A sweepstakes is an advertising, fundraising, or promotional device by which prizes (merchandise or cash) are awarded to participating consumers on the basis of chance, with no purchase, contribution, or entry fee required to win. More specifically, this sweepstakes is for the purpose of raising funds for the charity sponsor – and to raise awareness of the valuable work being done by this non-profit organization. 2. Have I won? You have not yet won. Your chances of winning depend upon the number of sweepstakes promotional letters mailed. Your odds of winning are stated in the Official Rules. If you send in your entry by the deadline date printed in the Official Rules, then your chance of being selected as the winner are the same as for anyone else who has submitted a qualifying entry. 3. Will making a contribution help me to win? Entry is free. Making a contribution will not help you to win. You should make a contribution only if you wish to help the charitable sponsor of the sweepstakes fulfill its philanthropic mission. 4. How did you get my name? Your name was selected for this mailing because you have previously made a gift to our charity or you have shown an interest in sweepstakes by entering another sweepstakes. You have not been selected on the basis of age, gender, race, religious preference, or household income. 5. Are the sweepstakes prizes always awarded? Prizes are awarded in the manner stated in the Official Rules. The Grand Prize (the largest prize offered) in this sweepstakes is awarded only if the pre- selected winner replies with a qualifying entry by the deadline date. The bonus prize is awarded each time a specific sweepstakes offer is made. The bonus prize is randomly selected, after the deadline date, from all qualifying entries. If a guaranteed prize (a small prize with a retail value of $1 - $3) is offered, it will be awarded after the deadline to all qualifying entrants. 6. Do I need to read the Official Rules? All lawful sweepstakes must provide Official Rules. They can tell you a lot about the sweepstakes promotion and the sponsoring charity. Read them carefully! Your entry can be disqualified if you don’t follow the rules. 7. I like to enter many charitable sweepstakes and make frequent gifts. Should I? The idea of winning lots of money while supporting a worthwhile cause has merit. Always remember that entry is free. Never spend more than is affordable, and never spend money that is needed elsewhere. 8. Can I get a refund after I have made a gift to a sweepstakes? Most charities are happy to give you a full refund of your charitable gift. Simply find the name of the sweepstakes sponsor listed in the Official Rules. A short letter or telephone call is usually sufficient to request a refund. Be sure to have accurate information regarding your mailing address so that the charity can look up your giving record and verify the amount and date of your gift. Be prepared to provide a cancelled check as proof of your gift. 9. How can I have my name removed from a sweepstakes list? To have your name removed from this list, refer to the Official Rules. To have your name removed from many mailing lists, you may contact the Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735 or go to the web site: https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS 10. Anything else I should know? Remember: - Entry to a sweepstakes is always free. Giving is a voluntary activity. - Never give personal or financial information to an organization you don’t know. - If you are confused, get answers before responding to a sweepstakes offer. - Additional information about sweepstakes is available at either of the following web sites: www.dmaconsumers.org/sweepstakeshelp.html or www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub546.pdf |
SWEEPSTAKES CONSUMER GUIDE
| Direct mail sweepstakes offer consumers an opportunity to win money and prizes in return for opening an envelope and returning the entry form. Before you respond to any sweepstakes, you should know that you need to enter to be eligible to win; that you are not required to make a gift or a purchase; and that making a gift or a purchase will not improve your chances to win. This web site was created to help you learn more about this charity-sponsored sweepstakes. |
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers