This section covers UK competition laws, sneaky terms and conditions, and no-purchase-necessary rules.
You have chosen a competition, checked the answer and decided to enter. Because a disability makes the form difficult to use, your carer types the details you give them. Then you notice the condition: “No … Read More
Your child has drawn a wonderful dragon. You photograph it, upload it using your email address and tick the permission box. A fortnight later, a message arrives saying: “Congratulations — you’ve won!” Who does “you” … Read More
You are away for a week, scrolling through competitions over breakfast. Your home is still in the UK, your phone number has not changed and you will be back long before any prize arrives. Can … Read More
You spot a competition on a supermarket shelf, check the prize and start looking for the entry instructions. Then you find the restriction: “Open to UK residents, excluding Northern Ireland.” The explanation, when you ask, … Read More
You live in the UK, but your passport is not British. Can you enter a competition advertised as “UK residents only”? Or perhaps you are British but live abroad. Does using your parents’ UK address … Read More
You have won a coffee machine. It is lovely, but you already have one, and your sister would be delighted with it. Then you notice the competition terms: “Prizes are non-transferable.” Does that mean you … Read More
Winning a new shower is lovely. Winning a new shower, having it badly fitted and finding water dripping through the kitchen ceiling is rather less lovely. The promoter says to speak to the installer. The … Read More
You have won a weekend away. The organiser has checked your eligibility and confirmed the dates. All that remains, apparently, is “a little paperwork”. The attachment asks you to keep every aspect of the prize … Read More
On Monday morning, you find an email telling you that you have won a holiday. Unfortunately, it arrived on Friday evening. A second message says you missed the 24-hour deadline and the prize has gone … Read More
The laptop has been on your desk for three weeks. You have transferred your files, recycled the packaging and thanked the organiser. Then an email arrives: “Following further checks, we have disqualified your entry. Please … Read More
One minute you are deciding who to take on your prize holiday. The next, another email arrives: “Unfortunately, our previous message was sent in error. Please accept our apologies.” Can the organiser simply undo the … Read More