real vs. 'fake' personal information?

[bluechicken]

When giving out information for samples and such I use a different name and birthday than my own. I'm over 18, so I don't see why it makes a difference if I give them my real birthday or a fake one. This also insures that I know if mail comes from something I signed up for or if it is because they got it from the phone book or such. I also know if they happen to call (which they haven't) and use my 'fake' name, it would be a dead giveaway. That name is also attached to my junk email. When it come to sweepstakes would giving out my fake name and birthday void my entry? Should I use my real name and real birthday? I'm assuming I should use the real info, but that means giving out to the site when I sign up for their site. I'd rather not. Hope this doesn't mean I can't sign up for them. Hmm.

[TheWoman]

I would think with a sweepstakes you need to keep the information real. Otherwise, how could you prove you are the person who entered?

[lmcconne]

I almost never give my real birthdate. Let's just say they all think my birthday is very foolish.

[aaahchuu]

I think it depends on the amount of the prize & the IRS.

[couponfanatic]

I don;t sogn up for anything big enough to get teh iRS involved. Just not a big sweepstakes-er. But for samples and signups, I had been using a "fake" name, and only one intial in the First Name field. Then I heard a good idea here- Now I use Valued Customer in the name fields.

[gina11581]

I think the sweepstakes are bogus = I never give my real data.

[wealthybarney]

I just won a prize worth $650. They wanted a photocopy of the Driver's License that has the real Birthday-we couldn't have received the prize otherwise.
If you give the WRONG birthdate & info, it does INDEED DISQUALIFY you.

Sorry, but that is part of the cost of sweepstaking-you run the risk of identity theft. That is why we belong to PPL(pre-paid legal) a company that monitors your credit report for any unusual activity.

The Sweepstakes also send an "affy" which is an affidavit-sometimes needing a notary public, it also says they can use your likeness, city & state & name without further compensation.

Contrary to popular belief EVERY sweepstakes win is "Taxable". The $599 & less rule is for gambling winnings ONLY & doesn't apply to the IRS.