The Journal. They Won Millions for Life. Until They Didn't.
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Oct 7, 2025 A sweepstakes winner faces a shocking twist when Publishers Clearing House goes bankrupt. The story dives into how Tamar initially celebrated her $5,000 weekly prize, only to be met with missed payments and financial distress. The discussion reveals why PCH struggled, from digital shifts to a damaging FTC settlement. As winners like Tamar learn their lifetime claims might be worthless, the emotional impact of deception and broken trust becomes evident. Who will get compensated after the company sale? Tune in to find out!
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Sweepstakes Powered Junk Mail Response
- Publishers Clearinghouse used sweepstakes as a marketing hook to get people to open and respond to junk mail.
- The Prize Patrol commercials amplified engagement and turned recipients into customers for decades.
Lifetime Prizes Create Long Liabilities
- PCH's biggest prize promised lifetime payments and transferability after death, creating long-term contractual obligations.
- Those perpetual promises later became vulnerable liabilities during financial distress.
Winner Reaction At The Door
- Tamar Veatch described waking up and seeing the Prize Patrol at her door after winning $5,000 a week forever.
- She felt wide-eyed relief rather than explosive excitement and called the win a huge relief.