Here’s how it starts: You get a call or letter saying you’ve “won” the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. Exciting, right? However, to collect your prize the caller says you’ll need to pay for the fees and taxes. They’ll ask you to send the money via Western Union or MoneyGram, or by reloadable gift card. While winners are typically responsible for the taxes associated with their prizes, they’re never asked to pay using gift cards. Scammers prefer these methods because they’re nearly impossible to trace – and very rarely refundable. By posing as the Publishers Clearing House, scammers are using a trusted name to rip off unsuspecting consumers.
If you think you’ve won a prize, here’s what you need to know:
While we all dream of that big check and balloons on our front porch, Publishers Clearing House confirmed that it will never ask you to pay a fee to collect a prize. If you’d like to know more about their policies against fraud, check out the Publishers Clearing House fraud protection page.
At First Orion, we’re helping enterprises restore trust in every call with branded calling. Instead of “Unknown Caller,” your customers see your business name, logo, and reason for calling right on the mobile display. It’s the difference between getting ignored and getting answered.
Branded calling doesn’t just improve answer rates — it protects your brand from being impersonated by scammers. When customers know it’s really you, they pick up with confidence.
Ready to stop scammers from hijacking your brand? See how First Orion's branded calling helps businesses protect customers and drive engagement.
