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Monday, July 23, 2012

Tips and Tricks for Online Sweepstakes

Some of the best sweepstakes offer prizes such as cars, vacations, and cash (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Faced with so many online sweepstakes, it is often difficult to decide which ones are really worth your time. Plus, you have to keep an eye out for scams that just want to steal your money or identity. With a few tips and tricks, though, you can find the best sweepstakes online, making you a contender for cash prizes, new cars, and other fabulous rewards.

Research the Sweepstakes before Committing

You can learn a lot about a sweepstakes before entering. Many websites will let you look at past sweepstakes results. That lets you know how often the sweepstakes announces a winner and whether you want the prizes they offer. Knowing this tells you how long the sweepstakes has been operating. Typically, those with longer histories seem more legitimate than newly formed sweepstakes.

You can also search the Internet for forums where people discuss various sweepstakes. If you find a lot of people complaining about a sweepstakes, avoid it. You don't want to get involved with something that might potentially be a scam.



Use an Online Sweepstakes Website for Suggestions

You don't have to investigate a hundred websites to find a few sweepstakes that interest you. Instead, visit websites that provide links to sweepstakes. (They are similar to coupon sites that help you find useful discounts online.) That way, you can find the best deals online without wasting hours on research. You should still make sure that you only enter valid sweepstakes, but these sites can take a lot of work out of your search.

Know How to Spot a Scam

Scam sweepstakes often try to gather personal information so they can steal your identity. If a sweepstakes asks you for your social security number, bank account number, or credit card number, you should assume that you have found a scam. Legitimate sweepstakes do not ask for that information.

Beware any sweepstakes that asks you to pay money or buy a product. Legitimate sweepstakes do not require any financial obligation. You just enter by submitting your name and contact information. That's why so many of the sweepstakes you see on television and in supermarkets intentionally say that you don't have to buy the product to participate. If they ask for money, then assume it is a scam.

You should also stay away from sweepstakes that use a sense of urgency that will convince you to act quickly. If a sweepstakes says that you have to act within a certain number of hours (or immediately), then just forget it. Most of the time it is someone hoping that the pressure will make you forget about personal security. If you feel pressured, then walk away. Legitimate sweepstakes don't have to intimidate their entrants.

With these tips and tricks, you can start participating in online sweepstakes with confidence. Winning fun prizes is always better than falling for a scam!

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