Bloomfield Resident Nearly Duped in Publisher's Clearing House Phone Scam

Detectives with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are warning residents to be leery of unsolicited calls from people indicating they won a contest after a recent report from a woman in the 42000 Block of Woodward Avenue. 

The woman told police that on Dec. 26 she received a phone call from someone who said she won $45,000 in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, reports said.

The caller said that she needed to purchase a Green Dot pre-paid money card for $133.28 in order to collect the winnings. The resident went to a local CVS store to get the green dot card, but did not go through with it after the store manager advised that is sounded like a phone scam, reports said. The woman did not forward any money.

Detectives said that anyone that calls requesting money in the form of a Green Dot or other pre-paid debit card is probably running a scam. If unsure about a possible scam, residents are encouraged to contact the police department at 248-433-7752 for advice before sending any money.

Anyone with information about a similar incident is asked to call the department at 248-433-7752.