I had a strange situation pop-up with the giveaway of my Rhodia 'R' Pad.
Two different people emailed me, saying that they were the winners.
I had a funny feeling about the first one. She said she had received an email, and I hadn't sent one. I did know that the winner's blog showed she was from the UK, and the address in this email didn't specify a country. Still, people move, and I thought perhaps she got an email from a friend who was letting her know she won. I responded with congratulations, but asked for verification that she was from the UK.
Then about 2 hours later, I recieved an email, from the true winner. The address was right, and the syntax of her writing matched that of her blog, which the first email didn't. I wanted to be sure though, so I set up a test with 2nd person, and verified that she was indeed the winner.
The other person had emailed back by this time, stating she was in South Africa, but still expecting the 'R' pad. I informed her with regrets that there had been a mixup, and unfortunately, I only had one 'R' to give.
I don't know if this was an out and out con, someone hoping I'd send the prize off before the real winner claimed it, or if someone was playing a dirty trick on her. I can't find any comments under her name. She wasn't aware of the winner's name, and her last email to me was very nasty, with the threat of posting bad comments on my blog.
I'll worry about that, if she does, but meanwhile, I thought I might put the warning out in case this person decides to try this on other people. I don't want to post names, but if you suspect you may have been contacted by her, email me, and I'll let you know.
Two different people emailed me, saying that they were the winners.
I had a funny feeling about the first one. She said she had received an email, and I hadn't sent one. I did know that the winner's blog showed she was from the UK, and the address in this email didn't specify a country. Still, people move, and I thought perhaps she got an email from a friend who was letting her know she won. I responded with congratulations, but asked for verification that she was from the UK.
Then about 2 hours later, I recieved an email, from the true winner. The address was right, and the syntax of her writing matched that of her blog, which the first email didn't. I wanted to be sure though, so I set up a test with 2nd person, and verified that she was indeed the winner.
The other person had emailed back by this time, stating she was in South Africa, but still expecting the 'R' pad. I informed her with regrets that there had been a mixup, and unfortunately, I only had one 'R' to give.
I don't know if this was an out and out con, someone hoping I'd send the prize off before the real winner claimed it, or if someone was playing a dirty trick on her. I can't find any comments under her name. She wasn't aware of the winner's name, and her last email to me was very nasty, with the threat of posting bad comments on my blog.
I'll worry about that, if she does, but meanwhile, I thought I might put the warning out in case this person decides to try this on other people. I don't want to post names, but if you suspect you may have been contacted by her, email me, and I'll let you know.
Sorry you're having to deal with this, but thanks for posting the warning. I'm in the middle of writing up a product review and was considering offering a giveaway. Will have to think more on that - too bad since they are cool products too.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't avoid giveaways--I've just started another one myself. But this time, I'm making everyone give me an email. I will email the winner, and then only accept a direct response to it. I'll probably include a 'secret' word or something.
ReplyDeleteI'm truly hoping this was a one time thing.
wow... that is nuts. Thanks for the great warning!
ReplyDelete