FAQs - Prize draws and competitions
Our most frequently asked questions about prize draws and competitions are below.
If your question hasn't been answered, then telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website at www.direct.gov.uk/consumer (opens in a new window).
Q I've received a letter saying that I've won a prize. I don't remember entering any competitions. Have I really won something?
A Usually these schemes have some prizes that are worth a lot less than the jackpot prize, and they are probably what you will be awarded.
They often tell you the chances of winning if you read the small print. For instance, there may be one Nicam TV and 500,000 cheap bracelets!
Q Apparently I have won a holiday. I need to pay an administration fee of £30 each and attend a presentation. Should I attend?
A These presentations are usually conducted with the intention of getting you to join a holiday membership scheme.
It is a bit like timeshare but because the schemes don't meet the definitions in the Timeshare Act the trader does not have to give you any cancellation rights. Therefore we would suggest that you don't attend the presentation if you think you may be talked into something you don't want.
We usually find that to be able to take the holiday for only the fee stated you would need to be able to travel at short notice at any time in the next 18 months.
It's unlikely that you would be offered a holiday at peak times, for instance, during school holidays.