Contest collusion is a term used in conjunction with scams or fraudulent promotions or promotion activity. Here is the definition of collusion.

Contest collusion by a brand could occur if a contest is rigged by a sponsor so that winners are selected based on something other than actual entry criteria. Other examples might include not selecting a winner at random, or allowing people to enter and win who either work for or are related to people who work for the promotion sponsor.

Contest collusion is not limited to brands though. Consumer contest collusion could also occur if a consumer, or group of consumers, enter into a sweepstakes fraudulently, or if they pay for votes or trade votes in contests where voting determines winners.

These fraudulent types of promotions and promotion activity are out there. Brands and consumers need to exercise caution to not participate in collusion, or even the perception of collusion, or they could risk legal action with fines and loss of reputation.

If you are a consumer, it is always a good idea to check out any promotion before you enter, or confirm any email or phone call from anyone saying you won something. The best way to be sure that a contest or sweepstakes is legitimate is to look for Official Rules with clear entry requirements and a listing of the promotion sponsor and administrator, and then contact the sponsor or administrator if the Rules do not immediately answer your question. Then make sure you comply with promotion rules and do not cheat! If you see someone else cheating, let the sponsor or promotion administrator know.

If you are a brand, having a promotion marketing expert, like Marden-Kane, help you run your contest or sweepstakes is essential to maintaining a collusion free contest or sweepstakes. Marden-Kane is a reputable promotion administrator that has run legal contests, sweepstakes, loyalty programs, and other promotions for 60 years. We do not participate in any contest collusion, and we strive to eliminate all fraudulent entries and votes by consumers working together to try to cheat the system. Contact us for more information on avoiding collusion, and to help plan your next legal promotion.

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