Telemarketer problem

[boymommy13]

Hi, I'm new to signing up for sweepstakes but I noticed a huge increase in the number of telemarketer calls/texts since I started. I'm starting to get freaked out since these random numbers will text me my address. And the one I had the unfortunate luck to speak to on the phone was incredibly rude and was insulted when I didn't give him my cc info for a sweeps I entered. Any tips on how to avoid this and do I need to be concerned?

 

[professortofty]

Are you sure that your computer is entirely secure and that everything you're entering is legitimate? And that you haven't given away your number anywhere else? You may also need to check the terms carefully when entering the sweeps - occasionally you will get one that says that it will call or text you if you give them your number. But I enter hundreds every day and I almost never get telemarketing calls.

 

[amyshulk]

Sponsors offer sweeps in lieu of regular advertising so they run promos looking for future and/or are keeping current customers happy - as sweepers *we* need to be sure to check the PRIVACY POLICY;

Many Sponsors have a check off/on box which notes they share info on the entry page - as sweepers *we* need to be sure to check the PRIVACY POLICY for what we choose to enter.

TIP [PRIVACY POLICY] - most promos w/a TRIP GP, from a big name sponsor, and/or a magazine sponsor ^will^ share your info with their marketing partners and advertisers. Many, but not all, will have a check off/on box which notes they share info on the entry page.

fyi - The DNC {Do Not Call} List The Do Not Call Registry
The DNC {Do Not Call} list is no longer in effect if you enter a sponsors promo that you've previously blocked thru the DNC list

 

[professortofty]

Very true. However, no telemarketer or anyone involved with any sweeps should ever be asking for your credit card number. Anyone doing that is not legitimate; that's a scammer.

 

[johninnyc]

All it takes is to enter 1 phony sweeps and you can be inundated with spam/scams. Best thing to do is to be very careful on sweeps you enter. I always avoid entering any sweeps that are survey sites or any that seem to good to be true. If you want to enter a sweeps on a webpage you have never heard of the company, do a simple google search on them. I suggest blocking all the numbers from the scammers or telemarketers that have called you. Obviously, never give out a credit card number for anyone that calls you. If they are calling about a possible sweeps win, ask them the name of the sweeps, the name of the company and the name and number of the person. If the company/sweeps doesn't sound familiar, Then do a google search to obviously make sure you did indeed enter it.

 

[curmudgeon]

Sounds to me like you've jumped in when it would have been a good idea to test the water with your toe first.

Most sweeps are legitimate and above board, including those that want to send you emails. There are however some that are less than perfect and a few that you should just totally avoid. The only way to tell is to be vigilant and suspicious until you gain experience. It's always a good idea to read the rules and privacy policy. Always remember, if a sweep sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

Here's one for $10,000 that I found on another sweep site. I don't believe it's listed here a SA, although I've found similar sweeps listed here.

Entry Form:
Win $100 worth of free samples
Rules:
LIFESCRTIPT ADVANTAGE $10,000 SUMMER SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES (?OFFICIAL RULES?)

If you open the entry form, you'll find that their intentions regarding emails fully disclosed. That's commendable, some sites hide this info in the rules.

Open the rules, then scroll down to the 4th paragraph (prize) and read it - no guaranteed winner. Then scroll down to the paragraph that starts (winner selection) and read it. Last, scroll down to the next to last paragraph (arbitration) and read it. I suggest you google "mandatory arbitration clause" for an in depth definition - you loose your right to sue or to initiate or participate in a class action lawsuit. I don't know what you'd sue for in a sweepstakes, so that's probably not an issue. Many (most?) sweepstakes now include these clauses. I've never sued anyone, but I reuse to give up my right to sue. Seems like everyone, even Doctors want you to sign such clauses. I've read many news stories on ABC, CBS, NBC & CNN about the fact that the Justice Dept is looking into these mandatory arbitration clauses with the intent to reign them in or limit their use.

I think many sweepers would avoid this sweep if they read the entry form disclosures and the rules. Unfortunately, many of us don't.