Here’s Why You Need to Pay Attention

My contest buddy Geoff sent me this video, and it made me sad. I believe fake contests are on the rise because everyday costs have gone through the roof. When people are stretched thin, they’re more likely to take a chance on something that promises a little relief. Scammers know that, and they’re absolutely taking advantage of it.

Canada’s Competition Bureau is warning people about fake contests popping up everywhere: email, text, and especially social media. The pitch sounds innocent enough. Enter to win a free trip, a car, or a cute pet photo competition. But there’s no prize. It’s just a clever way to harvest your personal information.

Does that sound familiar? Fake contests offer similar prizes to those of legitimate giveaways. Here’s what the video got right, and where I’d add some nuance.

ONE
My #1 tip is to always read the rules. Legitimate promotions will have proper rules and regulations. Scams will not.

TWO
If you get an email stating you “won” something you never entered, you didn’t win. This is why having an email address just for sweepstakes helps you avoid scams.

THREE
The problem with the news story is that they don’t understand how legitimate social media giveaways work. You do like, share, and tag friends. I won two prizes in December during Sweepstakes Season, doing just that.

FOUR
You never have to pay to receive your prize. I have seen some radio stations offering trips that require you to pay departure and airport taxes. That clause is in the official rules, so you know about this potential cost up front before you enter. Also, be aware of any out-of-country promotions you are entering. You may get dinged with customs and duties when your prize crosses the border, which are charged by the government, not the sponsor.

I have warned people for years, and those in the know will tell you the same: if something feels off, don’t enter. This is another good reason to be active in online sweepstakes groups or the community feature of contest aggregators, so you can ask others to take a second look if you aren’t sure.

And let’s not forget, this doesn’t just hurt consumers. It also hurts all the companies that spend millions each year running legitimate contests as part of their marketing plans, giving away amazing prizes, some even life-changing. Fraud poisons the well for everyone.

So the next time a suspiciously good contest lands in your feed, scroll past. Better safe than sorry.

What are your thoughts?