(Clarinda) The Clarinda Police Department is urging residents to be on alert after a local citizen was recently defrauded of a substantial amount of money through the well-known Publisher’s Clearing House scam.
According to police, the victim was contacted by a scammer who falsely claimed they had won a large prize but would need to pay a fee before collecting it. The payment was requested in the form of gift cards.
Authorities emphasize that legitimate Publisher’s Clearing House prize winnings are always free. Major prizes are delivered in person by the company’s Prize Patrol, without advance notice and never with a request for money.
Police advise residents that if they receive such a call or message, they should hang up immediately, refrain from sending any money or gift cards, and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The department reminds citizens to remain cautious and to share this warning with family and friends to help prevent further victimization.
