Hello, fellow compers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt the thrill of entering a competition – and probably also some frustration when “free” competitions weren’t quite as free as they seemed. Today, I want to chat about the real meaning of “free to enter” and share some red flags to look out for.
I’ve been entering competitions for over a decade now, and I know that there’s a lot of excitement in the chase for the next big prize. However, staying safe and savvy is key because, sadly, not all comps are what they seem. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Fees to claim “free” prizes? Don’t fall for it!
One of the most frustrating traps out there is the so-called “free” prize that you’re expected to pay for. Competitions should not charge you a fee to claim a prize you’ve won, and they shouldn’t mix up entry routes with claiming routes. According to ASA rules, this kind of setup violates the Code rule 8.21.1, which states that promotions should never have a cost to claim.
For instance, back in 2013, the ASA upheld complaints about a promotion run by Churchcastle Ltd (trading as Spencer & Mayfair). They’d lured people into entering with a free prize offer, only to require them to call a premium rate service to claim it. Now, to me, that isn’t “free” – it’s just plain misleading! Thankfully, the ASA came down on them, making it clear that this behaviour isn’t acceptable.
This practice is especially common in scams where winners are told they’ve won a holiday, but are then asked to pay booking fees, processing fees, or taxes before they can claim the prize. Any additional costs like this should be really clear at the point of entry. If you ever find yourself asked to pay a fee to claim a “free” prize, walk away. Real free competitions don’t make you jump through costly hoops to get what you’ve fairly won.
2. They’re not “free” if they’re selling your data
Another sneaky tactic that some sites use is selling your data. You might think you’re just giving your email or phone number for entry, but in reality, your details could be sold off to advertisers who’ll bombard you with endless spam.
The ASA has warned against this practice too because your data has a value. They’ve suggested that in some cases, selling data in exchange for entry could turn a “free” competition into what they consider an illegal lottery. Imagine that – signing up for a prize draw and instead getting slapped with endless spam emails or nuisance calls. That’s definitely not the type of “reward” anyone wants!
Some less reputable sites will even share your data with third parties without your explicit consent. This can lead to a flood of unwanted calls, emails, and texts that can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. It’s important to know that reputable companies should always allow you to opt out of this kind of data sharing.
So, how do you avoid these traps? Be mindful of any T&Cs and privacy policies that mention data sharing. Some are necessary – for example, sharing your data with a courier to deliver your prize. Reputable sites should give you a clear option to opt out of receiving marketing messages. If they don’t, it’s likely they’re not respecting your privacy.
3. Shady “nonexistent” prizes – watch out!
One of the most frustrating and frankly insulting scams out there is the fake prize, and Facebook is crawling with them. Ever seen one of those posts claiming they’re “giving away a slightly damaged VW campervan that we can’t sell”? Let’s be real: if the vehicle’s worth £30,000, they’re not just going to give it away because of a scratch or two.
These competitions often follow a predictable formula: they ask you to “like and share” their post for a chance to win. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather put effort into a competition where the prize actually exists. Often, these shady competitions are just looking to collect likes, followers, or even data to be sold off later.
Here are a few ways to spot these “too good to be true” competitions:
- Check the Page’s authenticity: If it’s a big-name company, check their official website or social media to see if they’re promoting the competition there. Look for the blue tick too.
- Look for T&Cs: Legitimate competitions always have clear terms and conditions, and they’re usually accessible right on the competition page.
- Be wary of like and share competitions for valuable prizes: While some genuine brands do run these, they’re also the go-to format for scammers looking to boost their page’s reach.
If a prize sounds too good to be true or the entry requirements seem suspiciously simple (given the value), it’s best to steer clear. Trust your gut – if something feels off, it probably is.
Emily’s top tips for finding legit free competitions
Now that you know what to avoid, here are a few tips to help you find genuinely free competitions:
- Stick to Trusted Sources: Major competition sites like Loquax or Money Saving Expert Competitions Forums have good reputations and make it easier to find legitimate opportunities. Some of the individual comp sites are worth a look too – I’ve been entering Prize Draw UK’s free to enter competitions since their launch a month ago and I’m quite satisfied that they’re genuine. Facebook and X are also great places to find comps – use hashtags e.g. ukgiveaway, ukcompetition etc.
- Watch for competitions from established brands: Many brands and retailers regularly hold competitions to engage with their customers. If it’s a familiar brand you trust, it’s more likely the competition will be legitimate.
- Look for genuine community feedback: Forums dedicated to competitions are a fantastic resource for vetting the legitimacy of a comp. Community members are quick to flag dodgy comps, so check what other compers are saying!
Conclusion: stick with legitimate competitions
At the end of the day, comping should be fun, exciting, and – most importantly – free from hassle. I want every comper out there to know their rights and to feel empowered to make smart choices when entering competitions. By avoiding shady fees, dodgy data-sharing tactics, and scammy, nonexistent prizes, we can all keep our comping experiences positive.
There are plenty of genuine, exciting competitions out there – ones that don’t come with hidden costs or annoyances. So keep entering, keep your wits about you, and who knows? Your next big win could be just around the corner.
Happy comping! 🏆