The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips for consumers to keep in mind before responding to an "It's Your Lucky Day" call or letter:
- Legitimate sweepstakes don't require you to pay or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning, or to pay "taxes" or "shipping and handling charges" in advance to get your prize.
- Sponsors of legitimate contests identify themselves prominently; fraudulent promoters are more likely to downplay their identities. Legitimate promoters also provide you with an address or toll-free phone numbers so you can ask that your name be removed from their mailing or calling list.
- It's highly unlikely that you've won a "big" prize if your notification was mailed by bulk rate. Check the postmark on the envelope or postcard. Also be suspicious of telemarketers who say you've won a contest you can't remember entering.
The FTC brochure, "Prize Offers: You Don't Have to Pay to Play," is available on the FTC's Website at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/prizes.htm
