You could also try Googling your name to see if wins appear. Always read all emails carefully, as winning notifications often don't have obvious subject lines. And don't forget to post on the I won. To help sort 'you're a winner' messages from spam, set up rules to automatically filter winning emails into a special folder. These emails often feature the words 'congratulations', 'won' or 'winner', so automatically move messages with these words in the body or subject line into a competition wins folder.
This option's usually found under Edit, Options or Tools on your email account's menu bar. Also, check spam folders in case a vital communication's slipped through. So many prize wins could be missed by not checking your spam folder on a regular basis.
Your spam folder clears after a certain amount of time depending on your email provider , so check frequently. On Facebook, you'll need to check your spam folder for private messages, as companies sometimes use these to contact you about winning a prize. In your messages, go to the 'message requests' folder, then click 'filtered requests'. As an example, scores of applicants fight to appear on the likes of Deal Or No Deal and Catchphrase, yet newer shows can struggle to find contestants.
Some promoters say you must reply within a certain amount of time or they'll withdraw the prize. Reply on time to avoid the heartbreaking scenario of missing out on a big prize. It's worth keeping a list of prizes you've won, in case they don't materialise. If a prize doesn't arrive or it does but it's faulty, first politely prompt the company contact details should be in the terms and conditions.
If you get an unsatisfactory reply or hear nothing, get in touch with the Advertising Standards Authority. All advertising and marketing must follow a code of conduct called the CAP Code which sets out how competitions and promotions have to be run. If you think a competition has failed to meet these rules, check the ASA's website to see if your complaint falls under its powers and make a formal complaint.
