Introducing our latest installment of “Scam Call of the Week,” where we uncover prevalent phone scams targeting unsuspecting individuals. This week, we delve into the world of the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam. Exploiting the trust of renowned brands like Reader’s Digest, Publishers Clearing House, American Sweepstakes, and Bank of America, this scheme lures victims with promises of substantial cash prizes and weekly payouts. Beyond mere annoyance, these deceptive calls pose serious threats, including financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress. Join us as we unravel the details of this fraudulent tactic and arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself from falling prey to such scams.
In this article, we cover:
- The details of the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam
- Why the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam is dangerous
- How to protect yourself from the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam
The details of the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam
The Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam preys on unsuspecting individuals by exploiting the reputations of esteemed brands like Reader’s Digest, Publishers Clearing House, American Sweepstakes, and Bank of America. This deceptive scheme falsely notifies recipients of winning significant cash prizes and weekly payouts through automated phone calls. The scam, first detected in October of 2022, has been particularly prevalent in areas such as Oklahoma, California, Georgia, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The fraudsters use a variety of phone numbers, including 1-888-984-6163, 1-888-481-7129, 1-888-676-2129, 1-888-676-2134, and 1-888-984-6164, to perpetrate their fraudulent activities. Individuals are urged to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to this deceitful tactic.
Actual Audio of the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam
“Reader’s Digest and publishers clearing house association with American sweepstakes Network calling to announce that you are this month’s lucky winner in our Bank of America giveaway of $6,500,000 along with $7000 weekly. Your confirmation tax ID number is 13. To claim your prize, please contact our claims team at 872-888-1718 or press one to be transferred to a live claim representative.”
Why the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam is dangerous
This scam preys on unsuspecting individuals by exploiting the reputations of esteemed brands like Reader’s Digest, Publishers Clearing House, American Sweepstakes, and Bank of America. Victims are falsely notified of winning significant cash prizes and weekly payouts through automated phone calls, posing serious threats such as financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress.
How to protect yourself from the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam
To safeguard against this scam, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to this deceitful tactic. It’s crucial to never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless verifying the legitimacy of the call. Additionally, consider using call blocking and screening services like YouMail to help identify and block fraudulent calls.
To protect yourself from the Reader’s Digest Publishers Clearing House Contest Winner Scam, download YouMail today.
Find about more Robocall Scams at the YouMail Robocall Scam Guide.
I got a scam call on Tuesday 2/27/24 Using Publisher’s Clearing House, Reader’s Digest, Walmart and others. The number used was 877-344-5479. They promised $18,500,00 plus $10,000 a week for life.