Crime & Safety
Newberry Sheriff Warns of Contest Scam
Scammers claiming to be with Publishers Clearing House are trying to defraud citizens, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies are warning people to beware of a scam from a caller claiming to be with Publishers Clearing House.
Several citizens have received phone calls saying they won a prize from Publishers Clearing House, according to the Newberry County Sheriff's Office. The "winner" is then offered a new car - usually a BMW or Mercedes - and a large sum of money.
To retrieve their prizes, the "winners" are directed to go to Walmart and get a money order for shipping and handling, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies are warning people not to send money because the calls are a scam.
The caller is not affiliated with Publishers' Clearing House, deputies say. The scam is coming out of Jamaica, and the phone calls are coming from 876-370-5151.
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