Don't fall for this Publisher's Clearing House scam

The Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes has been around since I was a child, and I'm 59 years old. I remember the TV commercials of the Prize Patrol showing up with balloons and a giant check. A million-dollar prize was awarded to the lucky recipient. This sweepstakes award is well-known, which is having some unfortunate consequences for many unwitting senior citizens. Scammers are impersonating themselves as one who works for Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes and calling older adults. The message is the senior citizen is a winner of a car and a million dollars. The Publisher Clearinghouse Sweepstakes scam has been around for years. Yet many retirees are not aware. They are only aware of the real Publisher Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. This scam is so pervasive that the real Publisher's Clearinghouse has established a customer service phone number to warn victims who receive such calls. This phone number is 1-800-392-4190. When called, an automated message will say: "Thank you for calling Publisher Clearinghouse. We would love to make you a winner. And remember, at Publishers Clearinghouse the winning is always free." Then the automated message asks the caller, "Are you calling because you received a fraudulent contact from someone claiming to be from Publisher's Clearinghouse? Please say Yes or No." If you say "Yes," the message will respond with, "Please tell us more." If an imposter using the Publisher Clearinghouse name tried to scam you in some way, say the word "scam." After the caller speaks the word, "scam," the message says, "If you were contacted about a prize award from someone claiming to be from Publisher Clearinghouse, please do not send any money. You have not heard from the real Publishers Clearinghouse. You have received a fraudulent contact. Publishers Clearinghouse would never ask you to send or wire money, pay taxes or fees or any amount to claim a sweepstakes prize. Do not respond to any such contact. If you have been a victim of a scam, we recommend that you file a police report with your local authorities." The unsuspecting, who are naïve to this crime, are duped into paying the scammer something. There is always a reason/excuse the prize can't be delivered as intended and requires one more payment. It is common for the payment to be in the form of gift cards. Serving Our Seniors also knows of other older victims who have paid through electronic bank transfers, cash, check, cashier's checks and money orders. If you have received a call stating that you have won a prize, the prize will be sent with no strings attached. It will cost you nothing. The prize will arrive on the day the prize was scheduled to arrive and there will be no delays. If you are an Erie County resident and receiving such calls that you are a winner, call Serving Our Seniors. We will give you the help and moral support you need to report this fraud to local enforcement, the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission. Erie County residents, ages 60 and older, can call Serving Our Seniors and ask to speak with a senior advocate assistant at 419-624-1856. Q&A Q: I'm a 77-year-old Erie County resident. I suffer from bladder problems and can't afford the full cost of disposable underwear for men, size large. Can Serving Our Seniors help me with this need. I can pay something, but not the full cost. It's expensive. A: Yes. We can assist you and are working on a way to make these products available, on an ongoing basis, based on the person's ability to afford without causing any financial difficulty. Call our office at 419-624-1856. Ask to speak with a senior advocate assistant to see if you qualify. Q: Can Serving Our Seniors help me with dental care? I broke my crown and I can't afford to replace it? A: Yes. We are working with Family Health Services' dental clinic to provide dental care at a cost that is affordable for Erie County residents, ages 60 and older. It is not free, but if you qualify, Serving Our Seniors will help you afford the cost without having to experience financial difficulty. Call 419-624-1856. Ask to speak with a senior advocate assistant.