SOUTHGATE (WWJ) - A suspicious Southgate resident outwitted a scammer impersonating a Publishers Clearing House employee in their attempt to steal at least $1,000 from his bank account this month, police said.
As reported by the News-Herald, a male resident of Kennebec Street informed the Southgate Police Department that he received a strange call on Oct. 10 from man named "Dave" who claimed to be from Publishers Clearing House.
The caller informed the Southgate man that he had won $2.5 million, but in order to collect the winnings, he had to fork over $1,000 to cover the "FDIC tax."
The resident became suspicious when "Dave" asked to take his credit card number over the phone to process the $1,000 payment, but he refused.
The man "played along" during the phone call, but suspected the caller was a scammer.
The caller than told the resident that he would come to his house around 4 p.m. that day to claim the $1,000 tax. "Dave" stated he would be accompanied by two bodyguards.
The resident immediately called Publishers Clearing House who informed him that "Dave" doesn't work for the company and the call appeared to be a scam.
Although the resident did not give out any personal information or provide his credit card number, he called police so other people could be warned and to have the case documented in the event someone did come to his home.
Wyandotte police noted a similar scam that failed to fool a local man from giving out his personal information.
The United States Postal Inspection Service released a bulletin about scammers claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House. While it is a legitimate sweepstakes, the PCH name and logo are used by a variety of scammers in their ploy to take victims' money.
One important tip: Publishers Clearing House will not call you in advance.
"PCH Prize Patrol comes in person to the door of major winners with balloons and roses! You may be contacted by mail, but PCH never calls in advance," the USPSIS said. "If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House — just hang up! You haven't heard from the real PCH."
Residents can always call the PCH customer service directly at 1-800-459-4724 to confirm if you're a winner.
Lastly, the USPSIS says you'll never have to pay to claim a prize from PCH or any other legitimate sweepstakes.
