Safe Comping Tips: How To Avoid Scams And Enter Competitions Securely

Author: Nick Gandy

Posted: Tuesday 29th July 2025

Comping, the hobby of entering competitions, is fun and often rewarding. Thousands of people across the UK regularly enter free competitions and prize draws in the hope of winning anything from food hampers to holidays, tech gadgets to cash. While most competitions are completely legitimate and run by trusted brands, it’s more important than ever to be cautious, especially during a time when so many people are looking for ways to make ends meet.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, comping can feel like a welcome escape or even a chance to ease the pressure with a lucky win. But it also means scammers are targeting people who may be more vulnerable or tempted to take risks. This guide will help you comp smartly and safely, without putting yourself, or your finances, at risk.

1. Spotting a Genuine Competition

Not all giveaways are created equal and here's what to look for in a trustworthy comp:

• Run by a recognised company or brand - If you’ve heard of them or can find a proper website, that’s a good sign.
• Hosted on official platforms - Competitions from reputable websites, magazines or verified social media accounts are typically safe.
• Clear terms and conditions - Genuine competitions will tell you how to enter, who’s eligible, when it closes, and how the winner is chosen.
• Completely free to enter - You should never be asked to pay a fee to enter, unless it's a raffle-type draw, or to claim a prize.

2. Avoiding Common Scams

Scammers use fake competitions to get your personal data, install malware, or worse, steal your money. Watch out for:

• Unbelievable prizes - If it sounds too good to be true (like winning a car by simply clicking a link), be sceptical.
• Unexpected "you’ve won" messages - If you don’t recall entering a competition, or the congratulations email looks suspicious, chances are you didn’t win it.
• Fake accounts on social media - Look out for the blue verification tick, check the spelling of the page name, and see how long it’s been active.
• Urgent messages demanding action - Be suspicious of anything that pressures you to act quickly or provide details on the spot, although some winning notifications will require a response within a few days.

3. Don't Use Credit Cards to Enter Competitions

With rising costs putting pressure on household budgets, it can be tempting to take a chance on a prize draw that asks for a small payment. But the golden rule is that you should never need to use your credit or debit card to enter a competition. Legitimate free competitions will never ask for card details.

Be cautious of "£1 to enter" scams as these may lead to ongoing subscription charges hidden in the small print.

Avoid gambling-style prize draws that charge per entry unless you're completely comfortable with the odds and costs and can afford to lose. We do list some of these, but please be aware of the costs involved.

Especially during a cost of living crisis and rising costs, it's not worth taking financial risks for a prize you might win. If you’re using a credit card to enter competitions, stop and ask yourself if it's worth the potential interest or debt. Free comps are everywhere, there’s no need to spend to win.

4. Protecting Your Personal Information

You’ll usually need to provide some basic details to enter competitions such as your name, email, and sometimes address, but protect your information by:

• Avoiding sites that ask for sensitive data - You should never need to give your bank account, passport number, or National Insurance number to enter a prize draw.
• Using a dedicated email address for comping - Keeps your main inbox clean and helps identify spam or phishing emails.
• Reading the privacy policy - Trustworthy promoters will explain how your data will be used and whether it’s being passed on to others.

5. Comping Safely on Social Media

Social media competitions are fast, fun, and often easy to enter, but they can come with risks:

• Fake prize notifications - Scammers may tag you in fake comments saying you’ve won. Check the official page before responding.
• Don’t overshare - Avoid posting personal info like your home address or full name publicly.
• Watch for duplicate accounts - Always check you're dealing with the real brand or page, not a lookalike.

6. Use Trusted Competition Listings

Sites like CompetitionsToday.co.uk make comping safer by listing carefully checked and verified competitions that they would be happy entering themselves. When using these:

• Stick to well-known promoters.
• Avoid low-quality giveaways that require multiple marketing opt-ins.
• Don't rush as quality beats quantity - Entering fewer, genuine comps, especially skill-based ones, is safer and often more rewarding.

7. Winning and Staying Safe

If you’re lucky enough to win:

• Be cautious with prize notifications - Double-check that the message matches the competition you entered.
• Never pay to receive a prize as real wins are always free.
• Ask for confirmation - If you’re unsure, contact the promoter directly using the details on their official site.

Final Thoughts

Comping should be fun, exciting, and free. In challenging times, it’s no surprise that more people are turning to competitions in hopes of winning something useful or even life-changing prizes. But don’t let desperation lead to risky choices.

Never give your card details, don’t pay to win, and avoid anything that seems off. Stick with trusted sources, keep your details safe, and most importantly, enjoy the hobby for what it is, a bit of light-hearted luck.