Is this a scam? This newbie would appreciate any guidance...

ange222

Member
Sweepstakes Plus Subscriber
I received this email today. I (scanned) & clicked the link. It was not a survey, but a w-9 pdf. My concerns are the * after potential & the fact that the email in one section is "[email protected]" (not [email protected]) - however THAT particular link did not work.

*****
Congratulations!

You have been randomly selected as a potential* winner of our sweepstakes and have won a $1000 American Express Gift Card.

To claim your prize, please follow these 3 easy steps!
Step 1 – First step to claim your prize
Provide your contact information, consent to the rules & regulations of the sweepstakes and submit any additional information as instructed.
Step 2 - Confirmation
Once your information has been correctly submitted you will receive a winner confirmation message.
Step 3 – We process your prize
Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive your prize by mail.
This survey must be completed prior to July 30th 2011 after this date the link below will become inactive. Consequently, your entry will be disqualified and the prize will be forfeited.
Ready to start?
Click here to claim your prize.
Please save this email until you have received your prize, if you have any questions prior to starting the prize survey please contact us at [email protected]

*To be declared an official winner, you must successfully complete this survey and provide any requested documentation by the posted deadline. Failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified and the prize forfeited.

The W Originals Incentives Team
 
I don't know the answer, but here is some information that may help you look into it further.

There is a sweeps listing for W Originals:

W Originals.Com - Survey Sweepstakes
(1) $1,000 American Express gift card. *Entry form lets you sign in, but not register. Problem is at sponsor's end.
Restrictions : 18+ US, Canada (exc. Quebec) | Hits : 960 | Added : 01-29-11 | Expired : 06-30-2011 | Rules

Entry Category : One Entry Sweepstakes



The Rules are a PDF document:
https://www.woriginals.com/MediaServer/2/documents/W_Originals_Contest_RULESJan-Jun2011.pdf


At the end of the rules, you can find the name and address for the sponsor and administrator. I don't see any email or phone contact information, but you could probably find it if you wanted to call.

The rules gives details about winner selection ("4. Winner Selection") and say any potential winner will be chosen on or about July 6, 2011, and notified by mail, email and/or telephone.



It looks like the * after potential could be standard jargon, as winners are potential winners until documentation has been completed and approved; then they are confirmed winners.

What strikes me as a little odd is the use of the word "survey." I would expect "form" or even an affidavit.
 
Sorry to be such a forum pest, but as I said, I'm new at this. I submitted the "survey" and immediately received the following email:

You have chosen to send in your Form W9 via facsimile. Please ensure this document is filled out in full & is legible and signed.

Our fax # is 1-604-647-1005 (long distance charges will apply).


*Please note: The form must be received by July 29, 2011. If we do not receive the fax by this date, your prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected.

Is it possible that I actually WON?????
 
Seems real to me. I checked the number, and it is for the contest administrator listed in the rules. Great win!!!!!!!!!!
 
ange, you're not a pest at all! Asking is the right thing to do!



Seems real to me. I checked the number, and it is for the contest administrator listed in the rules. Great win!!!!!!!!!!


kkrie is right, the number is for Vision Critical, the Administrator in Vancouver. (I Googled it too.) So things check out, and it looks like you did win! :cheers:


Here's some info in the W9, in case you want to read more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRS_Form_W-9#W-9
 
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