Avoid Scammers
Why Sweepstakes?
Scammers like weepstakes because they are a very effective and therefore popular form of incentive marketing. We love sweepstakes! They work well and also allow us to truthfully say, "Our job is to help give stuff away!" Scammers are obviously bad for our business. We would like you help protect yourself from scammers and fraudulent schemes by learning how to recognize fake sweepstakes and other scams. Staying informed and arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to avoid falling victim to scams. Here we offer some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with legitimate sweepstakes.
How to Recognize a Fake Sweepstakes:
- Look for Official Rules:
Legitimate sweepstakes will have official rules that outline the terms and conditions of the promotion. Lack of official rules or vague and poorly written rules may be a sign of a fake sweepstakes.
- No Purchase Necessary:
Genuine sweepstakes cannot require you to make a purchase to enter or win. Back away if you're asked to pay a fee or purchase a product to participate in the sweepstakes without clearly offering another form untry. Do Not dismiss the maill-in option. Depending on the winner selection process, a mail-in entry could slightly increase your odds of winning.
- Verify the Sponsor:
Research the reputation and credibility of the organization or company running the sweepstakes.Be skeptical if the organizer is unfamiliar or has only a limited online presence. Small unknown businesses without advertising budgets are unlikely to be able to fund a big-prize sweepstakes unless it is their own product.
- Avoid Unsolicited Communications:
Be very cautious of unexpected emails, text messages, or phone calls claiming that you've won a sweepstakes you don't recall entering even if it seems to be from a well known source. Legitimate sweepstakes are not likely to contact winners out of the blue
- Never Share Personal Information:
Legitimate sweepstakes will only ask for necessary contact information. If you entered the sweepstakes from a form they should already have your address and phone. Do not provide sensitive personal information. A company will not offer you a large prize without requesting a signed legal affadavit before needing your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information for you to claim a sweepstakes prize. Legitimate businesses will want to legally protect themselves as well as you.
- Beware of High Pressure Tactics:
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to push you into providing personal information or making payments before you can seriously think about how you are being tricked. Legitimate sweepstakes agents will be polite and professional. If they enjoy giving away prizes like we do, they may sound a little cheerful but will not rush or pressure you into taking any immediate action.
- Trust Your Gut:
If something seems too good to be true or seems suspicious, trust your instincts. Be wary of sweepstakes that promise extravagant prizes or have overly vague or unrealistic terms. Understand that a company cannot advertise they are giving away an expensive luxury item without that item manufacturer's approval. No one can legally use another companies brand or logo in their advertising without permission. Scammers don't care. Legitimate businesses care a lot.
Report Scams
Remember to provide as much detailed information as possible when reporting a scam, including names, contact information, dates, and any evidence or documentation you have. Reporting scams not only helps protect yourself but also assists in preventing others from falling victim to fraudulent activities.
Here are a few authorities that should help:
Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department or law enforcement agency and provide them with all the relevant information about the scam.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): In the United States, you can report scams to the FTC, which is the primary agency for protecting consumers from fraudulent activities. You can file a complaint online at their website (www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov) or call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If the scam involves online fraud, you can report it to the IC3, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center. Visit their website at www.ic3.gov to file a complaint.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the scam involves a business or organization, you can report it to the BBB. They track and investigate scams and provide information to consumers. Visit their website at www.bbb.org to file a complaint.
Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If the scam involves unauthorized charges, fraudulent transactions, or compromised financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They can help you secure your accounts and investigate the fraudulent activity.
Local Consumer Protection Agencies: Call yur mayoral office or City Hall to check if your local government has established consumer protection agencies or departments. They may have resources and procedures in place to handle scam reports and protect consumers.
