PCH Sweepstakes Scam Calls
Updated: January 2026
Publishers Clearing House is real, but SCAMMERS impersonate it constantly.
12 Reddit comments: If you're in Canada, ANY PCH call is 100% a scam (they don't operate there). In the US, real PCH doesn't call you unsolicited—scammers do. Scam pattern: robocalls claiming you won, demanding money for 'taxes' or 'delivery fees.' One user said their 80+ father got called claiming a Mercedes was on the way.
Key Findings
What It Is
Real company (Publishers Clearing House) but scammers constantly impersonate it
Main Risk
Private number calls: Legitimate companies identify themselves properly, not as private numbers
Best Action
PCH in Canada = instant hang up: If you're in Canada, it's 100% a scam
The Pattern
- →Real company (Publishers Clearing House) but scammers constantly impersonate it
- →Real PCH is a legitimate sweepstakes company but doesn't operate in Canada anymore
- →Scammers use PCH name for robocalls claiming you won
- →Demanding payment for taxes/delivery/release fees
- →Claims about Mercedes or large cash prizes being delivered 'within the hour'
Red Flags
- Warning: Private number calls: Legitimate companies identify themselves properly, not as private numbers
- Warning: Robocall voice: Slow text-to-voice robot sound—not a real person
- Warning: Repeated calls: Multiple call attempts in short succession
- Warning: PCH in Canada: Automatically a scam—PCH doesn't operate in Canada anymore
- Warning: Demands for payment: Real PCH never asks for payment upfront
- Warning: Urgent delivery claims: 'Mercedes/check arriving within the hour'
- Warning: Tax scam: 'Pay taxes to release your prize'
- Warning: Social media impersonation: Scammers DM on Facebook claiming you 'won'
- Warning: Anyone can claim they won: Users report calling and saying they won—scammers respond
What To Do
- 1PCH in Canada = instant hang up: If you're in Canada, it's 100% a scam
- 2Don't answer unknown numbers: Legitimate contests don't call unsolicited
- 3Never pay upfront: Real PCH never requires payment before prize
- 4Verify with official line: If uncertain, look up PCH's official number and call them directly
- 5Report robocalls: Report to FTC (USA) or CRTC (Canada)
- 6Block the number: Add to blocked contacts list
What NOT To Do
- ✕Never pay 'taxes' or 'delivery fees' to collect a prize
- ✕Don't provide personal info to unsolicited callers
- ✕Don't trust callers claiming to represent PCH
- ✕Don't click links from Facebook/DM claiming PCH contacted you
- ✕Don't call numbers provided in calls—use official company website
Copy-Paste Script
Publishers Clearing House is real but scammers impersonate it constantly with robocalls. If in Canada, it's 100% a scam. In the US, real PCH doesn't call unsolicited. Scammers demand payment for 'taxes' or 'delivery fees' for fake prizes.
FAQ
Is Publishers Clearing House legit?
The company exists and is legitimate, but scammers constantly impersonate it for fraud.
Does PCH really call winners?
No. Real PCH doesn't call winners unsolicited. Calls claiming you won are scams.
Is a PCH call in Canada a scam?
100% yes. PCH doesn't operate in Canada anymore, so any PCH call to Canada is automatic fraud.
Should you ever pay to collect a prize?
Never. Legitimate prizes never require upfront payment for taxes, delivery, or fees.
What do Redditors say about PCH?
12 comments: PCH is real but constantly impersonated by scammers. Canadian calls are always scams. US calls demanding payment are scams.
Explore Related Topics
Learn more about similar scams and consumer protection strategies
Is Aperio Talent Solutions Legit? Recruitment Firm Red Flags
Aperio Talent Solutions listed as scam recruitment firm. Unsolicited emails, SSN requests, phishing tactics, and verified list from recruitinghell community.
Continue reading →ApplyStim.com & ApplyNess.com: Dropshipping Fashion Scam
ApplyStim and ApplyNess exposed as dropshipping scams. Instagram ads, fake designer brands, no refunds, money stolen. How to get refunded.
Continue reading →Is StubHub Legit? Fake Tickets & Delivery Problems Exposed
StubHub reviews expose fake tickets, day-of delivery, seller issues, customer service failures. 389 Reddit comments detail scam experiences. Real alternatives included.
Continue reading →