Minnesota Resident Targeted By Big Check Scam

Publishers Clearing House has been around since 1953 and is a well-known, legitimate company that offers online shopping and exciting, free-to-play games where you can win big prizes. You’ve probably seen the TV clips of their famous Prize Patrol showing up at someone’s door with a giant check. To date, PCH has given away over $614 million in prizes!

Unfortunately, scammers are now using the PCH name to trick people in Minnesota. A local sheriff said someone in his community was targeted and has issued a warning about what to watch out for to avoid falling for these scams.

Sheriff Warns Of Publishers Clearing House Scam in Minnesota

Sheriff Scott Rose posted a warning on the Dodge County Sheriff's Facebook page about a recurring Publishers Clearing House (PCH) scam targeting local residents, especially seniors.

Rose explained that a resident in Kasson recently received a fake letter and check (pictured below) from the scammers. The Sheriff urged everyone to warn their family members, particularly older adults, about this scam.

He clarified that while PCH's Prize Patrol may surprise legitimate winners with a big check, balloons, and flowers, smaller prizes (under $600) are typically sent by U.S. First Class Mail. Importantly, PCH never sends prize notifications via regular mail or unsolicited messages.

Publishers Clearing House Scam in Minnesota

Rose said scammers send fake checks that look very realistic, along with instructions to cash the check and send a portion of the money back, sometimes as a “prize fee.” Their goal is to trick victims into wiring money before the bank realizes the check is fake.

Unfortunately, once the money is sent, it’s nearly impossible for law enforcement to recover it.

Read the full warning from Sheriff Rose below.