Avoiding Scams

These are the three key ways to identify legitimate sweepstakes from scams.

Red Flags of Sweepstakes Scams

• Financial Requests: Legitimate sweepstakes never require you to pay fees, taxes, or “processing charges” upfront to claim prizes. If they ask for money, credit card information, or bank details, it’s a scam.
• Pressure Tactics: Scammers create a sense of urgency with phrases like “Act now!” or “Limited time offer!” Legitimate sweepstakes provide a reasonable amount of time for you to respond.
• Unsolicited Contact: Be suspicious of unexpected calls, emails, or letters claiming you’ve won contests you never entered.
• Poor Communication: Watch for spelling errors, unprofessional formatting, or generic greetings like “Dear Winner” instead of your actual name.

Signs of Legitimate Sweepstakes

• Clear Rules and Sponsors: Legitimate contests have detailed official rules, clear sponsor information, and proper contact details.
• No Purchase Required: Real sweepstakes must offer a free method of entry by law.
• Realistic Prizes: Be skeptical of extremely valuable prizes from unknown companies.
• Professional Presentation: Legitimate promotions have professional websites, correct spelling, and official branding.

Protection Strategies

• Dedicated Email: Create a dedicated email address for contest entries to protect your primary email from potential spam.
• Software Protection: Whether you con­test or not, you MUST pro­tect your com­puter. The Inter­net Tools listed are some of the best and will pro­tect you against var­i­ous mali­cious online attacks.
• Sweepstakes Aggregates: using reputable websites that list verified sweepstakes from legitimate hosts, aggregators, and giveaway sites.

Note that U.S. companies spent $3 billion on promotions in 2010. There are numerous legitimate ways to win prizes without falling for scams.

Always trust your instincts. If something feels too good to be true or seems suspicious, it probably is.