Who is pch calling me

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Publishers Clearing House (PCH) is a direct marketing company founded in 1953 that runs sweepstakes and prize giveaways. If you receive a call claiming to be from PCH, it's likely a scam, as PCH typically notifies winners through certified mail or in-person prize patrol visits, not unsolicited phone calls. The Federal Trade Commission reports that prize and sweepstakes scams cost Americans over $117 million in 2023 alone.

Key Facts

Publishers Clearing House was founded in 1953 by Harold Mertz
PCH has awarded over $500 million in prizes since its inception
Prize and sweepstakes scams cost Americans $117 million in 2023 according to FTC data
PCH's famous Prize Patrol has been delivering surprise prizes since 1967
Legitimate PCH winners are typically notified via certified mail or in-person visits, not phone calls

Overview

Publishers Clearing House (PCH) is an American direct marketing company founded in 1953 by Harold Mertz. Originally focused on magazine subscriptions, PCH has evolved into one of the most recognizable sweepstakes and prize giveaway companies in the United States. The company gained national fame through its Prize Patrol, which began in 1967 and features representatives delivering oversized checks to surprised winners at their homes. This marketing approach has made PCH a household name, with millions of Americans participating in their promotions annually.

When someone asks "Who is PCH calling me?" they're typically referring to unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House. These calls are almost always scams, as legitimate PCH winners are notified through official channels like certified mail or in-person prize patrol visits. The confusion arises because PCH's brand recognition makes it a popular target for scammers looking to exploit people's hopes of winning prizes. Understanding the difference between legitimate PCH communications and fraudulent calls is crucial for consumer protection.

How It Works

Understanding PCH's legitimate operations helps identify fraudulent calls claiming to be from the company.

Legitimate Notification Process: PCH typically notifies winners through certified mail with return receipt requested or through their famous Prize Patrol visits. The company has awarded over $500 million in prizes since its founding, with major winners receiving notifications through these official channels. Phone calls are not part of their standard winner notification process for significant prizes.
Prize Patrol Operations: Since 1967, PCH's Prize Patrol has made surprise visits to winners' homes, often with television cameras and oversized checks. These visits are carefully planned and coordinated in advance with winners through official communications. The Prize Patrol has become an iconic part of American popular culture, appearing in numerous television commercials and specials over the decades.
Entry Methods: Consumers can enter PCH sweepstakes through mail-in entries, online submissions via their official website (pch.com), or through product purchases. The company processes millions of entries annually, with winners selected through random drawings. There is never an entry fee required to participate in legitimate PCH sweepstakes.
Scam Identification: Fraudulent calls typically demand payment of fees or taxes upfront, claim you've won a prize you didn't enter for, or pressure you for personal information. The Federal Trade Commission reports that prize and sweepstakes scams cost Americans over $117 million in 2023 alone. Legitimate companies like PCH never ask winners to pay money to claim prizes.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Legitimate PCH Communication	PCH Scam Call
Notification Method	Certified mail or in-person Prize Patrol visit	Unsolicited phone call or email
Payment Requirements	No fees or payments required to claim prizes	Demands payment of fees, taxes, or processing charges
Prize Details	Specific prize amounts and verification process	Vague prize descriptions with urgent claims
Contact Information	Official PCH channels (pch.com, verified mail)	Unverified phone numbers or email addresses
Time Pressure	Reasonable claim periods (typically 30-90 days)	Extreme urgency with immediate payment demands

Why It Matters

Financial Protection: Recognizing PCH scams prevents significant financial losses for vulnerable populations. Senior citizens are particularly targeted, with the FBI reporting that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. Understanding legitimate prize notification processes helps consumers avoid paying fraudulent fees that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Identity Security: Scam calls often attempt to harvest personal information for identity theft purposes. By pretending to be from reputable companies like PCH, scammers gain trust more easily. Protecting personal data prevents long-term financial damage and credit issues that can take years to resolve.
Consumer Confidence: Distinguishing between legitimate companies and scams maintains trust in legitimate sweepstakes and promotions. When consumers can confidently identify real opportunities versus fraud, they're more likely to participate in legitimate contests. This benefits both consumers and reputable companies running legitimate promotions.

As technology evolves, scammers continue developing new tactics to exploit well-known brands like Publishers Clearing House. Consumers should remain vigilant by verifying any unexpected prize notifications through official channels and reporting suspicious calls to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission. By understanding how legitimate companies operate and recognizing red flags in fraudulent communications, individuals can protect themselves while still enjoying legitimate opportunities. The continued success of companies like PCH depends on consumer awareness and the ability to distinguish between authentic promotions and sophisticated scams targeting hopeful participants.