New Milford Police Issue Scam Warning

NEW MILFORD, CT — New Milford police are warning residents of the “Publisher’s Clearing House” scam.

Read more from the New Milford Police Department regarding the scam:

This is one of the most common scams targeting older adults. In this scheme, the victim receives a phone call, text, or email claiming they have won a large sum of money in the Publisher’s Clearing House lottery. Often, the victim has never even entered the lottery but may not recall that detail in the moment.

The scammer typically tells the victim they have won millions of dollars—but must first pay “taxes” or “processing fees” to claim the prize. These payments are often requested through wire transfers, cashier’s checks, gift cards, Venmo, or PayPal. To add pressure, the scammer may say the prize is a “surprise” and instruct the victim not to tell friends or family.

Important Reminders:

• If you have to pay money to receive money, it is a scam.
• If something seems too good to be true, pause and reach out to a trusted source before taking any action.
• You always have time to verify—don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision.
• If someone insists that you must pay immediately, it’s a scam. End the conversation.
• It is okay to hang up.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.