Cumberland County deputies spoke with a male last week about being scammed. The male stated he got a phone call from someone stating to be “Publisher’s Clearing House”. The caller advised the male he had won $25 million dollars. All he had to do was purchase three American Express Gift Cards, all with a balance of $500, then provide the caller with the card information. Once he gives the caller the card information, he would be able to receive the $25 million.

After buying three gift cards, the male called the number back and provided the caller with the information. The caller then told him he needed a Golden Seal of Authorization and that he would have to send an additional $3,500.

At this point, the male believed he was being scammed. When the man checked the card balances, they were depleted, leaving him at a loss of $1,500.

The man said he spoke to several different individuals, providing names such as Dave Freeman, Don Chopper, and Linda Brown.

The actual names of the subjects are unknown. This case is under investigation.

-Publisher’s Clearing House does not email or call its big winners. If you receive an email, a telephone call, a Facebook message, or a mail letter saying that you’ve won a big prize from PCH, it’s a scam. According to the PCH website: “All PCH prizes of $500 or greater are awarded by either certified or express letter or in person by our famous Prize Patrol at our option.” So, you know that if you receive a prize notification by any other method than certified mail or an in-person award, you are being scammed.