• by Ray Schultz , December 28, 2023

Authorities in the Buffalo, New York area are warning residents about scammers who pretend to be from the iconic Publishers Clearing House. 

The scam artists inform victims that they have won the famous sweepstakes, but have to pay processing fees upfront, WKBW reports. Payment is accepted online or in person. 

Publishers Clearing House informed WKBW that there are no such fees connected with its legendary prizes.  

One woman in the area received a letter saying she won a $2.6 million prize. 

In a separate incident in Eureka, Missouri, a victim lost $44,000 after being told that she had to pay the taxes on a $3.3 million prize. 

The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office urges residents, “Do not give any personal information over the phone. If such a call is received, residents are encouraged to call their local police agency.”