Lots of people make entering sweepstakes and contests a regular activity, and they really do win lots of great prizes in their spare time. It's a great hobby that helps put your computer to work earning gifts, cash and gift cards. You could even enter giveaways while relaxing in front of the TV or during your leisure time.
Some people who are unfamiliar with contests and sweepstakes feel they're a scam, and refuse to enter them at all. Receiving free money, cars, merchandise and even houses without strings attached cannot be possible they say, and worry their information will be somehow stolen. This believe is almost always not true. It is possible to win these wonderful things, and the vast majority of prize giveaways legit and safe to enter. Many are safe even for small children to enter and win (read the rules of the giveaway to be sure they qualify).
You may not be aware of the fact that sweepstakes and contests are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the people running them are expected to comply with US law. One important rule you should know is that it's illegal for the sweepstakes administration or prize sponsors to charge those entering sweepstakes a fee to enter.The reasoning behind this law is probably because of the existence of state lotteries that are able to charge for entries. The only group that would legally be able to charge for giveaway entries is a charity that has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. This means that nonprofits such as religious, environmental, social services, and other public entities are entitled to charge for raffle tickets. This means that if you see a giveaway trying to charge you, don't enter it. This is more the exception than the rule, as the vast majority of sponsors, sweepstakes administrators (also called judging agencies) know that it's illegal to charge and will not even try.
There are thousands of people all around the world who have won amazing things from entering sweepstakes. You'd be shocked if you saw the value of some prizes that have been won, such as houses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, new cars and large cash prizes. Sponsors of house giveaways are usually building companies and well known cable companies like HGTV. The downside to winning such amazing prizes is the taxes winners owe. Sweepstakes wins both large and small are treated like income, and you are expected to report your prizes to the government using a 1099 form.
So as stated earlier, entering sweepstakes and contests can be a great hobby for those with some spare time, and it's smart to treat the hobby like a small business. Giveaways are usually run very professionally and honestly, meaning you should not worry about scams or your information being stolen.
Remember to always read the giveaway rules so you know that you are qualified to win and receive your prizes.
