Online Sweepstakes Offers

Here are a few things you should remember when receiving such offers:

• Don't be tricked by some sweepstakes companies that try to legitimize their companies by having celebrities as their spokesperson. Chances are that the celebrity has not checked out the credentials of such companies but is merely being paid to represent the company.

• There are many legitimate sweepstakes companies and many more fraudulent companies that try to pass themselves off as the legitimate companies by calling themselves a similar name.

• Read all the rules of the sweepstakes before signing and submitting any entry form. You might well have committed yourself to buying a product.

• Many sweepstakes come with offers to purchase magazines or other products. You are not required to purchase any item and purchasing an item will not increase your chances of winning.

• Before buying any item that is offered as part of the sweepstakes mail in, determine whether the cost of the subscription, for a magazine, or the cost of a product is a discounted price or close to the retail price. You might not be receiving a greater discount than you would otherwise receive in simply buying directly from the company.

• Never give credit card information or any personal banking information for any reason. This information is not needed to verify your identity or otherwise. If you are asked such information, then be on alert that you might be dealing with fraudulent company.

• Beware of sweepstakes that ask you to call a 1-900 number to win. This number should alert you to the fact that you are going to pay for the time you spend on the phone.

• Be on guard for any sweepstakes that asks you to pay to win a greater price. Free prizes never require you to pay to win a prize. If you have to pay, chances are that are going to win nothing or something less valuable than what you paid.