A local resident of Fergus Falls fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam, believed to have been tricked out of $500 by callers claiming to represent the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.
The incident, which took place on July 7, 2023, is now under official investigation.
According to the official report, the resident received an unsolicited phone call from a blocked number.
The caller informed the resident that they had won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.
However, to claim their alleged winnings, the individual was instructed to purchase a prepaid Visa card and provide the card details over the phone.
In good faith and anticipation of her supposed winnings, the resident complied, purchasing a $500 prepaid Visa card and providing the card information to the anonymous scammers over the phone.
Shortly afterward, she discovered that the balance on the prepaid card had been depleted to zero.
She also reached out to local law enforcement in Fergus Falls to report the scam, requesting the assistance of an officer in the matter.
Recognizing the incident as a scam, local authorities who assisted her by contacting Visa Secure Card services to report the fraud and initiate a case investigation.
Residents should be wary of any unsolicited calls claiming substantial winnings that require upfront payment or personal financial information.
It is recommended that anyone who receives such calls should immediately hang up and report the incident to the local authorities.
Anyone with information that might assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact authorities.
The resident’s experience serves as a reminder to others in the community of the persistent risk of telephone scams.