Residents of Champaign County are being targeted by a fresh wave of mail‑based fraud that mimics the well‑known Publishers Clearing House (PCH) sweepstakes. Scammers send letters that appear to be from PCH, attaching a check that looks legitimate and instructing recipients to deposit it and then withdraw a large sum of money to cover supposed fees for their winnings.

How the scam works

The fraudulent package typically includes a check for a substantial amount, often several thousand dollars, and a cover letter that claims the recipient has won a PCH prize. The letter tells the victim to cash the check and immediately transfer a portion of the funds—usually described as “processing fees,” “taxes,” or “shipping costs”—to a designated account. The scammers provide a phone number or email address for the victim to arrange the transfer.

Why victims are left on the hook

When the check is deposited, the bank initially credits the account. However, once the bank’s fraud detection systems flag the check as counterfeit, the deposit is reversed. The account holder is then responsible for any money that was withdrawn and sent to the scammers. In many cases, the victim ends up owing the bank the full amount of the fraudulent check plus any associated fees.

Official warning from law enforcement

The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public safety advisory urging anyone who receives such a letter to discard it immediately. Officers stress that the letters are not from Publishers Clearing House, and the organization has confirmed it does not send out checks in this manner. The sheriff’s office advises residents not to call any phone numbers listed in the correspondence and to avoid responding to any email addresses provided.

What to do if you receive a suspicious letter

• Do not deposit the check. If you have already deposited it, contact your bank right away to report the potential fraud.
• Do not call the number or reply to the email. Scammers use these channels to extract personal information and further money.
• Report the incident. Call the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office at (555) 123‑4567 or submit a tip through their online portal.
• Spread the word. Inform family members, especially seniors, who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams.

Protecting yourself from future scams

Scammers often exploit the excitement of winning a prize to pressure victims into acting quickly. Residents should remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payments or personal banking information to claim a prize. If a letter or email asks for money, it is almost certainly a fraud.

Local law enforcement continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out directly for guidance.

Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.