Winning a huge amount of contest or promo prize either cash, house, diamonds, car and so on, is a fantasy for many individuals. Seems wonderful to hear, isn’t it? Sadly, some of them are actually scams. In case you were given a letter or phone call like mentioned below, be extremely suspicious. The winning “prize” might cost you loads of bucks in fees or service expenses – and not ever received.
The good news is you can protect yourself from becoming a victim by learning how to identify contests and promo scams and their tactics.
8 Things You Need to Know From Contests and Promos Scam
- Contests and Promos Scam Need You to Pay Before You Receive Your Prize. Genuine contest and promos will not request you to spend for fees to join or to obtain a prize. You must never be forced to pay handling costs, service expenses, or some other type of fees beforehand to obtain your prize.
- Scammers Use Free Email Accounts. Some smaller contest may use free email services however if you are contacted from well-known company giants like Apple and Microsoft but they are using free email accounts, then be suspicious because there is a big possibility that it is a scam.
- False Notification of Winning a Contest or Promos That You Didn’t Participate. Double check the contests and promos you are entering as well as their contact details. If in case, somebody sent you a letter or give you a call that isn’t listed in your records, then don’t pay attention to it because it is evidently a scam.
- Using Fraudulent Large Check Amount of Your Winning Notice. Many scammers use huge check amounts to lure people. However, most of these checks are fraudulent so keep away from this tactics to prevent you from being a victim.
- Scammers Instruct You To Wire Your Cash As Soon As Possible. Scammers like the money transfer service of Western Union or similar money pack cards from retailers such as Walmart because it is hard to trace and get your cash back. If in case, the scammer instruct you to do this things, don’t hesitate to call the police and report the scammer.
- Scammers Require Your Bank or Card Info. Remember that legitimate contest and promos never ask sensitive info like your bank or card details. However, some may asked for a social security number. Never give your information unless you are sure if they’re legit.
- Scammers Don’t Know Your Complete Information and have a Lot of Typos. It is a fact that most scam letters always begin with a generic salutation like ‘Dear Sir’ without placing your complete address or complete name in the email as well as observed typos in their letters such as incorrect spelling, grammar, and punctuation that is evidently a sure sign of scam contest and promo notificatin.
- Scammers Act as Some Government Institutions. Scammers like to pretend to be a part of a government institution when in truth is not. Genuine sponsors, nevertheless, deliver their win announcements straight to the winners. Government agencies usually are not associated with giving prizes.
The list above are just some of important points you need to remember in identifying fake contest and promos. Don’t be a victim of fraud and scam. Identify the fake from the legit immediately.
