What Information a Legitimate Sweepstakes Can Ask For

Legitimate sweepstakes follow strict U.S. promotion laws to stay legal – no purchase necessary and minimal personal info required. Here's exactly what real sweepstakes can and cannot ask for.

Legitimate Sweepstakes Can Ask For:

Basic Entry Info (Standard)

• Full name (first + last)

• Email address or phone number (to notify winners)

• Mailing address (to ship prizes)

• Date of birth (to verify age 18+/21+ eligibility)

• "Yes" to Official Rules (checkbox agreeing to terms)

Examples: Publishers Clearing House or Coca-Cola sweepstakes ask only name, email, address, DOB.

Sometimes Required (Legal):

• Instagram/Facebook handle (for social media contests)

• One-time verification code (sent to email/phone)

• State of residence (due to state-specific laws like NY/FL registration)

RED FLAGS – Legitimate Sweepstakes NEVER Ask For:

• Credit card number or bank info

• Social Security Number (SSN)

• Driver's license or government ID

• Mother's maiden name or security questions

• Payment of any kind ("processing fees," "shipping fees," "taxes upfront")

• Password to any account

FTC Rule: No consideration (payment/effort) can be required to enter, or it's an illegal lottery.

Official Rules Checklist

Every legit sweepstakes posts Official Rules with:

• No purchase necessary + Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE)

• Start/end dates

• Eligibility: Age 18+, U.S. residents (excl. some states)

• How winners selected (random drawing)

• Prize details + odds

• Sponsor contact info (real company)

• Privacy policy link

No rules posted? It's probably a scam.

State-Specific Rules (Big 3 Registration States)

New York, Florida, Rhode Island require sweepstakes with prizes $5,000+ to register and post a bond:

• NY Official Rules Archive

• FL Sweepstakes Registration

• RI AG Sweepstakes

How to Spot + Report Fakes

Quick Test (2 minutes):

1. Google: "[sweepstakes name] scam"

2. Check BBB.org and RipoffReport.com

3. Verify sponsor on their official site (not a lookalike domain)

4. Look for typos, bad grammar, urgent language ("Act now or lose!")

Report scams to:

• FTC.gov/complaint

• IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime)

• USA.gov scam reporting

Pro Tips for Safe Entry

• Use a "burner email" (Gmail alias: yourname+swp@gmail.com)

• Enter via official brand sites/social – never 3rd-party "entry sites"

• Never click links in unsolicited texts/emails

• Prizes under $600: No tax form needed. Over $600: Sponsor sends Form 1099.

Bottom line: Legit sweepstakes want your name, contact info, and agreement to rules – nothing more. Anything else = walk away.

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