By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post
The Box Butte County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of another scam in the area.
"These folks are calling saying they're from the Publishers Clearing House saying they've won $1 million dollars and a vehicle," Box Butte County Sheriff Tammy Mowry said. "A lady called me this morning and what they've done is wanted her to go buy these gift cards to help pay for the delivery for the vehicle and processing fees."
Mowry said the resident agreed to the scam and lost $1,200.
Mowry also said the scammers called her over the weekend. She hung up once she realized it was a scam.
"When they start asking you for money and they say they're from Publishers Clearing House...they're not from Publishers Clearing House," Mowry sighed. "They're so good at scamming. Some people are more attuned to this stuff, some aren't. There is nothing for free."
Mowry said the Publishers Clearing House has been around for a long time. She said she's dealt with two different people dealing with the recent scam.
"They draw this process out and take two or three days scamming," Mowry said. "Finally people catch on that this isn't a legit deal because they keep calling back. They say they're in town at such and such apartment where they set up their office headquarters...and they've been in Alliance for a couple of days. They think maybe it's legit, but it's not."
Residents should never give personal information to anyone over the phone. Just hang up.
To report scams, call the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office at (308) 762-6464.