According to information in BBB files, SLP Charities is raffling an RV through Auto Trader and Sam's Club magazines. Multiple callers have informed BBB that upon entering this raffle, they have received a letter indicating they have won anywhere from $20,000 to $29,000 in a 50/50 split-the-pot. The letter instructs winners to complete an enclosed IRS Form W-9, verify their Social Security Number, and provide a copy of their driver's license in order to claim their winnings. When these callers have attempted to contact SLP Charities for additional information regarding this request, the phone numbers provided by the organization ring without answer.
According to the IRS, an organization must report the Social Security Number of any person who wins over $600 in a game of chance. On June 20, 2008, BBB sent a letter to SLP Charities requesting, in part, details regarding the organization's process for safeguarding donors' personal information. To date, BBB has not received the requested information. Therefore, BBB advises donors to carefully consider whether to provide this information to the organization. At a minimum, donors should contact the organization directly to verify how this information will be used, who it might be shared with, and how it will be safeguarded. Additionally, donors should note that the Ohio Attorney General advises that it is not necessary to provide a copy of your driver's license into order to obtain your winnings.
BBB also requested SLP Charities disclose the following information about its raffles: the frequency at which winners are drawn, the odds of winning, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all raffle winners to date. Without the requested information, BBB has been unable to verify that upon returning a completed IRS Form W-9, winners are awarded their prizes.
BBB also requested a list of license numbers (where applicable) for the states in which SLP Charities requests contributions and conducts raffles. Without the requested information, BBB is unable to determine if SLP Charities is properly licensed to solicit for contributions and conduct raffles in the states in which its advertisement appears. BBB recommends that before participating in this raffle, donors should contact their state Attorney General's Office to ensure the organization is properly licensed. Additionally, donors are advised to request a copy of the organization's rules, terms, and conditions regarding the operation of its raffle.
Finally, donors should be advised that they are unable to take a tax-deduction for the amounts paid to participate in raffles and games of chance.