Anyone get this from Don Jagoda Associates..

Got a letter from this company (according to the internet they seem to be a legitimate sweepstakes company, there doesn't seem to be any negative feedback) in an Express Mail Envelope, they need to receive it back by Nov. 19 with your information notorized but the so called Princess cruise that you are a finalist in winning (note that you are NOT declared winner yet, yet they want your social sec. number for tax purposes!!), has to be taken by Nov. 30, 2007 difficult to do as you have to book it 45 days ahead, the letter was written only Nov. 9 and just arrived today on the 13th!! Friend of mine who's well versed in sweepstakes tells me to send it back, regular mail, unnotarized, if you DID win, they'll get in touch, but if not, they won't. There are so many flags on this, why even send this out-a friend thinks that if you send it in, you're liable for cancellation fees, or maybe they want to get your ss#!!!

I won't do it but maybe we should all call them 800 872 8893 and find out what's up, (and if someone does, please post your findings.)

Too bad, if they ARE a legitimate company, because now I'll always be suspicious if I see that they are involved with a contest

They are a legit company, i would call them, sounds like a win to me. Any prize over $600 they need the SSAN for tax purposes, the date on when you have to take the cruise by is probably an error and should read 2008.

Bill

Yep I've won stuff from Don Jagoda before.. Did you enter a sweeps with a cruise as a prize? Did the letter say WHAT sweepstakes it was from?

Don Jagoda is a legit company. Did you enter for this prize?

Originally Posted by MookieJ Yep I've won stuff from Don Jagoda before.. Did you enter a sweeps with a cruise as a prize? Did the letter say WHAT sweepstakes it was from?

Yep...the letter should tell you exactly what sweep itis from. Then, you can check the expired sweeps listed here to see if you can find more info on it.

Don Jagoda is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected sweepstakes companies out there - a totally legit operation in every sense. If you entered for a sweep with a cruise, it sure sounds like you've won it and I'd be doing the happy dance right now and taking that affy in for notarizing ASAP and sending it back via Fedex to make sure they get it in time.

Make a copy for your records of everything you send away, and if there is a fax number as well, you may want to fax AND mail.

I just received a win from Don Jagoda a minute ago. The address on the box is

717 East Union Street
Pasadena, CA 91101

Maybe this will help, if your Don Jagoda address is the same.

I won from them before. I can't remember what though. Good Luck!

Maybe the November 30,2007 date was a typo on their part. If not I would ask for an extension.

but is it normal for one to be told they are a "finalist" for the grand prize instead of just the prize winner (I wish I could scan the letter) but it's probably not allowed here !!

vagationgiveaway6.com-and I probably did enter, but don't remember as I (unfortunately enter a lot!!), the restrictions though sound like the ones you get on certificates you get from timeshare presentations. It actually says "potential" Grand Prize winner.

vacationgiveaway6.com

rules are a pop-up

here is the OLS listing:
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/sweeps/151165/

Ensemble Travel Group - Princess Cruises Sweepstakes premium

1x per person | home page | newsletter / short survey | 2 notes · · link

Prize: 7-day Princess Cruise to the Caribbean in Fall 2007 [no transportation to port] (ARV $2,000).

Comments: Rules at bottom of entry page are for the wrong sweepstakes.

official rules · archive | Open to residents of the U.S. 21+

expires Saturday, June 30, 2007 @ 11:59pm ETStarted 5/10/07 - Submitted 6/15/07

Search Relevancy Score: 10.35

Click on archived rules to access them. Looks legit...although airfare is not included.
Congrats

Every big win I've won has had some vagueness about it. The "finalist" part of the letter gets them out of legally having to award the prize to you in the event you somehow violated the rules in entering. I've been a "finalist," a "potential winner" and other things. When you have submitted your paperwork, and they have run everything past their lawyers....then they will tell you you won.

The rules say the drawing will be held on July 15th and the winner notified within 3 days after the drawing. So maybe someone had to decline or didn't respond in time or something.

Originally Posted by evagoblin but is it normal for one to be told they are a "finalist" for the grand prize instead of just the prize winner (I wish I could scan the letter) but it's probably not allowed here !!

you are a "finalist" until they determine if you qualify for the win via the rules that were given at entry. Like, age, location, etc. Once they determine you qualify they will then say you are the prize winner.

congrats!