Bless their little hearts. It must be boring being a scammer, going on a fishing expedition every day, auto-dialing phone numbers looking for someone to take the bait.
Yes, scammers are impersonating the Publishers Clearing House (PCH) offering innocent victims the opportunity to get their "million dollar" prize—and doing it more often than not by making video calls.
Here's a video short detailing what's going on...
How the Google and Video Call PCH Scam Works
The scammers, usually dressed up in suits or resembling a police officer, go about their little act employing a combination of these five tricks.
- Initial Contact: Victims receive a phone call, text, or social media message claiming they won millions of dollars or a luxury vehicle.
- The Video Switch: Scammers ask targets to join a video call on Google Meet or FaceTime to "verify" their identity or see their prize.
- Fake Proof: During the video call, scammers display fake PCH logos, oversized big checks, or pretend to wear official PCH Prize Patrol gear.
- The Demand: They claim the "winner" must pay upfront taxes, shipping, or processing fees using gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto ATMs to release the prize.
Smart Senior Daily Staff
The New Wrinkle: Screenshots of the Victim's Face
Besides making video calls, the scammers are adding a new, dangerous component: taking photos of the people they're calling—and it's not because they want your portrait to put on their mantle, either.
In one Facebook string on the subject, several call recipients complained that they heard "screenshot noises" (that little shutter sound) coming from the scammer's side.
Scammers capture screenshots or recordings of victims' faces during these video calls for a few specific, malicious reasons, but mainly because they can use your likeness as leverage for further identity theft or fraud tactics.
- Biometric Identity Verification Bypass: Many modern banking, cryptocurrency, and government apps require a "selfie" or a live face scan to verify identity, reset passwords, or open new accounts. Scammers attempt to trick these automated security systems by using recorded screenshots or video loops of your face.
- Making Fake IDs and Documents: They can slap your face on phony passports or driver's licenses (something this reporter had happen to them four years ago). They combine your photo with stolen or made-up personal information to conduct identity theft or take out fraudulent loans in your name.
- Extortion and Deepfakes: Criminals can use the captured footage or photo to create "deepfakes" (AI-manipulated videos), then threaten to send fake, embarrassing, or explicit media to your family and social media contacts unless you pay a "ransom." It's a growing threat: sextortion targeting adults 60 and older jumped 134% year over year.
- Proof of a "Live" Target: Fraud rings treat contact data like valuable merchandise. All it takes is one screenshot to prove to other scammers that your number belongs to a real, responsive person who will answer video calls.
Sleep Mask for Side Sleeper, Light Blocking Zero Pressure Blindfold
Soft Breathable Eye Cover for Women Men, 3D Sleeping Eye Mask Variety of Colors, Relaxing Travel Essential, Adjustable, Flight Nap
What to Do If They Took Your Photo
If you accidentally answered with your camera on but hung up without giving out personal information, you are mostly safe, but you should take a few protective steps:
- Lock Down Your Credit: Consider placing a free credit freeze on your files with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent anyone from opening new accounts using your face or details.
- Adjust Video Privacy Settings: Check your settings on apps like Google Meet, Zoom, or FaceTime to block incoming calls from anyone who is not explicitly saved in your contact list.
- Use StopNCII.org: If a fake intimate image of you ever surfaces, StopNCII (Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery) can help block it from spreading on major platforms.
Sources:
https://www.bankerstrust.com/education-center/common-deepfake-scams/
https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/tech-trends-and-challenges/deepfakes
