Act quickly:
Call your bank and ask for the fraud department
Change passwords for email and financial accounts
Turn on two-factor authentication
Monitor accounts for unauthorized transactions
Consider a credit freeze if sensitive identity data was shared
What should I do if I already paid a scammer?
Do this right away:
Contact your bank, card issuer, or payment app to report fraud
If gift cards were used, contact the gift card issuer immediately and keep receipts
Save screenshots, numbers, receipts, and messages as evidence
Report the scam to the FTC and consider reporting to IC3 for larger losses
How do I verify whether a PCH message or call is legitimate?
Do not use the phone number the caller provides. Instead:
Hang up
Look up PCH’s official contact information through its official website
Ask PCH directly whether your name is associated with a prize claim
Why do scammers tell people to keep the prize “confidential”?
It isolates you. Scammers do not want you to talk to family, your bank, or anyone who might recognize the scam and stop you from paying.
Will scammers keep calling if I respond once?
Often, yes. If you engage or pay, you may be targeted again with “extra fees” or even “recovery scams” claiming they can get your money back for a fee.
What is a “recovery scam” after a PCH scam call?
It is a second scam that targets people who already lost money. Someone contacts you pretending to be a lawyer, investigator, or recovery service and asks for payment to “recover” your funds. Legitimate recovery does not require upfront fees from random callers.
What is the safest response to any surprise “you won” call?
Assume it is a scam until proven otherwise:
Verify using official channels you find yourself
Hang up
Do not pay
Do not share any information
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
