Complaint Review: "Publisher's Clearing House" - Thomas Grant Raymond Pierce - New York New York

My neighbor received a letter claiming that PCH had been attempting to reach her since March 2008 to notify her of prize winnings of $375,000. "Enclosed is a check for $5612.00...to pay for applicable processing fees and MUST BE DEPOSITED INTO YOUR ACCOUNT".

I researched the check that was closed and found contact information on the web for the company whom it was drawn from. Upon speaking to someone there, she verified all of the numbers on the account except the check number and became very confused as to why I had this check at all since her booking left off several thousand digits before the check number I referenced.

My next call was to the "IRS Agent" that I should call to "validate the authentication of the letter and claim". His name was Paul Starpk - Badge ID 6647 in the "Luxury Taxes Division". He gave me an address of 16550 32nd "Avenue" (which I believe there is NO 32nd AVE in NYC - it would be 32nd STREET). I asked him about the check I was holding and he told me that the company is a "sponsor" of which PCH has thousands. When I further informed him that I had been in touch with their "sponsor" and the company had no knowledge of said "sponsorship", he became very unglued and upset telling me that "you can't just call someone and ask them that personal information!" - He put me on hold for a few seconds (and i gladly obliged cuz I needed to laugh!) - When he came back on the phone more composed he continued to tell me how legitimate everything was and that he "imagines a company so large doesn't track every sponsorship they hold". When I told him I had talked to the accounting director, he more emphatically told me it was all legit and to call my claim processor for further instructions. Now, why would the IRS have any clue that my neighbor won this? Further, in the MILLIONS of files they must have...how do they just "pop" and know all of the intricate details of any of this? The IRS? Really?

The final call was to "Mr. Thomas Grant". I had to call a couple of times. My first attempt was "push 1" and then "state your name" - which I did not and got disconnected. I called back and followed instructions only to reach "George Rankin" who claimed to be Mr. Grant's assistant/associate. When I asked him if I could ask a few questions he gave me a quick "call back Monday" - but I persisted. He claimed to have instructions there on Mr. Grant's desk that he could follow.

My first question addressed the check and why the "sponsor" had no clue about the whole scam. (by now I'd had enough of their lies). He denied it as a scam and told me to deposit the check and call back on Monday for further instructions. I would then be told where I needed to go, which government office, to verify my credentials. When I asked him what type of government office, it becam "a bank nearby".

Wanting more fun, I told him that I had already deposited the check and immediately withdrew the money - and he FLIPPED OUT. "Why did you do that? Didn't you read the letter? It says right there to contact us first!" - I simply stated that the check was written to me, the numbers were all legit and I had contacted the "sponsor" to verify it and then the bank had no problems with it - so why shouldn't i cash it?" Obviously beside himself now, he said I would have to hold and talk to his finance department immediately. (now waiting until monday was no longer an option!) He came back and said "How do you plan on paying the claim fees if you cashed that check and took all the money out?" - I said I would figure that out if the time came. I further asked him why I have to pay anything to win something? I was told that the "fees" are the clearing fees because it was a Canadian drawing that I had won. So...why are you sitting in NYC telling me I won something from Canada when I live in USA? He was obviously in a panic and placed me on hold for his finance group. Then I hung up. Had enough.

So, BIG SCAM. I didn't really cash the check. Why damage an obviously innocent party? In fact, I think I'm going to send the check to them so they can take it to their bank and start an identity theft investigation or something to protect themselves. It's really sad that the world has come to this crap.

My neighbor is elderly and shouldn't have to worry about this garbage. I really feel bad for seniors and the willingness my neighbor has to trust people. I'm glad she showed me the letter before she helped these losers out.

Anonymous

Somewhere, New York

U.S.A.