At least one Buchanan County resident has lost money in a phone scam originating overseas.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department has issued a warning letting residents know about a phone scam referencing Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes.

“Residents have been receiving calls from an 876 area code which is Jamaica, and they don’t mind telling you they’re from Jamaica but they also tell you you’re a $1.5 million dollar Publisher Clearing House winner and all you need to do is send them $750 so they can get everything done to get you your money,” said Capt. Mark Brock with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Dept.

Numerous residents have been receiving calls from the scammers. Brock said he’s even received a call from the scammers who left him a message.

Unfortunately, not everyone realized it was a scam.

“One person negotiated a deal for $150 dollars,” Brock said. “They talked him into going to Wells Fargo and sending it to an address of their choosing.”

Brock said there is absolutely no way for police to work the case because the scam is originating out of the country.

A St. Joseph Post follower said she had received a call from the scammers also and left us this number: (876) 574-2671.

So we decided to see what we could find out.

On the first call we got a hold of a “John Logan” claiming to be with Publisher’s Clearing House.

“Yes, Mam’ this is the Publishers Clearing House Company, Ok?” Logan said in very slurred speech.

We informed Logan we had gotten the number from a friend and wanted to know how the process works.

“Please hold while I transfer you over to the manager they’re going to let you know how it works, Ok?” Logan said.

After a long pause we simply asked, “Are you guys scamming people in St. Joseph?”

Logan promptly hung up.

On our second attempt we got a hold of a “Mr. David Kennedy.”  We asked Mr. Kennedy where they were based out of.

“We’re in the state of Missouri, Ok?” Kennedy said.

We asked, “How does this work?  If you’re trying to offer somebody Publishers Clearing House Awards how does that work?”

Kennedy said, “You have to sign up, Ok?”

So we asked again, “Are you guys scamming people out of money?”

Kennedy said “no” before hanging up the line.

Our third attempt went straight to voice mail.

Capt. Brock said Publisher’s Clearing House does not call individuals to tell them they won.  He urges residents to use caution in dealing with individuals over the phone and not to give out personal information in these types of situations.  The best answer, simply hang up.