VPD Warns Citizens of Scam

The Valdosta Police Department received information from a concerned citizen about a possible scam. The citizen reported that an unknown person contacted her by telephone from an 800 number. The male caller advised that she had been selected as a winner for the Publishers Clearing House and that she had won over $1 million. The male caller directed her to purchase a gift card and that he and a camera crew would be at her residence to present her winnings (and presumably collect the gift card).

The citizen called the real Publishers Clearing House and the matter is currently being investigated, but it is suspected to not be legitimate.

The VPD asks all citizens to be especially vigilant when confronted by any source that arrives bearing gifts or winnings. If someone advises you that you have won a prize but asks for money from you, the VPD considers that red flag for a possible scam. Also, be extremely cautious when giving out personal identifying information.

To report a similar issue, citizens should call the VPD Crime Tip line at 229-293-3091.