Mercer man reports losing $57K from Publishers Clearing House scam

State Police are investigating after a Mercer County man told reported being scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars by someone who convinced him that he won a Publisher’s Clearing House prize.
According to a news release from police, the 73-year-old victim from Findley Township said he lost $57,537.
The news release didn’t give details of the scam, but said it is being investigated as a case of theft by deception.
According to the U.S. Postal Service, Publishers Clearing House is a legitimate sweepstake, but there are many scams that use the PCH name and logo to take your money.
Follow these tips from the USPS to be sure:
Make Sure It’s Really PCH
Contact PCH customer service directly by calling 1-800-459-4724 to confirm you’ve won. Scammers will give you a phone number that comes back to them for “verification.”
As Seen on TV
The PCH Prize Patrol comes in person to the door of major winners with balloons and roses! You may be contacted by mail, but PCH never calls in advance. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House — just hang up. You haven’t heard from the real PCH.
Know the Official Rules
Check the rules prior to entering. Identity and eligibility must be verified often via affidavit. Winners must claim their prize within a specified period of time, or the prize can be awarded to another contestant.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
PCH will only ask for information to verify your eligibility and to notify you if you are a winner: date of birth, name, address, and email. No other information is needed.
Winning is Always Free
You never have to pay to claim a prize from PCH or any other legitimate sweepstakes.
Call PCH
If you receive any communication ostensibly from PCH that you believe is a scam, notify them at 1-800-392-4190.