This is our text thread. He called me after this. He was pretending he was a woman named Becky. I spoke with him and he wanted my supervisor. My husband did that and told him that we would extradite him if he did not cooperate. He hung up and blocked me. I called him from a different number and told him an arrest warrant was being issued by the Jamaican authorities and they would be there shortly. Have a nice day. He was scared. Maybe he will not sleep well tonight which is all I ask.
* Publishers Clearing House
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Deborah Holland
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This letter serves as formal notice that you have been identified as a person of interest in an active investigation concerning fraudulent and scam-related activity. The evidence obtained thus far suggests that you may have direct involvement or possess critical information related to the case. You are hereby instructed to contact our office immediately. Remember, we have your IP address in Jamaica. Your cooperation is not only expected—it is strongly advised. Deliberate failure to respond or refusal to comply may result in escalation of this matter, including potential legal action and referral to the appropriate enforcement authorities. This is not a request. This is an official notification of your implication in a matter under investigation. Time is of the essence. Govern yourself accordingly
Amanda Wilson
Foreign Fraudulent Entities Office
Department of Homeland Security
Texas Division
817-xxx-xxxx
WHAT IS GOING ON?
You are being investigated for fraudulent activity
We are giving you the opportunity to contact us to tell us your side of the story.
Contact me on the number provided..
CALL ME
Otherwise, we will inform the Jamaican authorities of your alleged crimes and they will put out a warrant for your arrest
No, you are to call me. If I am not in, leave a message.
You have 2 hours to comply
OKAY
I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALK ABOUT
We will be waiting. Failure to comply will result in your arrest by Jamaican authorities as soon as a warrant can be issued.
WHERE’S JAMAICA?
You do know. We believe that you are impersonating an American company called Publishers Clearinghouse and Deborah Holland. It is alleged that you are scamming people out of money by telling them that they need to pay a fee to receive their prize.
AND WHO ARE YOU?
We know that you are using VOIP to spoof an American phone number in Palm Beach County, Florida. Publishers Clearing House has no office in that location.
I am Amanda Wilson, Department of Homeland Security, Foreign Fraud Division
Here is your scam.
The Publishers Clearing House (PCH) scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate representatives of the legitimate Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Here’s a concise explanation of how it works and key red flags to watch for: How the Scam Works Contact Methods: Scammers reach out via phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, or letters, claiming you’ve won a large prize (e.g., millions of dollars or a car) in a PCH sweepstakes. Payment Demands: They request upfront payments for “taxes,” “processing fees,” or “insurance” to claim the prize, often asking for untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cashier’s checks. Fake Checks: Some send counterfeit checks, instructing victims to cash them and send back a portion to cover fees. The check bounces, leaving victims liable for the funds. Personal Information: Scammers may ask for sensitive details like Social Security numbers or bank account information, which they use for identity theft or financial fraud. Urgency and Secrecy: They pressure victims to act quickly (often within 24 hours) and may urge them not to tell anyone to avoid scrutiny. Red Flags Unsolicited Contact: PCH never contacts winners via phone, email, text, or social media to announce big prizes. Legitimate winners are surprised in person by the PCH Prize Patrol for large prizes or notified by certified mail for smaller ones (under $600). Payment Requests: PCH never requires winners to pay any fees or taxes to claim a prize. Legitimate prizes are free, with taxes handled later between the winner and the IRS. Unentered Sweepstakes: If you didn’t enter a PCH contest, you can’t win. Scammers often target people who don’t recall entering. Suspicious Communication: Look for spelling/grammar errors, odd email addresses, or spoofed phone numbers. Social media messages or friend requests claiming to be from PCH are scams. Fake Checks or Documents: Checks for amounts over $600 or requiring fees before cashing are fraudulent. Official PCH checks are cashable without conditions. Real PCH Practices Publishers Clearing House is a legitimate company that has awarded over $500 million in prizes since 1967. Big winners (e.g., $10,000+) are visited unannounced by the Prize Patrol with a large check, balloons, and a film crew. Smaller prizes are sent via certified mail. PCH only contacts entrants through official channels and never asks for paymen
WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS
Does this sound familiar to you?
WHERE ARE YOU TRYING TO GO WITH THIS?
Our intentions are to speak with you. We wish to hear your side of the story and to see if you will turn State’s Evidence. We will give you immunity to prosecution if you cooperate and turn over all the evidence that you have regarding the scam and anyone else that is involved.
WHY ARE YOU TEXTING ME?
THEY DO THAT NOW?
We use all forms of communication, including email and text. We also use the Signal App as does the State Department and the Department of Defense. Secretary Kristi Noem has approved it for DHS.
I am sorry I missed your calls. I was on another line. Please try again.
If you do not get me, please leave a message as you don’t have one hour and forty five minutes left on your deadline
(His Phone Call Happened Here.)
We have notified the Jamaican authorities of your non cooperation and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.