Automated Competition Entries - Compers Unite!

jdsaint

Just spotted that one of these services has now followed suit with it's competitors and hidden the names of the sites they target. So they now just give the prize info.

Mind you, it's often enough to pick out those being targeted.

So do keep pressing promoters to check their terms and to check their entries for this.

Jason

jdsaint

Sites are listening!!!

In Debenhams terms..

Automated entries will not be accepted.

On Bosch..

All entries must be made directly by the person entering the Competition. Entries made online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void

Jason

gojoroan2007

I just got this comp in an email and was going to post it - however weeowens beat me to it...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3783803

However on reading the T and c's i realised I could enter as many times as i like....I tried it to see if it blocked me with the same details (didn't want to go to Nice anyway) and my entry went through again and I got this...



so I got their sales address and emailed them this.....


Hi there,

I've just entered your Valentines compettion -thank you - on reading the T and C's however I notice that you have you have not disallowed multiple entries.

Is there a limit to the number of times someone can enter and, if not, are you aware that there are automated competition websites that will enter this competition for their members hundreds, if not, thousands of times. This happened not so long ago with a competition in the Sun newspaper where one person entered the competition 180,000 times (and won).

As I would imagine the intention of a competition such as yours is to get people to your website, and 'imprint' your brand (I'd love a bottle of Lanson champagne right now so it works!!) then websites flooding your competition with entries from people who have never even heard of the brand ,and just pay the competition website a subscription fee, surely defeats the purpose - looks good for the numbers though for whoever is promoting your competition...

Just my two pennorth and I look forward to your reply,

Many thanks,'

....maybe it will do some good ...

ehlittleone

Here's a link to Jason's latest blog

http://blog.loquax.co.uk/automatedentries/did-your-competition-get-automated-entries-in-january-2112.htm

ehlittleone

I notice you now have to log in for Sheerluxe so that may be one that has listened.

Question to Jason - in your blog you mention Disney is targetted - I thought you had to log in to their competitions?

Thanks again.

jdsaint

re: Disney - I thought you had to log in to their competitions

Yes you're right (should have spotted that) - have updated.

Jason

The_3rd_Zebu

kippo1 wrote: »

Win24, 180,000 winners but only 38 likes on their facebook page

Yes I wondered where they got that 180,000 figure from.

Is this the same Win24 that operates in Australia?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOziB0SiNVA

They must have gained a huge boost in membership from the above Australian 'news' feature.

bullshot

I see in T&C's of some comps that using a 'macro' can disqualify you...I 'googled ' Is Roboform a macro?.... and came up with this...

• No Scripts, Macros, or Bots. Technically, this rule does apply to Roboform, which is a macro program. However, most sponsors intend this to cover automatic sweepstakes services, as above. Therefore, this rule might or might not apply to Roboform users. The only way to be sure is to contact the sponsor, or to take your chances with disqualification.
  
• Entries Must be Manually Keystroked or Entered by Hand. This rule means that you must type the entry forms by hand, without the use of any aids including Roboform, the fill-in feature of Internet Explorer, etc. This rule definitely excludes Roboform users.

The good news is that very few sweepstakes sponsors really mind if you use Roboform to enter. After all, you are still visiting their website and you still have the chance to read their promotional information and purchase their products. Therefore, your chances of disqualification, especially if you read the rules before entering, are very low.

I use the latest FF now which does not support Roboform so have removed it as I don't use IE anymore....have won quite a lot of comps and had my greatest ever number of Advent wins this time (13)...maybe I wasjust on a roll, but then again , it has made me wonder.................

netimka

^^^ I would love to hear your opinion on the above as well...I'm using roboform to fill forms on comps for a while now and if needed will have to go ack to filling everything on my own again...##tia

jdsaint

Yes I wondered where they got that 180,000 figure from.

They originate in Germany... I'm guessing that's where the bulk of their audience is. I've emailed an Aussie comp site and they don't think it's taken off that well.

I'm using roboform

Roboform & your browser autofills are fine. The only time it might not be is when a form expects a keystroke to activate it (i.e. your details get posted in, but the form looks faded because of the site coding) - if that's the case just hit the tab key a few times and the form should activate by keystroke.

Jason