NATCHEZ — Someone using the name of Publishers Clearing House has tried to scam at least one local resident.

The Natchez resident said she received a phone call with the return number of 1-626-407-4280. The person on the other end of the phone said she had won $42,000 from Publishers Clearing House, but she must first provide a check for $4,200.

The resident checked with her bank and was advised not to take the deal.

And the real Publishers Clearing House does warn of such a scam on their Web site.

“If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House and they request payment of any amount to collect a prize do not send any money,” said Christopher L. Irving the Senior Director of Consumer Affairs for Publishers Clearing House. “You have not heard from the real Publishers Clearing House. We want you to know that you never have to pay any amount to claim a prize with the real PCH. At Publishers Clearing House, the winning is always free.”

The site says phone scams have been around since 2004 and often as “winners” to pay taxes or fees to claim their prize.