Your latest entry into our contest has made you a winner! Goto http://bitly.com.IXeU1o to claim your iPad, enter code 9857 to qualify. Optout at celloptout .com[sic]
Got a text in the middle of the night with the following. Looks like a scam to me. Don't click on the link. It could be just a way to get people to opt in with their phones for some type of pay for use service.
Your latest entry into our contest has made you a winner! Goto http://bitly.com/IXeU1o to claim your iPad, enter code 9857 to qualify. Claim before 4/16/12.
"Your latest entry into our contest has made you a winner! Goto http://bitly.com/IXeU1o to claim your iPad, enter code 9857 to qualify. Claim before 04/16/12."
This is a total scam, and screams of UDAP violations. (Unfair and Decesptive Acts and Practices)
Alhough the text messages clearly states I am a "winner", when you go to the website you get this message:
Put in your zip code to see if you are eligible for a free iPad.
Plus when you read the disclosure it says: II. ELIGIBILITY
A. You must be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in your province/territory of residence, with a valid Canadian email address and shipping address. Please note that we will not ship to P.O. boxes.
I do not live in Canada!!
And the disclosure on the site states:
GadgetsNGifts.net is an independent rewards program and not associated with any of the above listed merchants or brands. The above listed merchants or brands in no way endorse or sponsor GadgetsNGifts.net's offer and are not liable for any alleged or actual claims related to this offer. The above listed trademarks and service marks are the marks of their respective owners. GadgetsNGifts.net is solely responsible for all Gift fulfillment. In order to receive your gift you must: (1) Meet the eligibility requirements (2) complete the rewards bonus survey (3) complete a total of 9 Reward Offers as stated in the Terms & Conditions (4) not cancel your participation in more than a total of 2 Reward Offers within 30 days of any Reward Offer Sign-Up Date as outlined in the Terms & Conditions (the Cancellation Limit) and (5) follow the redemption instructions.