Competitions & Freebies

• Only enter for prizes you actually want - don’t waste time entering for anything and everything.
• Enter local promotions - look out for comps in local shopping centres, newspapers, free magazines, and especially on the radio – they get very few entries
• Read the rules - to ensure you qualify for the prizes make sure to read and understand the rules.
• Have fun! Don’t take it too seriously – entering competitions is a cheap and fun activity where the prizes are a bonus!

Should you choose to enter competitions and giveaways from the comfort of your home online, here are some tips and tricks to make sure you do so safely, securely and smartly:

• Enter with trusted online retailers or do thorough research before making entering competitions from unknown retailer sites.
• Never provide your credit card information if you do not see the ‘padlock’ on the upper left-hand side of your address bar, or if the address begins with “http://” instead of “https://”.

• Keep your information private. If the retailer asks for too much information such as your birth-date and social security numbers, do not complete the giveaway.
• After entering a competition online, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on all your banking statements, checking them weekly rather than by the month, just in case something slipped to a hacker. Notify your cardholder service if there are any discrepancies immediately.
• Maintain good virus protection on your computer to prevent spyware and other hacks from accessing your information. Many trusted anti-virus services are available online for free so you can take advantage of convenient online shopping.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi to enter competitions, rather use secure connections.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails and pop-up internet adverts with too-good-to-be-true giveaways. Use caution when a deal is drastically better than others and always double-check before clicking on ads.