ussoccer.com MY Way DVD giveaway winner rant

[sjjn]

Not sure if this is the right forum.....

I must have filled out something on ussoccer.com and entered a drawing for this because I reveived an e-mail notification that I won. But here's the catch. In order to claim the prize I have to print out the attached .pdf form with my vitals (including ss# - why?), have it notarized, and mail it to them. Why do they need my ss# and why does this need notarization. for another 10 bucks I can buy the damned thing. If you're going to have a contest great. I won - send me my prize - don't make me jump through hoops to get it. I already filled out numerous forms on your site to begin with, why would you need a notarized form with my ss# to give me a free DVD. I don't think I'll be claiming this prize, but was wondering if this is their standard procedure.

[sachinag]

They could conceivably report this prize as income to the IRS (which is proper - you should too on your next 1040), and to do that, they'll need your SSN. A notarized form protects them in case you're not who you said you were when you registered with them online. And let's be honest, plenty of people register with false names online for fun, for privacy, or whatever other reason.

But I'm sure you can call USSF and get an explanation. They're nice folk, like all good midwesterners.

[csh2000]

I expect it's compliance with state laws on sweepstakes. While it may not seem like a big deal for a $30 prize, they're probably just applying a consistent standard for all prizes, whether that means a $30 prize or a $200 prize.

Why is it such a problem that you aren't going to claim your prize? I've never paid for notarization and mailing it back to them only costs you one stamp.

[Blue Eyed Soul]

I finally shelled out $30 plus shipping, got the DVD yesterday, and watched it last night. It's worth $75 bucks. It's riveting. If you are a fan of USSoccer, you have to look at it this way. Every $ you send to them by buying t-shirts or kits or DVD's puts $ in their pockets and grows the sport in this country. How cool are they to even have a contest to give away the DVD. I'm jealous that you won and I had to pay for the damn thing, and didn't even know the contest was on. As stated above, legally, USSoccer has to verify who you are or they open themselves to fines and sanctions based upon laws that govern contests. You're a lucky guy. BE HAPPY. Most people ahve never won anything in a contest.

[law5guy]

hey...

forward that PDF file to me, ok? I'll give the USSF my ssn in exchange for the DVD. ;-)

Cheers,