New phone scam involving Publishers Clearing House circulating through Logan County

[January 23, 2018] 

LINCOLN

The Logan County Sheriff's Office has received information of recent attempts by subjects claiming to represent Publisher's Clearing House calling local seniors and telling them they've won large amounts of money and vehicles.

The caller then attempts to have victims money in the form of a money order or cashier's check. They specifically request that no personal checks because checks drawn from personal checking account can be canceled prior to cashing. The caller will then provide a secondary call back number victims may call in order to verify the legitimacy of the original call, however, it simply goes to a co-conspirator who will attempt to make one believe they are legitimate.

"These criminals are very good at what they do and will seem like legitimate spokespersons for Publisher Clearing House. This is not how Publisher Clearing House notifies winners. Publisher's Clearing House does have a toll free number to call to see if you've won a sweepstakes award," Said Mark Landers of the Logan County Sheriff's Department.

Please remember, no legitimate organization will request your personal or financial information over the phone. Any person who asks you to send money through the mail or a transfer in order to win something of value is most likely a scammer.

The Sheriff's Office would again like to remind citizens:

NEVER GIVE PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE OVER THE PHONE

NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WILL EVER ASK FOR YOU TO SEND MONEY TO AVOID WARRANT/ARREST/RELEASE OF FAMILY MEMBER THROUGH MONEY SERVICE

ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM TRUSTED FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, OR LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIOR TO SENDING MONEY TO ANONYMOUS SOURCES OR PAYING FOR DOORSTEP/HOME IMPROVEMENT REPAIRS

WHEN IN DOUBT, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE WILL ALWAYS ASSIST.

[Mark Landers
Chief Deputy of Operations
Logan County Sheriff's Office]