Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

ARB Interactive Prize Notifications Scam and Fake Check
ARB Interactive Prize Notifications Scam and Fake Check

While ARB Interactive is a legitimate social gaming company that acquired the assets of Publishers Clearing House (PCH), scammers are currently using their name to execute a classic "fake check" and sweepstakes fraud scheme.

One such scheme is the "ARB Interactive" prize notification sweepstakes scam. Scammers are sending fake letters claiming the recipient has won a large jackpot (e.g., $750,000) from "Publishers Clearing House" or "PCH Digital". The letters include a fraudulent check intended to cover "out-of-pocket expenses" or "fees".

How the Scam Works

  • The Letter: You receive a mailer claiming you won a massive jackpot (usually $750,000) from "ARB Interactive," "PCH Digital," or a "clearing house lottery".
  • The Check: The letter includes a realistic-looking cashier's check ranging from $8,900 to $9,950. They claim this money is to help cover "out-of-pocket expenses," processing fees, or taxes.
  • The Catch: You are instructed to call a "claims agent" before depositing it. They will tell you to deposit the check, keep a small portion, and wire or send the rest back immediately to cover the "fees" via untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

The Ultimate Red Flags

  • The Check Will Bounce: Your bank might credit your account initially, but within a few weeks, the check will be flagged as fraudulent. You will be legally responsible to pay back the bank every dollar you withdrew or sent to the scammer.
  • Winning is Always Free: Legitimate sweepstakes like Publishers Clearing House never require you to pay taxes, processing fees, or upfront money to collect a prize.
  • Demands for Secrecy: The letters often tell you to "keep the matter confidential" so family members or bank tellers don't warn you.

What To Do Next

  1. Do Not Deposit the Check: Shred the check and the letter immediately.
  2. Contact Your Bank: If you have already deposited it, speak to a bank manager right away to flag it as fraud before your account faces penalties.
  3. Report It: Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
2

Comment sectionComments / Answers (2)

Remove sensitive information from your post. Your IP address will be used to display your estimated location.

Comment count 2

by info

If you are asked to pay money in order to receive a prize, it is a scam!

Delete

by an anonymous user from: Essex, Newark, New Jersey, United States

I received a letter and a check in the mail today for 8800.95 to "cover expenses and that I had win 750,000, The check was from fifth third bank and the letter had a P.O Box in NY NY and postage from San Francisco. I have already been a victim of one scam and will not be again.

Delete

waiting