Bbb Issues Warning About Bogus Contest

The Better Business Bureau is warning people nationwide that someone imitating Publisher’s Clearinghouse is trying to scam the public.

A bogus mailing with an address originating in San Jose, Calif., tells recipients that they have won $100,000 and requests a $60 cash processing fee.

Though the BBB of the Inland Northwest has not received reports of the phony mailing from consumers here, the organization’s president said it probably won’t be long.

“This alert has gone out nationwide,” said Lisa Stephens. “Usually these are mass mailings.”

The prize letter tells people they have been selected as one of 30 winners and that if they mail the “Official Statement of Eligibility,” and $60 cash within 10 days, a prize check will be hand delivered to their doorstep.

Publishers Clearinghouse has confirmed that the mailing is bogus. Postal inspectors also have been notified.

The BBB advises consumers to beware of any cash giveaway that involves an up-front fee. Legitimate sweepstakes companies do not require winners to pay any type of fee or purchase any merchandise in order to claim the prize. , DataTimes