If you wouldn’t mind a new vehicle you should think of entering a few of the ‘win a car’ competitions. It can never hurt to try!

Because someone has to win, and why couldn’t that someone be you?

Entering competitions like this usually takes up little of your time.

Related: Compare New Cars and Prices Online

Some people actually make a hobby (and almost a living) out of entering and winning different competitions.

The facts are, the more you enter, the greater your chances of winning. So if you take a few moments out of every day to find competitions and enter them, you may get lucky one day!

How do ‘win a car’ competitions usually work?

Many companies run regular competitions with a range of different prizes.

Cars are a common prize in larger competitions or from more successful companies. It is well-known that a car as a prize will grab a lot more attention than almost any other prize and people will be far more likely to enter.

A recent ‘win a car’ competition was by Cadbury’s Lunchbar chocolate.

So customers would first have to buy a lunchbar and then once they have taken the wrapper off they would find a code on the inside of the paper. This code had to be SMS’d to a particular number and they would have entered themselves into the competition to win a car.

Pick n’ Pay has been known to hold ‘win a car’ competitions in store as well. And any shopper who spent more than a certain amount could write their name and contact details on their till slip and post it through the window.

A few months later, a staff member would draw a slip out of the vehicle and announce the winner.

There are other types of ‘win a car’ competitions that work differently.

Where can you find competitions to win a car?

When you are driving around town. Or when you go to a shopping mall, keep your eyes open for ‘competition’ signs.

Television advertisements are also a good place to find competitions. Keep alert during commercial breaks. And be sure to keep your cell phone or a pen and paper handy to write down the important information.

The radio is another good way to hear about ‘win a car’ competitions. But be sure to listen carefully as you will not be able to write down any details while you are driving. Make sure you take note of the competitions in the magazines you read as well. So that you don’t miss out on any opportunities to enter a ‘win a car’ competition.

Are Car Giveaways Legitimate?

Car giveaways in South Africa are usually legitimate but there are also many scams. So it’s important to be cautious and thoroughly research any giveaway you come across.

Here are some tips to help you determine if a car giveaway is legitimate:

Reputable Organization:

The giveaway is hosted by a well-known company, non-profit organization or reputable dealership.
Legitimate businesses often have an established history and positive reviews.

The SPAR TOPS win a car competition is legitimate. You can find out more on their website here: https://www.spar.co.za/winacar/TOPS

Clear Terms and Conditions:

Legitimate giveaways will have terms and conditions outlining how to enter, eligibility requirements and how the winner is selected. Make sure the rules are clear and accessible.

No Entry Fees:

Legitimate giveaways usually do not require any payment to enter. So be wary of any giveaway that asks for money upfront or requires a purchase to enter.

Official Website and Contact Information:

A real giveaway will be hosted on an official website or social media page with clear contact information.
Therefore check the website’s URL for any unusual domain names that might indicate a scam.

Winner Announcement:

Legitimate giveaways will announce winners publicly or contact them through official channels.
So be wary if you are asked to provide personal information or payment details to claim a prize.

Affiliation with Known Brands:

Many legitimate giveaways are affiliated with known car brands or dealerships.
Check for endorsements or partnerships with reputable companies.

Red Flags of a Car Giveaway Scam:

Asks for Personal Information:

Be cautious if you’re asked for sensitive information like your South Africa ID number, bank account details or credit card information.

High-Pressure Tactics:

Scammers might use urgent language or pressure you to act quickly without thinking.

No Clear Sponsor:

If it’s unclear who is sponsoring the giveaway or if the sponsor is unverified then it’s likely a scam.

Overly Grand Promises:

Be skeptical of promises that seem too good to be true, such as high-value cars with minimal effort required to win.

Poorly Written Communications:

Scams often have poorly written emails or messages with grammar and spelling errors.

Fake Social Media Pages:

Look for social media pages with very few followers or posts. Because these might be fake accounts set up to deceive participants.

How to Protect Yourself:

Research:

Do a quick online search about the giveaway and read reviews or feedback from other participants.

Contact the Company:

Reach out to the company hosting the giveaway directly to verify its authenticity.

Use Trusted Platforms:

Only enter giveaways hosted on official websites or well-known social media platforms.

Report Suspicious Giveaways:

If you suspect a giveaway is a scam, report it to the relevant authorities. Visit this webpage for further information: https://ispa.org.za/safety/report-cybercrime/

By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy participating in legitimate car giveaways while avoiding scams. If you have a specific car giveaway in mind make sure to research it further to determine its legitimacy.