USPS Adopts Sweeps Rules
The U.S. Postal Service has imposed new mailing eligibility rules that it has adopted to implement the Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act (DMPEA).
The rules are almost identical to the provisions of the DMPEA.
Both prohibit sweepstakes solicitations from implying that they are from a government agency by using any name, series of letters, seals or insignia unless clearly and conspicuously stated that the mailer and its contents are not government- related.
Solicitations containing facsimile checks are prohibited unless it is clearly indicated on those checks that they are “not a negotiable instrument” and have no cash value.
Mailers of sweepstakes and contest offers are required to include the following: the mailer’s name, address and contact information (either mail or toll-free telephone number); clearly understood contest rules; the number of anticipated entrants; the odds of winning; how winners are selected, by whom and their qualifications; the quantity, value and nature of the prize; and a payment schedule of any monetary prize.
Under the new rules, sweepstakes and contest operators are also required to maintain a “do-not-mail” list.
