Avoid Sweepstakes Contest Scams Online and Offline

For today's Hawaii Sweepstakes Sunday blog post, I had a difficult time finding a new 2008 Hawaii sweepstakes for my readers to enter, but I thought posting about how to avoid fraudulent sweepstakes and contest scams would be just as important, if not even more so.

I try very hard to only post what looks like legitimate Hawaii sweepstakes and Hawaii contests to win a free trip to Hawaii--usually from well know companies or brands from the United States. Check out our previous Hawaii Sweepstakes listings. Better yet, don't forget to subscribe to our Hawaii blog by RSS feed or email to stay current with new Hawaii contests. We only post the best Hawaii sweepstakes for our readers to enter!

Keep the following tips in mind when you enter any sweepstakes offer online or offline-- for example unsolicited offers received through the mail.

Never pay to enter a sweepstakes. It’s illegal for a company to require you to buy something or pay a fee in order to win or claim a prize. Buying something doesn’t improve your chances of winning. It’s illegal for a company to even suggest that your chances will be better if you make a purchase. Don’t believe that you have to give the company money for taxes on your prize. It’s up to you to declare your prize winnings when you file your income taxes. Be cautious about emails for contests and sweepstakes. Many unsolicited emails are fraudulent.

Guard your credit card and bank account numbers. No legitimate sweepstakes company will ask for this information. Never give your social security number to a sweepstakes operator unless you have carefully checked it out with the Better Business Bureau or your state or local consumer protection agency.

Be on guard for imposters. Some con artists use company names that are identical or very similar to well-known, legitimate sweepstakes operators. Tell them that you’ll get back to them and contact the real companies to ask if there is any connection.

Be wary of offers to send you an “advance” on your “winnings.” Some con artists use this ploy to build trust and get money from your bank. They send you a check for part of your “winnings,” instructing you to deposit it and then wire payment to them for taxes, bonding, or some other phony purpose. The bank tells you the check has cleared because the normal time has passed to be notified that checks have bounced. After you wire the money, the check that you deposited finally bounces because it turned out to be an elaborate fake. Now the crooks have your payment, and you’re left owing your bank the amount that you withdrew.

Get all the details. Legitimate sweepstakes companies will tell you exactly how the contest works, including the odds of winning, the value of the prizes, the date that the contest ends, and how you can find out who won.

Be especially cautious about foreign sweepstakes companies. Many fraudulent sweepstakes companies that target U.S. consumers are located in Canada or other countries, which makes it much more difficult for law enforcement agencies to pursue them.

National Consumers League's internet Fraud Watch

Comments

[Mauigirl]

Good advice, very helpful post.

Sorry I hadn't realized you had been posting again after your little break...I've been very busy as well so haven't had as much time to blog! I know how it is!

As I said in the previous comment, I love the idea of the leis for Mother's Day. I'm going to see where I might get them!

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

Mauigirl,
I am so glad you found my post helpful. I felt it was really important--especially since I usually post a new Hawaii sweepstakes every Sunday!