Freebies, I love ’em. If you’re here you probably do too. The problem when grabbing freebies online can be wondering if it’s legit or not. Another issue raised is getting unwanted emails or spam from freebies. Here’s some tips to cut down on your headache when grabbing freebies online.
1. Set up an email account strictly for grabbing freebies and entering sweepstakes. Some freebies and sweepstakes require that you sign up for their newsletter, or sometimes they get sneaky about the check off boxes about receiving more info from them or partners. I’d also make it something that doesn’t include personal info in the email address. For example don’t put JoeSchmo @ email . com.
2. A lot of times when I site offers freebies, it’s in the hopes of gaining business, subscribers, going viral, etc. You’ll often see check off boxes that say things like “sign up for our newsletter” or “receive offers from our partners” or “do you want to know about future promotions like this”. If you don’t, then make sure they aren’t check off or selected in some way. Sometimes they get sneaky about that and have them already checked off in the hopes you won’t pay attention and bam they got another subscriber.
3. If the offer sounds too good to be true…well you know how that saying goes. There are tons of sites out there that say “Get a free $1000 Walmart gift card” or “Get a free Xbox 1” or something along those lines. Sweepstakes on a legitimate site is one thing but there is not a site out there that’s going to be handing out $1000 Walmart gift cards like sheets of paper. Often these sites make you complete “offers” and you have to complete several. Many you have to spend money on to complete. Also, BIG spam sites. Some of them even collect your info to sell it.
4. Stick with trusted sites. Entering a sweepstakes from a company that’s familiar like Target, Kmart, Allure Magazine, Toys R’ US on THEIR website is most likely safe. Though these companies will sponsor giveaways on other sites like blogs or magazine sites for instance. There are of course spoof sites. If the site looks funny at all (company logo doesn’t look right, claims are unbelievable, minimal info is divulged about the sweepstakes or freebie itself, spelling errors, etc it might be a spoof site) Even on trusted sites, I recommend using your dedicated “sweepstakes and freebies” email account.
5. What kind of info are they asking you for? No sweepstakes or freebie will ask you for your social security number or drivers license number when you enter. IF you win a prize though you may have to fill out an affidavit to claim your prize which may ask for info like that. I used to think affidavits were only for when you win a big prize but I found out through first hand experience that it’s not. I had to fill out an affidavit one time for a $25 J. Crew gift card I won from Sheknows.com one time.
5. LuvSavingMoney’s policy. I do post about freebies, deals, sweepstakes, and samples here on LuvSavingMoney.info. I only post legitimate offers from sites I trust. I also only post offers I have, would, or did take advantage of myself. With the check off boxes and some sites requiring you to sign up for their emails etc for the sweepstakes or freebies I can’t guarantee you won’t get further emails from the offers and I’m not an expert but what I post comes from my experience as a frugal blogger and frequent freebie and sweepstakes entrant.
Great tips!
Thank You for the information. I do enter sweepstakes but not very often. I mostly enter the one on Facebook!
very helpful tips! thanks so much for sharing. love enterine giveaways!
Delightful Ideas
Bag Giveaway
I want more and more articles and blogs please post soon such informative information.
Free Stuff
thanks for all the great information. I do love entering contests and clipping the coupons.
Following you blog from social moms network.
Jeanie Huston
http://womensintuition79.wordpress.com/
Great tips! Will definitely keep those in mind for future reference!