CHARITIES/SWEEPSTAKES/LOTTERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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1. How do I get more information about a charity before I donate? OR How do I file a complaint against a charity?
The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) is responsible for the administration of the Virginia Solicitation of Contributions Law:
Virginia Solicitation of Contributions Law
The law requires any organization soliciting in Virginia to file with OCA. Registration does not imply endorsement of a public solicitation for contributions. Before contributing it is always advisable to determine if the group has filed with OCA and to review financial information on the organization to determine how they intend to spend your contribution.
To learn more about a charity before giving (including searching the online registry), to find out if the charity is registered in Virginia, visit the Regulatory Programs Unit web page to get additional information on:
Charities and Professional Solicitors
To file a complaint against a charity go to OCA’s complaint page:
You may also call or write to:
Office of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, Virginia 23218
(804) 786-2042
Toll free in VA: 1-800-552-9963
2. Sweepstakes and lottery Offers
A) Sweepstakes: What to know before you enter
The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") has published an informative brochure, "Catch the Bandit in Your Mailbox." This brochure provides examples of various mailbox scams and how to avoid them. Additional information and brochures are available from the FTC. Get more information from the FTC.
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) is the largest trade association for businesses that conduct direct, database and interactive global marketing through catalog sales, direct mailings, telemarketing and Internet marketing. The DMA has published a guide that can be used when responding to sweepstakes offers and for recognizing the difference between legitimate sweepstakes, other types of offers, such as prize promotions, and illegitimate promotions that misrepresent themselves and seek to defraud. For more information about sweepstakes from the DMA, check out the DMA Consumer’s Guide.
B) Concerns about Sweepstakes and Seniors
The DMA also offers helpful information to family members and caregivers who may have concerns about those in their care who may be exhibiting behavior that suggests they may be making too many, unusual or sweepstakes related purchases. Check out: Sweepstakes Assistance: Information for those who care for older consumersLearn more from the United States Postal Inspection Service about Senior Sweepstakes Victims as well as some provisions of the Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act. The United States Postal Inspection Service is responsible for investigating cases of fraud where the U.S. Mail is used as part of the scheme. Click here to access the United States Postal Inspection Service Mail Fraud Complaint Form.
C) To remove your name from Sweepstakes Mailing Lists:
The DMA also operates a service that may be of interest to you if you wish to have your name removed from certain mailing lists. By registering with the DMA, you may request that your name be added to a list that the DMA publishes on a quarterly basis for its members. This list contains the names and addresses of individuals who do not wish to receive mail solicitations. Many companies that engage in direct marketing either by mail or telephone are members of the DMA. To have your name taken off of some nationally based mailing solicitation lists, register with the DMA online (a $5.00 charge) or register for no charge by writing to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 643
Carmel, New York 10512
D) To file a complaint about a Sweepstakes/Lottery from a U.S. Company
There is a state office and three local consumer protection agencies located throughout Virginia that assist consumers with complaints. The Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, provides protection to consumers against fraudulent, deceptive, and illegal practices in the marketplace. It serves as the central clearinghouse for the collection, evaluation, investigation or referral of consumer complaints. You may find out more information about OCA’s services as well as the three local consumer protection agencies by visiting OCA’s web site or calling or writing:
Office of Consumer Affairs
PO Box 1163
Richmond, Va 23218
(804) 786-2042
Toll Free in VA: 1-800-552-9963
You may also file a complaint with:
United States Postal Inspector's Office
(Although the FTC cannot resolve individual disputes,
the information
you provide may help indicate a pattern of
possible law violations requiring
action by the FTC or other law enforcement agency.)
E) Sweepstakes or Lottery offers made by an entity outside of the U.S.
If the sweepstakes or lottery offer is made by an entity outside of the United States, please know that United States law prohibits the cross-border sale or purchase of lottery tickets by phone or mail. However, if you've ever bought a foreign lottery ticket, you will receive more solicitations for lotteries or foreign investments in your mail. Why? Because fraudulent marketers buy and sell lists of people who have already fallen for scams. You may also receive solicitations that refer to secret systems to make you a winner. Toss them first, then ask yourself two key questions: If there were a secret system, why would a stranger want to share it with you? Why are you hearing about it for the first time through the mail?
F) To file a complaint about a Sweepstakes/Lottery from a Canadian company
Complaints about Canadian sweepstakes and lotteries may be filed with the Canadian Royal Mounted Police. If the sweepstakes or lottery offer was initiated through a telemarketing call, your complaint can be filed with Phonebusters. Phonebusters is the national deceptive telemarketing call center, operated by the Ontario Provincial Police. They educate the public about specific fraudulent telemarketing pitches as well as collect and disseminate evidence to outside investigations.