Warning about Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes Scam

Local law enforcement is warning residents about a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes scam circulating in the area.  A citizen received a check in the mail from what appeared to be an insurance company.  The check was for $7,000.  The citizen was instructed to deposit the check and then call a number.  The check was sent in order to cover payment towards taxes and processing fees for the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, which the letter stated was required by the International Sweepstakes and IRS.  The grand prize winnings listed in the letter, for the sweepstakes, was for $750,000.  The letter stated that the citizen’s entry into the sweepstakes was due to cross-promotion by marketing companies through credit card expenditures, past subscriptions, and in-store and grocery store rebates in North America.  The letter stated that a payment had to be processed within three business days.  The letter also stated that the sweepstake winnings could only be held for 3-5 days.  Also, the receiver of the letter was notified to keep the award letter strictly confidential until the cash prize could be processed in order to avoid double or false claims, identity theft, and impersonation.  Also, they asked the winner to notify them if they wanted their prize van to deliver their winnings with a camera crew in order to advertise them on TV and local newspapers as well.  Publishers Clearing House is a legitimate sweepstakes, however, law enforcement warns that in order to win money or prizes from a sweepstakes, you have to enter the sweepstakes yourself.  Scammers like to create a sense of urgency, but they can also entice someone with large amounts of money and prizes.  If someone pays money for fees and taxes to someone in this scam, the scammers will take your money but you will not receive any money or prizes yourself.