Check the Organizer: Investigate who is running the competition. Reputable brands and organizations are generally trustworthy, but your private data may be compromised. Trust no one until you find official websites, social media accounts, and contact details.
Look for Official Rules: Legitimate competitions should provide clear rules, including eligibility, how to enter, deadlines, prize details, and any terms and conditions.
Contact Information: Ensure there is valid contact information available, such as a customer service phone number or email, for inquiries regarding the competition.
Search for Reviews or Feedback: Look for reviews or discussions online about the competition or the organizer. Websites like Trustpilot or social media platforms may have feedback from previous participants.
Be Wary of Upfront Fees: If the competition requires an entry fee, be cautious. Many legitimate contests are free to enter. If there are fees involved, research further into the legitimacy of the draw.
Check for Personal Information Requests: Be cautious if a competition asks for sensitive personal information (e.g., social security number, bank details) before you can win or enter.
Verify Prizes: Legitimate competitions will have clearly defined prizes. If the prizes seem too good to be true, they often are.
Look for Age Restrictions: Ensure that the competition adheres to any legal age restrictions. For Ireland, many lawful competitions stipulate age requirements (e.g., must be 18 or older).
Research Similar Competitions: Compare the competition with similar ones. If certain patterns or anonymity appear, the competition may be suspect.
Social Media Engagement: Legitimate competitions often have a track record of engagement with participants. Check for visible comments and questions answered by the organizers.
Verify Winner Announcements: Look at past winners and verify if they were announced publicly by the organization, often on social media platforms or their websites.
Consult Regulatory Bodies: For competitions in the ROI, check with regulatory bodies (e.g., the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) to see if they have any information about the competition.
Remember that even if you have verified the legitimacy of a competition you may be revealing sensitive data such as private or personal information when you enter.