Publishers Clearing House Winners Say Lifetime Payments Have Stopped

September 29, 2025 – Salem, Ore. — Several former Publishers Clearing House winners say they are no longer receiving the lifetime prize payments they were promised, raising questions about the fate of one of America’s most famous sweepstakes.

The complaints surfaced after Oregon officials began investigating missing checks from multiple winners who relied on their annual payouts. Publishers Clearing House, known for its surprise visits and oversized checks, sold its remaining assets earlier this year to ARB Interactive, a California-based mobile gaming company.

In a statement, ARB confirmed that under the terms of the acquisition, it is not responsible for prize obligations made before July 15, 2025. “We are focused on growing the PCH brand in the mobile space and had no role in prior commitments,” the company said.

That leaves longtime winners in limbo. Linda Howard of Salem, who won $25,000 a year for life in 2014, said the payments helped cover medical bills. “They told me it would last forever. Now I don’t know what I’ll do,” she said.

Consumer advocates warn lawsuits are likely, arguing PCH marketed its prizes as guaranteed. For winners who once believed their futures were secure, the promise of “forever” may have ended overnight.