Congratulations, you’re a victim: Scammers use Publishers Clearing House ruse

It was inevitable. With millions of dollars in prizes advertised so extensively, Publishers Clearing House becomes one of the newest fronts for scammers trying to take your wallet, bank accounts, credit and identity.

Police in Barnegat Township tell us they're fielding a growing number of calls from residents describing the same scenario - a phone call from someone claiming to be an agent for the subscription giant, offering congratulations on becoming a prize winner. All that's needed, they're told, is to send a fee in order to claim the prize.

That's not how it works, police said. PCH notifies prize winners in person only when the amount exceeds $10,000. You're given the Prize Patrol Van treatment, with balloons, a huge check, and cameras to capture the event.

Most tellingly, PCH doesn't tell winners by phone that they can't have their prizes until they send money.

If you receive calls or mail of this kind, regardless of the town you inhabit, call your local police department.