Mass. woman charged in NC Publishers Clearing House scam

"A Massachusetts woman is being charged in connection with an alleged Publishers Clearing House impersonation scam that authorities say bilked a North Carolina man out of roughly $500,000. An arrest warrant for Sabrina Johnson, of Marlborough, was issued on Dec. 22, and she was taken into custody on Dec. 31, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina. She is currently awaiting extradition."

"Investigators said the victim, a resident of Ocean Isle Beach, was contacted in early 2025 by individuals claiming to represent Publisher's Clearing House. The callers allegedly told the man he had won $4 million and a Mercedes-Benz, then instructed him to pay supposed IRS and FDIC fees to claim the prize, according to officials. Authorities said the man liquidated his retirement and investment accounts and sent roughly $500,000 in checks and gift cards to out-of-state organizations as a result of the scam."

Sabrina Johnson of Marlborough had an arrest warrant issued Dec. 22 and was taken into custody Dec. 31; she is awaiting extradition. A resident of Ocean Isle Beach was contacted in early 2025 by callers claiming to represent Publisher's Clearing House who said he had won $4 million and then instructed him to pay supposed IRS and FDIC fees to claim the prize. He liquidated retirement and investment accounts and sent roughly $500,000 in checks and gift cards; about $215,000 went to BTW Enterprises LLC, linked to suspicious financial activity. At least one additional out‑of‑state victim was identified, and officials warned that legitimate prize organizations do not require payment to claim winnings.

Read at Boston.com