So, you’ve just found out about your big sweepstakes win! While this is definitely something to rejoice about, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and ensure that the company isn’t trying to scam you. That’s why we’ve listed out a few tips to help you spot and avoid scams.
1. Don’t pay to participate: Did you know it’s actually illegal for companies to charge you a fee or buy something to win a prize? If you see a company advertising a big prize, but you need to pay a lot or buy something really expensive to enter the sweepstakes, it’s best to avoid it.
2. Look out for impostors: You’ll sometimes come across imposters or con artists who run fake sweepstakes companies. These companies may have names that sound very similar to that of well-known sweepstakes companies. If you do get contacted by such a company, it’s best to tell the company you will get back to them shortly. Use this time to look up the contact number of the real company and find out if they called you.
3. Be wary of companies that ask you for your bank account or credit card info: Never give your credit card number, bank account details, or Social Security number to any sweepstake company - even if they tell you’ve won a big prize and they need your details to wire you the money. Keep in mind that legitimate sweepstakes companies are likely to not ask you for confidential information.
4. Ensure you have the details in writing: Well-known sweepstakes companies will give you all the information you need about how the contest works, what prizes you can win, the value of the prizes, the odds of winning the prize, etc., in writing. Make sure you have this information before you submit your entry.
5. Don’t fall for advertisements and communication material that look official: Just because you receive an envelope that looks impressive or is marked “urgent” does not mean it is something authentic. One indication that you may not have really won is by checking if the mail was sent by the company at bulk mail rates.
Sweepstakes can be a great way to win big prizes, but it’s also important to be careful so you don’t end up falling for scams.
