You've spotted a giveaway. Prize car. Decent odds. Looks promising. Before you enter, run through this five-point checklist. It takes five minutes and could save you from wasting time or handing your details to someone dodgy.
1. Check That Terms And Conditions Actually Exist And Are Readable
Find the terms and conditions. If you can't find them, don't enter. They should be on the website, in the app, or attached to the ad. If you have to ask for them via email and they never send them, that's a red flag.
Look for answers to basic questions: How are entries made? When does the draw happen? How is the winner chosen? What happens if you win?
The language should be clear and straightforward. If it's deliberately confusing or vague, that's intentional. Walk away.
2. Look For A Permit Number Or ABN
Depending on the prize value and your state, the organiser might need a permit or should at least have an ABN. Ask them directly. Drop them a DM or email and say, "What's your ABN or permit number?"
A professional operator will answer immediately. They'll be proud to show you.
When they dodge the question, get defensive, or say "we don't need one," don't enter.
3. Check If They Announce Previous Winners Publicly
Go to their Facebook, their website, their Instagram. Look for posts announcing past winners. Is there a photo? A name? A date? A video?
Real operators announce winners because they have nothing to hide. They want proof that they deliver on their promises.
If winner announcements are non-existent or vague (like "congratulations to a winner in NSW!"), that's not good.
Deleted comments or posts where people ask about winners is an even bigger red flag.
4. Understand What You're Actually Buying
Is this a membership? An entry pack? A raffle ticket?
For memberships, what do you actually get besides the giveaway entry? Discounts? A card? Access to something?
For entry packs, how many entries are you getting? When does the draw close?
For raffle tickets, what's the total number of tickets? When's the draw?
You should be able to answer these questions clearly. If you can't, the terms aren't clear enough.
5. Know The Close Date And Draw Date
When do entries close? When is the draw? Is it a set date or "when we reach X entries"?
A set date is clearer. "Draw happens 15 March 2026 at 2pm" is better than "draw happens when we've sold enough entries."
Write it down. Add it to your calendar. There's no point entering for a draw that's already happened.
Bonus: Do A Quick Vibe Check
Google the company. Read reviews. How long have they been running giveaways? Are there news articles about them? What do people say on Facebook?
Send an email or DM with a question and see how fast they respond. Professional operators answer within 24 hours.
If something feels off, trust that feeling. There are plenty of legitimate giveaways. Don't waste time on ones that make you uncomfortable.
That's It
Five things. Five minutes. That's all it takes to separate legitimate giveaways from the dodgy ones.
When checking legitimacy, the benchmark is clear: established platforms like LMCT+ and RSL Art Union publish their permits, terms, and past winners. That's what you should be measuring other operators against.