My Scam Story #61

Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes Scam Victim/Survivor’s Story

Survivor’s Origin: USA

This is the original victim’s story, enhanced by the SCARS Institute Editorial Team to improve comprehension, readability, and continuity. The names were changed to protect the survivor’s identity.

WARNING: THIS SCAM VICTIM/SURVIVOR’S STORY MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME PEOPLE. DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

ADVERTENCIA: LA HISTORIA DE ESTA VÍCTIMA/SOBREVIVIENTE DE ESTAFA PUEDE SER INSENSIBLE PARA ALGUNAS PERSONAS. SE RECOMIENDA DISCRECIÓN.

If you need help, join our free SCARS Institute Support and Recovery Program at support.AgainstScams.org

Si necesita ayuda, únase a nuestro Programa gratuito de Apoyo y Recuperación del Instituto SCARS en support.AgainstScams.org

My Story

I’m 64, a widow living in Macon, Georgia, and I never imagined I’d lose $19,000 to a scam. I’ve spent my life being careful, raising my kids, and saving what I could on a teacher’s pension. But in early 2025, I fell for a “Publishers Clearing House” scam that left me feeling foolish and betrayed. I’m sharing this to keep others from making the same mistake.

It started with a phone call in January. The man on the line sounded cheerful, professional, saying I’d won $2.5 million and a Mercedes from Publishers Clearing House. I’d entered their sweepstakes years ago, so it didn’t seem impossible. He said I just needed to pay a “processing fee” to claim my prize. My heart raced—I pictured paying off my house, helping my grandkids with college. He gave me a name, James Carter, and a number to call for instructions. The caller ID showed a Georgia area code, which made it feel local and real.

James called me daily, always polite, building my trust. He sent official-looking emails with Publishers Clearing House logos, detailing my winnings and the steps to claim them. To cover “taxes and fees,” he said I needed to send money upfront. He asked for $1,000 in gift cards to start, promising it would be refunded with my prize. I went to a nearby Walmart, bought the cards, and read him the codes over the phone. He thanked me, saying the prize was being processed. I felt hopeful, like my life was about to change.

The requests kept coming. James said the IRS needed another $2,500 for tax clearance, then $4,000 for “legal fees.” Each time, I bought more gift cards—Visa, Amazon, whatever he asked for—scrambling to pull money from my savings. He’d call with updates, saying the prize was almost ready, but there was always one more fee. I sent $19,000 over three months, draining my emergency fund. My daughter noticed I was acting strange, but I didn’t tell her. James had warned me to keep it secret, saying others might try to steal my winnings.

I started doubting him when he asked for $5,000 more for a “final clearance.” His tone shifted, getting pushy, and the emails had typos I hadn’t noticed before. I couldn’t sleep, wondering if I’d been tricked. I confided in my son, who was furious but calm. He urged me to stop sending money and helped me research Publishers Clearing House. Their website said they never ask for fees to claim prizes. My stomach sank—I’d been scammed.

I felt so stupid, but my son encouraged me to act. I called James back, pretending I was ready to send more money. He gave me an address to send cash this time, saying a courier would pick it up. I didn’t send anything, but I kept him talking, noting every detail. My son helped me contact my bank, but the gift card payments were gone—untraceable. I was devastated, replaying every call, every moment I trusted that voice on the phone. That $19,000 was meant to keep me secure, maybe cover medical bills down the line. Now it was gone.

The shame was overwhelming. I’ve always prided myself on being sensible, but I let excitement cloud my judgment. I kept it from my friends, too embarrassed to admit I’d fallen for a scam. My kids were supportive, but I could see their worry. I’d lost more than money—I’d lost my confidence, my sense of safety. I kept thinking, “How could I be so gullible at my age?”

Looking back, there were signs. The insistence on gift cards was odd—why not a check or bank transfer? The secrecy was another red flag; real companies don’t ask you to hide things from your family. And the constant “one more fee” should’ve tipped me off. But James was so convincing, using my trust in Publishers Clearing House against me. He knew how to make me feel special, like I was one step away from a dream.

This has changed how I live. I’m on a tighter budget now, cutting back on small joys like dining out with my grandkids. I’m scared to answer unknown calls or open emails, always wondering if it’s another scam. My daughter checks my accounts now, and I’ve learned to verify everything. Publishers Clearing House has a fraud hotline—I wish I’d known that sooner.

I’m sharing this because I don’t want anyone else to feel this heartbreak. If someone calls saying you’ve won a prize but need to pay to claim it, hang up. Real sweepstakes don’t work that way. Check the company’s official website or call their verified number. And never send money through gift cards or cash—it’s a scammer’s favorite trick. I learned that the hard way, but maybe my story can save someone else from the same pain. I’m moving forward, leaning on my family, but I’ll carry this lesson forever.

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