Released: October 30, 2008

Congratulations! You’ve just been ripped off

Source: Herb Weisbaum, MSNBC

Imagine getting a letter from Publishers Clearinghouse that says you’ve won a million dollars. You might be so excited you wouldn’t even question if it’s legitimate. Con artists are counting on that. They’re sending these official-looking but phony prize notices to people all across the country.

Lois Zupan of Morton, Wash., got one. “Congratulations!” it said. “The team at PCH is thrilled to officially announce your name as the third place winner of the 15 Million Dollars ($15,000,000) Grand Prize Draw sponsored by Martha Stewart Living Magazine.”

The envelope included a check for $5,889 to cover “any outstanding fees that had not been paid by PCH directly.” All Lois had to do was call a toll-free number and her representative would explain everything.

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