How to Avoid Being Disqualified in a Sweepstakes

Winning a sweepstakes could be a life-changing event, but being disqualified after being notified of winning one is devastating. Sweepstakes sometimes come with some fine print and it's important to know exactly what kind of contest you are entering. You will save yourself and the sponsor a lot of headache if you know the rules. Here are some simple steps to follow to help you avoid being disqualified from a sweepstakes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sweepstakes entry

How to Avoid Being Disqualified in a Sweepstakes

1. Follow all rules given for the sweepstakes. The print may be fine, but read it anyway. This means to include all information they ask for and provide it in the way in which they asked. If you send a letter when they asked you for a postcard, your entry will likely hit the trash. The same applies when filling out sweepstakes entries online. Make sure you provide all information they ask for and follow the rules. Not doing so can cause you to be disqualified from the sweepstakes.

2. Enter only sweepstakes that have prizes you really want to win. You're not going to get anywhere with the sponsor if you win a cruise to the Bahamas and try to convince them to give you a cash prize instead. What you will get is disqualified. Don't enter a sweepstakes believing that you can trade the prize for something you really want. Most sponsors are not going to do that unless it states in the rules already that they will do so.

3. Never lie on an entry form for a sweepstakes. If you tell them you are a woman, you need to be a woman. Don't tell them you have cats if you don't really have them. Some sweepstakes are geared toward certain people whether it's women or people that have small businesses. Some may be for families with a certain number of people per household. Make sure you are honest when dealing with sweepstakes. They will find out the truth and you will be disqualified.

4. Do not enter more than once unless it's stated that you are allowed to do so. One entry per household means just that. Nothing would be worse than winning a sweepstakes and then being disqualified for entering more than you were supposed to. Some sweepstakes will allow unlimited entries. Make sure you know how many times you are allowed to enter.

5. Do not follow up on entries that you submit. Sponsors are being generous when they hold sweepstakes. Repeated inquiries from people about the status of a sweepstakes would not only be annoying, but may cause the sponsor to not hold sweepstakes in the future. Don't ruin it for everyone or for yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep track of the sweepstakes you enter. Record who the sponsor is and what the prize is. Doing so will also help you during tax time.