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Beware: Scammers Impersonate PCH, Targeting Vulnerable Victims

9/16/2025

Center

Scammers Target Seniors

Scammers impersonate Publishers Clearing House (PCH), targeting vulnerable individuals like 99-year-old Julia Provance for personal information and payments for fake prizes.
PCH Vice President Chris Irving states that legitimate winners never pay fees or share financial details.
Bend resident Kevin Davie recognized the scam signs, recalling PCH's bankruptcy announcement.
Both Provance and Davie seek to raise awareness to prevent others from being scammed.
PCH confirms that real prize claims do not require upfront payments or gift card purchases.

Left

PCH Files Bankruptcy

Publishers Clearing House (PCH) started in 1953, initially selling magazine subscriptions and launching sweepstakes in 1967.
In April 2025, PCH filed for bankruptcy, reporting liabilities of $50-$100 million against assets of $1-$10 million.
Revenue plummeted from $854 million in 2017 to $182 million in 2023.
ARB Interactive, the new owner, will not honor payouts for winners before July 15, 2025.
Past winners, including John Wyllie, face financial uncertainty, while disabled veterans Matthew and Tamar Veatch express disappointment over lost trust.

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Scammers Target Seniors

Scammers impersonate Publishers Clearing House (PCH), targeting vulnerable individuals like 99-year-old Julia Provance for personal information and payments for fake prizes.
PCH Vice President Chris Irving states that legitimate winners never pay fees or share financial details.
Bend resident Kevin Davie recognized the scam signs, recalling PCH's bankruptcy announcement.
Both Provance and Davie seek to raise awareness to prevent others from being scammed.
PCH confirms that real prize claims do not require upfront payments or gift card purchases.

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