SAINT PAUL (11/5/2019) — The Minnesota Department of Commerce has been alerted to a new mail scam targeting seniors across Minnesota. 

Minnesotans are receiving letters in the mail mimicking the branding of Publishers Clearing House, announcing they have won the “100 Million Dollars Super Cash Giveaway Promotion.” The letter includes an enclosed check of approximately $6,000 to cover “insurance and attorney fees.” Recipients are instructed to contact the “Claims Manager” before cashing the check to receive further information on the prize. Recipients are also instructed to not discuss their win with third parties, “as required by Federal and State laws.” 

The Department of Commerce discovered that when the “Claims Manager” is called, the recipient who answers the call says, “Publishers Clearing House, how may I help you?” The person is instructed to cash the check and then wire money to the scammer as soon as possible in order to process their multi-million dollar winnings. The original check then bounces, and the recipient has lost the money they wired and incurs returned check charges. 

The scam is particularly sophisticated, due to the convincing Publishers Clearing House branding and the professionalism of the call centers that field recipients’ calls. Even so, Minnesotans can stay in control by remembering these tips: 

• Do not wire money or send a money order, gift card or cashier’s check. It is almost impossible to recover these funds if you have been scammed.
• Be wary of urgent requests. Do not fall for a pitch that encourages you to “act now” or creates a false sense of urgency. 
• If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid investments that are pitched as having no risk or offering unrealistic returns. Always be cautious of lottery scams.
• Never rely on information you receive in a letter or email. Look up contact information yourself and call Publishers Clearing House, or whatever company sent you the letter, directly if you have any questions.  

“If you suspect that you have received this scam, or any financial scam, please contact the Department of Commerce,” said Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “Hearing from Minnesotans helps us investigate fraud, gather evidence to share with our federal partners and stop scammers from finding new victims.”

One Minnesotan who alerted the Department of Commerce to the scam is Donna Osmundson of Adams, Minnesota. 

“When I received the letter in the mail, it looked too good to be true,” said Donna. “The Department of Commerce confirmed for me that it is scam. I am glad I notified the Department, so they can help educate people that these types of scams are out there, and they can help seniors know what to look for.”

“We have not yet received reports of victims in Minnesota who have fell for this specific scam, but we are aware of victims in other states. We have seen victims of other lottery scams who have lost substantial amounts of money and it is almost guaranteed that there are victims of this Publishers Clearing House scam who have not reported their loss to the Department,” said Marty Fleischhacker, senior fraud ombudsman at Commerce. “All signs point to this scam being widespread, so please, contact Commerce if you have received it.”

If you have questions or if you believe you may have been the victim of a scam or fraud, please contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Services Center by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota). Commerce staff will maintain your confidentiality.

See an example scam letter

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Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Commerce Department oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses.

Media Contact
Emmalynn Bauer
Director of Communications
Minnesota Department of Commerce
p: 651-539-1463 | emma.bauer@state.mn.us