Please know this latest scam has affected several NHFCU members.

Publisher’s Clearing House Fraud

Several members have reported getting calls from Publisher’s Clearing House telling them they have won a prize. The scam typically starts with a phone call. The caller pretends to be from Publisher’s Clearing House and explains you’ve won their jackpot, and YOU need to pay them a sum of money to cover certain expenses. Next, the caller may request your account details, social security number, and other personal information, all under the guise of making sure they got the right person. The scammer may call back several times, cultivating a relationship with you, promising you they will be at your house on a certain day. And then…usually, “something comes up” and they can’t make the appointment. At this point, they may ask you to send MORE money to cover unexpected taxes, fees, or other costs.

If you get one of these calls, DO NOT COOPERATE. Hang up and block their number immediately. Then:

• Notify your local police.
• Contact us immediately at (800) 639-4039.
• Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov and report the fraud online

This is a well-known national scam. A legitimate sweepstakes will NEVER ask you to pay any money to them, much less ask for your social security number or bank account information.

These scammers are clever. They are good at what they do. They will sound convincing to get you hooked. They will act as your cherished friend, but in reality, all they want is your money and your identity. 

If you have been contacted by one of these scammers and have provided your NHFCU account information, please contact us AT ONCE at 800-639-4039, so we may try to protect you and your money.

Other scams and fraud schemes to be aware of:

• Romance Scam – Online dating can be a great way to find lasting love, but you don’t have to be looking for love to be courted by a romance scammer.  
• Family emergency scam/grandparent scam – The first call is from a grandchild “in jail” to a grandparent. The second call is a lawyer pressuring the grandparent to wire/send bail money NOW.
• To see a list of all scams and sign up to receive emails from the FTC about all scams, go to ftc.gov/scams

What to do if you’ve been defrauded

• To report fraud, go to ftc.gov
• For other ways to protect yourself, please go to org/fraud-and-security
• As always, if you think you are a victim of a scam/fraud, contact us immediately at (800) 639-4039.