I’ve had this happen on Twitter not long ago. The account had PCH stuff all over it, but his @ was a random name that didn’t even match What his @ claimed to be. First I was followed. Then after a few days I got a message. They were odd, probing questions. I asked if we could cut the small talk if he had a reason to message me. I was then told I’d won $30M.
I told him to forgive my lack of enthusiasm, but I need to call someone to verify this first. He then posts a phone number with a NJ area code. When I tell him I’m not about to call a number given to me by a person I don’t trust in order to verify their identity, he launches into how awesome things will be once I get this money, bah,blah,blah. Of course he makes mention of the difficulty they have transferring such an amount, dancing around the topic he wants to get at all along. So I say “how much are you charging me as a handling fee”?
”$2500”
I laugh and ask him why he’s lowballing himself. Scammers typically ask for more. He tries to convince me I’ve made a mistake. When I @ PCH in my next comment he blocks me
This wouldn’t have happened if my profile weren’t set to public. Unfortunately, gaming requires this in many cases. It’s one of the reasons why the advice “use email and SM accounts specifically for gaming purposes only” is so important. You’re going to be contacted by people like this and it’s best to keep them away from your real life as much as possible.
That said, The way some prize fulfillment companies contact winners don’t do much to convince them they’re the real deal. I got into
sweepstaking after winning a brand new truck on a lark. The fulfillment company left me voicemails that didn’t sound any different than the usual ones selling medications, extended warranties, and college debt relief. It wasn’t until the third, and final voicemail called them back, thanked them, and asked if they could let me contact the corporate office so I can verify all is kosher. They told me it wasn’t a problem.
