Sunriver police warn of ‘Publishers Clearing House’ phone scam

Sunriver police said Thursday they have heard from several people about a scam from callers falsely claiming to be with Publishers Clearing House and seeking your address — and your cash.

According to a “scam alert” email from Sgt. Joe Patnode, “This is the way it works. A (fake) representative calls and informs you that you have won one of the second-, third=, or fourth-place prizes.

“They explain that they are in Salem, and tell you have a choice of either the private award, without the TV cameras, or public award with the cameras. If you choose the private, then they tell you that you have won a brand-new Mercedes, asking you where you would like it delivered. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR ADDRESS.”

“Next, they will tell you that in order to deposit your winnings, they will need you to go to their bank, (usually it’s a Bank of America) and deposit $900 for either taxes or registration fees. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY. If you do, you will never see it again!”

“Publishers Clearing House will: never call you first,” Patnode continued. “Never ask you for money. Never ask you to pay for taxes or registration fees. Never ask you for your address. If you win anything from Publishers Clearing House, they will just show up with a check. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM. Tell your friends and family.”

“If you have any questions,” Patnode wrote, “contact one of your friendly Sunriver police officers.”