Complaint Review: Publisher's Clearing House

I received a call on my cell phone last night. They knew my name and told me I had won a diamond incrusted watch and 2 magazine subscriptions. They asked me if I used Visa or Mastercard for informational purposes only.

The lady said that all I had to do was say yes to a couple of subscriptions to magazines, which were Marie Claire and Rachel Ray. I was skeptical and still I said ok. She told me to hold and her manager needs know if she was kind and to confirm the order. (She made it sound that I would be billed for the magazines.)

The manager came on and asked me if she was kind and answered any questions I may have. He then reviewed what I had won and there was something odd about it. He said the magazines I needed to order were Marie Claire, Rachel Ray and Cosmo. Before I could question the last item, he asked me if I had a middle initial in my name on the credit card.

I said no and he asked me if it was Visa or Mastercard. I told him it was a Visa. He then asked for the number. I lied and said I didn't have it on me. He said that he could stay on the line, even if it took an hour. I then told him that he called me on my cell and that I was a couple of hours from home and then he asked why I would leave my card at home. I told him I only use it for emergencies and that I never carry it. He called me a crackhead and that this was the dumbest thing he had ever heard.

He asked me what I did for money and I told him I use cash. He started yelling obscenities and I hung up on him. I know in my heart of hearts that the real Publisher's Clearing House wouldn't have a manager working for them that would act in this manner. I have been on the PCH website and they do not make phone calls.

If a Publisher's Clearing House calls and says you won....Hang Up.

Stacey
Grain Valley, Missouri
U.S.A.