Publishers Clearing House (PCH)
🚨 Heavily ImpersonatedSweepstakes · Founded 1953
Publishers Clearing House is a legitimate direct marketing company that runs real sweepstakes. It has paid over $500M in prizes since 1967.
Trust Score
8
out of 10
Our Verdict
Real PCH prizes never require upfront payment. PCH's Prize Patrol physically shows up at winners' doors. Any PCH prize notification requiring payment is a scam — PCH itself is legitimate.
This is a legitimate company that is frequently impersonated by scammers. Verify all communications carefully.
⚠️ Scam Warning
PCH is a real company but is one of the most impersonated sweepstakes brands. Fake "PCH Prize Patrol" calls, texts, and emails demanding fees to claim prizes are extremely common.
🚨 Known Scams Using Publishers Clearing House (PCH)'s Name
- • Phone calls claiming you won PCH sweepstakes and need to pay fees
- • Texts from "Prize Patrol" with a link to claim your winnings
- • Social media posts impersonating PCH with fake prize announcements
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
⚠ PCH telling you that you won before contacting PCH directly
⚠ Request for payment of any kind to receive a PCH prize
⚠ PCH Prize Patrol calling you (they show up in person or notify by mail)
📋 Report a Scam Involving Publishers Clearing House (PCH)
If you've encountered a scam using Publishers Clearing House (PCH)'s name, report it to help protect others.