"You're a Winner"

I’m not sure how much writing I will continue to do because I just won $3,000,000 from Publisher’s Clearing House! And, if you believe that we need to have a serious conversation.

I had a message on my phone that I needed to contact someone as they were unable to deliver a package since it required a signature upon delivery. I was expecting some packages, so I phoned the number to see what was going on and to make appropriate arrangements.

It turns out it was “Todd” from Publisher’s Clearing House informing me he needed information “to register me” so he could send out my check for $3,000,000. Little did he realize who he was talking to. He’s obviously not read my article on hackers.

He verified my name and asked for my birthdate. I gave him that. Then he wanted more. I told him if I had won something he should already have all my information on file. He said he only needed a couple more pieces of information then asked for my mother’s maiden name. I informed Todd that I would not provide any information until I received something specific in writing that I could validate. Why? First off, it’s my impression that Publishers Clearing House died with Ed McMahon. (If you don’t know who that is, look it up.) Second, I have never in my entire life subscribed to anything from Publisher’s Clearing House, therefore, they don’t have any information except my name. I know this from all the junk mail this company used to send out.

Todd asked again for even more personal information. I responded again that I would not provide any information until I had something in writing from them that I could validate. We went back and forth in this manner for several minutes, with Todd trying to convince me he needed this information to register me to receive my check.

I’m sure he thought I was a poor and elderly widow, that was an easy target.  However, I wore him down. He finally just hung up on me. So, I was either very smart by refusing to share my personal information, or very stupid because I just walked away from $3,000,000. I’m claiming the first one! And if you get a call like this, I want you to be smart, too!

~contributed by Melody Lowe