Introduction
In 2025 scams have failed everywhere, and the danger has increased even more for those who cannot speak or understand English. Publisher Clearing House (PCH) scams are trapping innocent people by sending fake calls, SMS and emails in new local languages. In this blog we will tell which scams non-English speakers are falling prey to, what they should do to avoid them, and what tools and help are available for them. After reading this blog you will get answers to all your questions.
What is PCH Scam?
Publisher Clearing House is a sweepstakes and marketing company that offers real rewards in the USA. But scammers misuse this name and send messages like “you have won 25 lakhs” to people. When people get excited and contact them, they are duped of money in the name of “tax”, “processing fee”, or “registration charges”.
Why is the risk higher for non-English speakers?
- It is difficult to understand English instructions
- It is difficult to differentiate between real and fake messages in local language
- Low digital literacy
- Trust without verifying
Graph: Scam Victims by Language Proficiency (2024 Data)
| Language Group | % Victims (India) |
|---|---|
| English Speakers | 21% |
| Hindi-Only Speakers | 38% |
| Regional Language Only | 44% |
(Source: CERT-In, 2024)
common Scams in Regional Languages
- SMS Scam – “Congratulations! You have won ₹15,00,000 from PCH. Call 91-98XXXXXXX” (in Hindi and regional script)
- Voice Call Scam – fake customer service executive in local accent
- WhatsApp Audio Message – voice message in local language: “You are the winner of PCH, contact us immediately”
- Fake PCH App in Local Script – phone gets hacked by malware
Case Study: Sunita Devi (Bihar)
Sunita Devi received a call in Bhojpuri accent in which she was told that she has won ₹10 lakh in a lucky draw. She was asked for ₹3,000 courier and ₹2,500 in the name of tax. When he sent the money, the calls stopped. There was no response. After being scammed, he reported to Cyber Helpline 1930.
Real Case Example
Savitri Devi, a 67-year-old homemaker received a call in which she was told that she has won ₹75 lakh. She was asked to send ₹12,000 as courier charges. When she sent the call, the scammer asked for more money and later blocked the number.
1. FTC Refunds to PCH Scam Victims
In April 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the distribution of over $18 million in refunds to consumers harmed by Publishers Clearing House’s deceptive practices. Federal Trade Commission+1Federal Trade Commission+1
2. Rise in Scam Losses
Consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, marking a $2.5 billion increase from 2023. Consumer Advice
What Can Non-English Speakers Do?
1. Join Cyber Awareness Campaigns in your local language
Cyber Dost (MHA initiative) posts scam awareness posts in every regional language. Follow them.
2. Ask family or trustworthy friends first
If you get a message or call regarding reward, discuss it with family immediately.
3. Report fake website and number
Check the website on Scamadviser.com, and verify suspicious numbers with Truecaller.
4. Use Voice Assistant Tools
Try to understand the message by translating it in Google Assistant or Siri.
5. Never Send Money in Advance
Anyone who asks for money to release a reward is a fraud.
Chart: Common Regional Languages Used in Scams (2025 Trends)
| Language | Scam Usage (%) |
| Hindi | 34% |
| Telugu | 21% |
| Bengali | 18% |
| Marathi | 11% |
| Tamil | 9% |
| Others | 7% |
FAQs
Q1: If the message is in Hindi or my language, will it be real?
A: No. Now scamsters use local languages to gain trust.
Q2: Does PCH give real rewards in India?
A: No. PCH does not run any sweepstakes in India.
Q3: What should I do if I sent money by mistake?
A: Immediately call 1930 and lodge an FIR at the local police station.
Tips for Non-English Speakers
- Do not take immediate action on every message or call
- Do not answer any call/message coming from an unknown number
- Keep Cyber Helpline 1930 saved
- Install anti-virus and call ID apps in your mobile
Helpful Links & Resources
- Cyber Helpline (India): 1930
- Report Fraud: https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Scam Detection Tool: www.scamadviser.com
- Truecaller: Caller ID app
- Google Translate App: Instant translation
Conclusion
People who speak non-English are easy targets for scams. But awareness and a little caution is their best protection. The more you understand the methods of scams, the safer you will be. But you can read this blog of mine in your own language. Thanks.
If you or any of your relatives do not understand English, then do show them this blog. It is everyone’s responsibility to spread awareness. Stay alert. Stay safe.