Email Scam from an online sweepstakes??

Geocentricity

Senior member
Sep 13, 2006
768
0
0
So i get this email saying I was a potential winner and need to sign the affidavit. The file reads the following:

Should I be declared the winner, I agree to hold RODALE INC. [Sponsoring Client, if, any] together with their respective directors, officers, employees, and licensees and assigns (the ?Sponsors?) harmless from any liability arising in connection with the prize.

I agree to return to the Sponsors any prize that may be awarded if any statement made by me in this affidavit is false. I further understand the tax liability (and any other costs or expenses as set forth in the official rules for the promotion) on any prize is my sole responsibility.

I am submitting this affidavit to RODALE INC. with the understanding that it will be relied upon to determine whether I am entitled to receive the prize for which my entry has been selected in the "Summer of Silver Sweepstakes? sponsored by "Men?s Health and Diet Coke.

I represent that I have complied with all the rules and regulations of this promotion, that I meet the eligibility requirements to enter and win as set forth in those rules and that I have not perpetrated any fraud or deception in connection with my entry.

I further represent that neither I, nor any member of my family, is now, or was at the time of my entering the promotion, an employee of Sponsors, nor am I connected with Sponsors in any way.

I agree that in consideration of being awarded a prize, the Sponsors may use my name, photograph or other likeness, testimonials and other biographical information for any and all purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising, trade, and/or promotion on behalf of Sponsors without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.

I also understand that I am obligated to sign and return this affidavit of eligibility within fourteen (14) days of attempted notification. I further understand that in the event of noncompliance within this time period, my entry will be disqualified and an alternative winner will be selected.

I, , being duly sworn, state that I am _____________ years of age, my birth date is ________________________ and I reside at ___

Home Phone Work Phone

Social Security #



SIGNED: DATE:

NOTARY SIGNATURE:

NOTARY SEAL:

Revised 9/23/03


The email is from Teresa.Palladino@rodale.com. The sweepstake's official rules does mention rodale.com, but something doesn't seem right. Do sweepstakes usually ask for such information like SS#? WTF is goign on?
 

Anubis

No Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
78,712
427
126
tbqhwy.com
SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

honestly any email that asks for your SS# is a total scam, how do people not realize this
 

CPA

Elite Member
Nov 19, 2001
30,322
4
0
do a whois search.

But as Anubis said, this is a scam.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: Anubis
SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

honestly any email that asks for your SS# is a total scam, how do people not realize this


If the prize is over a certain amount then they have to have your SS# for tax reasons.
But they should have asked for this by reg. mail not e-mail. So to ask for this by e-mail sends up flags.




OP best to do is get a phone number and talk to soemone to see what is up. The web address is real so e-mail them back and ask for a phone number. have they given you a street address yet? NOT PO box
 

Geocentricity

Senior member
Sep 13, 2006
768
0
0
After reading it through and Googling, it all checks out.

The email domain checks out as a legit company, the address and phone #s provided in the email signature is the same as stated on the website.
I think I may have actually won something, i'm going to give them a call later to confirm this.
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
If the email is from Rodale, it's legit. Just call them and enjoy your prize!
 

allisolm

Elite Member
Administrator
Jan 2, 2001
25,333
4,997
136
here

"Potential winner(s) will be notified by e-mail, using the information provided on his/her Entry, on or about October 10, 2007. Sponsor will then send to potential winner(s) by e-mail at the e-mail on his/her Entry, an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability, Publicity Release, unless prohibited by law, and any other documentation that Sponsor requires (the "Affidavit"). In order to redeem his/her prize, potential winner(s) shall sign, have notarized, and return to Sponsor the Affidavit within fourteen (14) days from the date Sponsor sent the Affidavit. "

Looks like you won either a trip for 2 to Utah or a Silver Apple iPod Shuffle. Congrats!

Oh - legitimate contest affidavits do ask for your SS #.

Did they provide an address to mail the form back? It's difficult to have it notarized and email it back. :)
 

Geocentricity

Senior member
Sep 13, 2006
768
0
0
Originally posted by: allisolm
here

"Potential winner(s) will be notified by e-mail, using the information provided on his/her Entry, on or about October 10, 2007. Sponsor will then send to potential winner(s) by e-mail at the e-mail on his/her Entry, an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability, Publicity Release, unless prohibited by law, and any other documentation that Sponsor requires (the "Affidavit"). In order to redeem his/her prize, potential winner(s) shall sign, have notarized, and return to Sponsor the Affidavit within fourteen (14) days from the date Sponsor sent the Affidavit. "

Looks like you won either a trip for 2 to Utah or a Silver Apple iPod Shuffle. Congrats!

Oh - legitimate contest affidavits do ask for your SS #.

Did they provide an address to mail the form back? It's difficult to have it notarized and email it back. :)

Yes, the email tells me to fill it out, notarize it, and send it to the address below. The address is to their corporate office (which matches the address on the Rodale.com website) . Sweet, I got myself a free iPod shuffle! :)
 

Geekbabe

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 16, 1999
32,229
2,539
126
www.theshoppinqueen.com
Originally posted by: Geocentricity
Originally posted by: allisolm
here

"Potential winner(s) will be notified by e-mail, using the information provided on his/her Entry, on or about October 10, 2007. Sponsor will then send to potential winner(s) by e-mail at the e-mail on his/her Entry, an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability, Publicity Release, unless prohibited by law, and any other documentation that Sponsor requires (the "Affidavit"). In order to redeem his/her prize, potential winner(s) shall sign, have notarized, and return to Sponsor the Affidavit within fourteen (14) days from the date Sponsor sent the Affidavit. "

Looks like you won either a trip for 2 to Utah or a Silver Apple iPod Shuffle. Congrats!

Oh - legitimate contest affidavits do ask for your SS #.

Did they provide an address to mail the form back? It's difficult to have it notarized and email it back. :)

Yes, the email tells me to fill it out, notarize it, and send it to the address below. The address is to their corporate office (which matches the address on the Rodale.com website) . Sweet, I got myself a free iPod shuffle! :)


I've won a rodale sweep before and they rock as sponors :)
 

effowe

Diamond Member
Nov 1, 2004
6,012
18
81
Originally posted by: Brainonska511
Did you actually sign up for the contest or did you get the email out of the blue?

^^ This

Unsolicited emails concerning something you may have one are FAKE.
 

cardiac

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,082
14
81
Originally posted by: Geocentricity
Originally posted by: allisolm
here

"Potential winner(s) will be notified by e-mail, using the information provided on his/her Entry, on or about October 10, 2007. Sponsor will then send to potential winner(s) by e-mail at the e-mail on his/her Entry, an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability, Publicity Release, unless prohibited by law, and any other documentation that Sponsor requires (the "Affidavit"). In order to redeem his/her prize, potential winner(s) shall sign, have notarized, and return to Sponsor the Affidavit within fourteen (14) days from the date Sponsor sent the Affidavit. "

Looks like you won either a trip for 2 to Utah or a Silver Apple iPod Shuffle. Congrats!

Oh - legitimate contest affidavits do ask for your SS #.

Did they provide an address to mail the form back? It's difficult to have it notarized and email it back. :)

Yes, the email tells me to fill it out, notarize it, and send it to the address below. The address is to their corporate office (which matches the address on the Rodale.com website) . Sweet, I got myself a free iPod shuffle! :)


I'll bet you a donut that you won the Utah trip.......

Bob