Danielle left me a question in the chatroom last night and I thought I would answer it so others might benefit.
Danielle: Just curious,
if you win something and it is notified by a phone call, will they leave a message? We don’ t generally pick up if we don’ t recognize the caller ID, so I was curious if I might be missing out that way or if I’ m safe to just wait for a message.
Unfortunately, I think you may lose prizes if you don’
I have had judging agencies leave a message or call back. And, sometimes caller ID will even show the name of the judging agency calling.
I actually found some examples of how different judging agencies handle calling winners. Like I said, there is no one way to figure out how ALL sweepstakes are handled because each agency or sponsor is going to handle it the way that works for them. Your best bet is to answer the phone.
But, I can tell you that in all of the years I have been entering sweepstakes and winning that I have only received a handful of calls. I do get called when I win from local radio and TV stations but most of the time I receive emails. That is what you should be checking regularly, especially your junk mail folder.
Example #1: Will leave a message
If the Sponsor is unable to actually speak to any such Potential Winner, the Sponsor will leave a voice mail message (if possible) at the daytime phone number the Potential Winner included in his/her Potential Winning Entry and the Potential Winner must reply to the phone message within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the voice mail message was left by the Sponsor.
Example #2: Will not leave a message
In Sponsor’s sole discretion, a selected potential Grand Prize Winner may be disqualified and required to forfeit his/her prize and an alternate winner may be selected in accordance with these Official Rules from among the remaining eligible entries if such selected winner (i) is unreachable or winner notification is returned as undeliverable; (ii) declines or cannot accept, receive or use the prize for any reason; or (iii) fails to comply with these Official Rules. Sponsor is not obligated to leave voice mail or answering machine or other message.
Example #3: not obligated to leave and they have a choice of phone or email
The potential winners will be notified by telephone and/or e-mail within seven (7) days of drawing. Notification is deemed to have occurred immediately upon sending of an e-mail or placing of a phone call. Sponsor is not obligated to leave voice mail, answering machine or other message.
How curious that you should have this question asked and post the answer today, as I was on my way home, and received several calls from a number I did not recognize. I wondered the very same thing! Danielle, thanks for asking, and Wendy, thanks for your answer!
I tend to just answer the phone. I received one phone call where I wouldn’t have won a free trip had I not answered. But…he only called after I didn’t answer an email from him (I was without internet).
I hardly am around to answer the phone so that sucks for me if they do call
I guess 🙁