Posted on: February 18, 2026 04:00 PM

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PCH Prize Patrol never call to avoid scams

The Publisher's Clearing House announced they never call anyone in advance of winnings. The company says they have a staff comes in person to the door of major winners with balloons and roses. As for mail in to announce winners, that method was stopped after many entered fake addresses.

In event, the PCH Prize Patrol comes in person to make the announcement, all paper works are in place to give the winners balloons and roses.

So pass this message around after a Long Island victim, 92 years old male was scammed of over $250,000 life savings.

This is from the Suffolk County DA's office.

According to the investigation, in December 2025, the 92-year-old victim received a phone call from an individual allegedly claiming to be a representative of Publishers Clearing House, who informed him that he had won an $18 million dollar sweepstakes prize. After the victim expressed hesitation, the caller allegedly reassured him that a “representative” would come to the victim’s residence to provide paperwork confirming his winnings. That representative further instructed the victim that in order to obtain the payout, he would have to pay money to Publishers Clearing House to be used for taxes and processing fees. Subsequently, over several days, the defendants allegedly returned to the victim’s home to collect monies totaling several thousand dollars. On one occasion, the defendants transported the victim to his bank to allegedly obtain a $200,000 cashier’s check. In total, it is alleged that this scheme led the victim to withdraw approximately $257,000 from his bank account. After he realized he was scammed, the victim contacted the Suffolk County Police Department who commenced this investigation with the Financial Crimes Bureau of the District Attorney’s Office.

Two suspects from Queens were arrested on February 13 and released without bail with court dates for this month after pleading not guilty. Will the victim ever recover the money?

The investigation continues.