Ozark, Mo. man loses $2,000 in Publishers Clearing House scam

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A man in Ozark heard he won the Publishers Clearing House. He even got the paperwork in the mail with instructions on how to get his cash and a new truck.

One month passed, and when no one arrived at his doorstep, he realized it had all been a lie. He lost more than $2,000. He shares his story, so you’re not taken too.

“He suckered me in. And I’m not one for getting suckered in, but I got suckered,” said Bill Curnutt.

Curnutt says it all started with a phone call. He won about one million dollars and a new truck.

Then he got a ‘Winners Official Letter.’ There’s a photo with the crew. The big check has his name on it. Also inside, a photo of that new Chevy truck he won.

“I was for sure it was a real win. I’m a real loser because of it,” he said.

Included in the packet, IRS information and a Contestant Billing Statement. He’s supposed to pay Approval Fees. That’s how they got him. He mailed checks and wired money.

“I’m not a rich man. It hurt,” he said.

“You should not have to pay any upfront fees,” said Pamela Hernandez with the Better Business Bureau. “If someone talks about collecting taxes or any other kind fee before they deliver the prize, not legitimate.”

• Just as you see on TV, the real PCH surprises big winners. And you must enter to win.
• Make sure you’re entering a legit contest. Scammers love to pose as real sweepstakes, just to steal your personal information.
• Curnutt sent all this — including that packet — to the Christian County Sheriff’s office. He says it was turned over to the FBI.
• If you lose money to a scam, report it to law enforcement and tell On Your Side about it too.

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