Publishers Clearing House (PCH) sweepstakes are among the most popular in America, attracting millions of entrants with their life-changing prizes. However, they also come with many questions. Are they legitimate? How does PCH select winners? What happens if you’re not home when the Prize Patrol arrives? Below, you’ll find answers to these questions and more, along with tips to enter smarter and avoid scams.
Can You Enter PCH Sweepstakes Right Now?
Yes, PCH always has multiple sweepstakes running simultaneously. Whether it’s small gift cards, cash prizes, or the iconic SuperPrize Giveaway, there’s always something to enter. The SuperPrize offers headline-grabbing prizes like “cash for life” or multimillion-dollar payouts. When one giveaway ends, a new one often begins immediately. To see the current sweepstakes lineup, visit PCH.com.
Are PCH Sweepstakes Scams?
No, PCH sweepstakes are legitimate and award real prizes. Winners are regularly announced through the Prize Patrol or certified mail. However, the odds of winning are extraordinarily low—about 1 in 505 million for a $10 million prize. While entering can be exciting, it’s wise to diversify your efforts with sweepstakes that offer better odds.
Be cautious of scams that misuse the PCH name. Fraudsters often pose as PCH representatives, claiming you’ve won but demanding payment to collect your prize. Remember: PCH never asks for payment to claim a prize.
How Does PCH Choose Winners?
PCH assigns a unique random number to each entry. At the end of the entry period, one number is randomly drawn. If it matches an eligible entry, that entrant wins the advertised SuperPrize. If no matching number is returned, PCH holds a second-chance drawing to ensure at least one prize is awarded.
Smaller prizes may be awarded instantly to entrants whose submissions match predetermined winning numbers or times.
How Are Winners Notified?
PCH notifies major winners in one of two ways:
- Prize Patrol Visits: The Prize Patrol shows up at the winner’s home with balloons, champagne, and a giant check.
- Certified Mail: If the Prize Patrol cannot deliver the prize in person, winners receive certified mail instead.
PCH does not notify winners of major prizes via phone, email, or standard postal mail. Be wary of any notification outside of these methods—it’s likely a scam.
What If You’re Not Home for the Prize Patrol?
Don’t worry—PCH’s Prize Patrol won’t skip you if you’re not home. They go to great lengths to locate winners. They’ve surprised winners at work, in hospitals, after moves, and even on airplanes. If you’ve won, they will find you, no matter where you are.
Does Buying Help You Win?
No, purchasing anything from PCH will not improve your odds of winning. By law, sweepstakes must give all entrants equal chances, regardless of purchases.
Historically, PCH faced legal action for misleading advertising that made buying seem like a requirement for winning. Today, their mailings and entries clearly state that purchases don’t affect your odds.
Should You Pay to Claim a Prize?
No, legitimate PCH prizes are always free. Scammers frequently impersonate PCH, claiming you need to pay fees, taxes, or other charges before receiving your prize. This is a major red flag.
If you’re unsure about a win notification, contact PCH directly at 1-877-3SWEEPS to verify.
What if You Receive a Letter Saying You’re a Winner?
If you receive a letter claiming you’ve won, it’s likely either a scam or an entry solicitation, not an actual win notification. Legitimate PCH mail may say something like, “If your name is drawn, you might win.”
Always read the fine print carefully. Scammers often use PCH branding to create fake win notifications, so verify any suspicious letters with PCH directly.
Does PCH Send Spam?
PCH adheres to anti-spam laws and doesn’t share personal information without consent. However, entering PCH sweepstakes can result in receiving promotional emails and postal mail.
PCH’s multi-step entry forms often include advertisements and optional offers. Take your time and decline offers you don’t want. If the volume of mail becomes overwhelming, you can adjust your preferences or unsubscribe.
Where Can You See Past Winners?
PCH regularly announces their winners to prove their legitimacy. You can find a list of winners on their Winner’s Circle page at PCH.com or watch winning moments on PCH’s YouTube channel.
To see what it’s like to win a SuperPrize, check out interviews with past winners like Natalie Bostelman.
How Do You Stop Receiving PCH Mail?
If you or a family member are receiving too much PCH mail, you can request to reduce or stop mailings entirely. Contact PCH customer service at 1-877-3SWEEPS during business hours to adjust your preferences or unsubscribe.
How Can You Contact PCH?
For questions about prizes, mailings, or orders, contact PCH directly at:
- Phone: 1-877-3SWEEPS
- Website: PCH.com
If you receive suspicious notifications claiming you’ve won, verify them with PCH before taking action.
