Neligh Woman Victim Of Publisher's Clearing House Scam

A Neligh woman became victim of a scam for a Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes, according to police. 

Neligh Police Chief Mike Wright is advising local residents be aware of the scam that has struck the area. According to Wright, the woman was asked to pay $500 for taxes and fees to collect her winnings. 

"Scammers had her go to the Walmart Money Center in Norfolk’s Walmart store and complete a Walmart2Walmart money transfer to another Walmart in Florida," Wright said. "First, if you did not enter a sweepstakes or contest, you can’t win. You never have to pay to get your winnings and anytime you are asked to transfer money it is a scam.  Most of the time these scammers aren’t even in the U.S. with this one’s phone number having an area code from Jamaica. "

Wright said other common scams being reported now on are the IRS scam, "my grandchild got arrested and needs bail money" and a scam saying your credit card has been used fraudulently and the caller needs to verify your information.

Wright reminds residents that 
- IRS is not going to call you and say you owe taxes but can go pay to avoid a warrant for your arrest.  This is just a scare tactic to try to get you to send the money transfer.

- If you are ever contacted by someone you believe to be a grandchild or other relative that claims to have been arrested or injured and needs money do not send any money.  First contact family and check or contact your local law enforcement.

- If a caller claims your credit card has been used and wants to verify your credit card information do not give any information, your credit card company already knows your information this is a scam.

- If you get a robocall and are asked “can you hear me” don’t say yes just hang up.  Scammers will record your “yes” and attempt to use it to make fraudulent charges.
​
Wright added, "Also never give out any financial or personal information to unsolicited calls. This is the start of a scam."