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SCAMBUSTER Series - Feature Article 24 
 

Online sweepstakes fraud

Online Sweepstakes Offers

We have all that experience of receiving every year in the mail, sweepstakes offers that on its face simply require you to return self-address envelops to be randomly picked from other entries. Such offers have now gone online.

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.

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DISCLAIMER:  The purpose of this part of this website is to provide general information to the public. Information contained herein is believed to be accurate, but no warranty is made as to accuracy or appropriateness.  All opinions and biases are that of the authors and does not necessarily reflect that of the website owners - DEVJOBS Information Service. Furthermore, some information contained herein may be outdated or incomplete.

PUBLIC SERVICE: This SCAMBUSTER Series is a collection of articles, web resources and warnings about online fraud and scam in the Internet. This is a public service of DEVJOBS and    Carlos Ani,  an international microfinance consultant. My  updated CV is in this website.

This is a public service of DEVJOBS Information Service  
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international microfinance consultant

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