Ebates Inc. Social Media Platform Sweepstakes Rules

No Purchase Necessary.  A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

1. GENERAL RULES. The following rules apply generally to Ebates Inc. (“Ebates”) Sweepstakes announced on social media platforms, to which these rules are linked.  Because Ebates runs a wide variety of Sweepstakes, at times some rules may not be applicable and/or additional rules may apply.  In such cases, where such changes are not noted in these rules, changes will be announced via the specific social media platform announcement (“Platform Announcement”) or in separate written rules attached to these rules.  In some cases, the Platform Announcement may direct users to a website location for additional rules pertaining to the specific Sweepstakes.
2. SWEEPSTAKES DATES. Sweepstakes begin on the date and time the Platform Announcement is posted on the specific social media platform.  If the start date of the Sweepstakes differs from the date the Platform Announcement is posted, the correct date will be otherwise announced in the Platform Announcement.  End dates and times will be announced via the Platform Announcement.  All entries must be received by the end date and time to be eligible to win.
3. SPONSOR: The Sweepstakes are sponsored by Ebates Inc., 160 Spear Street, 19^th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 (“Sponsor” or “Ebates”).  Additional sponsors, if any, will be announced via the Platform Announcement.
4. ELIGIBILITY: Sweepstakes are open to residents of the 50 United States who are lawful U.S. residents and are 18 years of age or older or the age of majority, whichever is older at the start of the Sweepstakes, and a registered account holder with Ebates (“Entrants”).  Employees of Ebates, its advertising and promotion agencies, and any other entities participating in the design, promotion, marketing, administration or fulfillment of any Ebates Sweepstakes, as well as each parent corporation, subsidiary and affiliated company (collectively, “Sweepstakes Entities“), and their immediate families are ineligible to participate in this Sweepstakes. Void in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, all other U.S. territories and possessions, and wherever else restricted or prohibited by law. Entrants’ rights and responsibilities may vary by jurisdiction.
5. MANDATORY SOCIAL MEDIA DISCLOSURE. All Sweepstakes are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media platform.  Entrants are providing their information to Sponsor and not to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or the referenced social media platform.  The information Entrants provide will only be used for administering the specific sweepstakes and for marketing purposes in accordance with Sponsor’s privacy policy, located at http://www.rakuten.com/privacy.
6. HOW TO ENTER. Entrants must be a registered Ebates account holder, which is free.  Go to http://www.rakuten.com/ and join independently following the instructions to create an account.  Entrants will be required to agree to and comply with the Ebates Terms of Use and Privacy Policy to create an account, and at all times during the specific Sweepstakes, Entrant’s account must be active and in good standing.  All electronic entries must be received by the end dates and times that are announced via the Platform Announcement.

Using non-private accounts only, there are four (4) promotion types:

Twitter:  To participate, Entrants must have or create a non-private Twitter account (“Twitter Account”), which is free.  If Entrants already have a Twitter Account, Entrants will have to sign in to their accounts.  If Entrants are not existing members of Twitter, Entrants will be required to follow the directions to join Twitter.  When Entrants join Twitter, Entrants agree to the Twitter Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.  Membership to Twitter.com is free.  Using Twitter, during the specific Sweepstakes, Entrants must follow Ebates. Ebates will provide specific instructions on how to enter via the Platform Announcement. For example, Ebates may post a question on Twitter and ask followers to answer the question, possibly using a designated hashtag that includes the word “sweepstakes” or “contest” in the answer. Ebates may request an Entrant retweet the post.

Instagram: To participate, Entrants must have or create a non-private Instagram account (“Instagram Account”).  If Entrants already have an Instagram Account, Entrants will have to sign in to their accounts.  If Entrants are not existing members of Instagram, Entrants will be required to follow the directions to join Instagram.  When Entrants join Instagram, Entrants agree to the Instagram Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.  Membership to Instagram.com is free.  Using Instagram, during the specific Sweepstakes, Entrants must follow Ebates.  Ebates will provide instructions on how to enter via the Platform Announcement.  For example, Ebates may post a picture on Instagram and request Entrants “like,” “tag,” or “regram” the image; or Ebates may request Entrants to post picture(s) on their Instagram Account using a designated hashtag that includes the word “sweepstakes” or “contest.”

Facebook: To participate, Entrants must have or create a non-private Facebook account (“Facebook Account”).  If Entrants already have a Facebook Account, Entrants will have to sign in to their accounts.  If Entrants are not existing members of Facebook, Entrants will be required to follow the directions to join Facebook.  When Entrants join Facebook, Entrants agree to the Facebook Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.  Membership to Facebook.com is free.  During the specific Sweepstakes, Ebates will provide instructions on how to enter via the Platform Announcement.  For instance, Ebates may post a picture or comment on Facebook and ask Entrants to post follow-up comments regarding the posted picture, or to “like” the picture.  Ebates will never ask Entrants to tag their friends or post something on their or another Entrant’s wall. Entrants may be asked to use a designated hashtag that includes the word “sweepstakes” or “contest.”

Pinterest: To participate, Entrants must have or create a non-private Pinterest account (“Pinterest Account”).  If Entrants already have a Pinterest Account, Entrants will have to sign in to their account.  If Entrants are not existing members of Pinterest, Entrants will be required to follow the directions to join Pinterest.  When Entrants join Pinterest, Entrants agree to the Pinterest Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.  Membership to Pinterest.com is free.  Using Pinterest, during the specific Sweepstakes, Entrants must follow Ebates.  Ebates will provide instructions on how to enter via the Platform Announcement.   Entrants may be asked to create a board and name it according the Platform Announcement.  Ebates may suggest items for Entrants to pin on their  boards.  Entrants may be asked to designate each pin hashtag that includes the term “sweepstakes” or “contest”.

No negative comments or posts, please. 

Incomplete, misdirected, postage-due, garbled, corrupted or otherwise illegible entries are void and will not be accepted.  Entrants discovered entering under several names or in any way attempting to tamper with the fair play of the specific Sweepstakes will be disqualified.  Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify false entries or entries suspected of being false.  Entries generated by a script, macro or other automated means will be disqualified.  In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a Sweepstakes Entrant, the Entrant will be deemed to be the person in whose name the Ebates account is registered.  In the event a dispute regarding the identity of the individual who actually submitted an entry cannot be resolved to Sponsor’s satisfaction, the affected entry will be deemed ineligible.

7. SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF WINNER. All eligible entries received during the specific Sweepstakes will be entered into a random drawing.  A random drawing by a representative of Sponsor will be held on or about the last business day of each month (“Drawing Date”) to determine one (1) potential prize winner (“Winner”). Winner will be notified via private message through the social media platform. Winner will be required to respond (as directed) within [48] hours of attempted notification.  The failure to respond timely to the notification may result in forfeiture of the prize and, in such case, Sponsor may randomly select an alternate chosen Entrant from among the remaining eligible entries.  In no event will Sponsor reserve Prizes for any Winner that does not respond timely to the notification and in no event is Sponsor required to contact Winner more than once.  Winner may be sent a declaration of eligibility / liability / publicity release (“Release”), which must be completed and returned to Sponsor in the manner specified by Sponsor at the time Winner is notified.  If Winner does not return Release within [48] hours of receipt, Winner forfeits prize and a new Winner will be chosen from among all remaining eligible entries.  Winner allows Sponsor to use their name and likeness for marketing purposes, unless prohibited by law.  In some cases, Winner may also be required to provide name, Social Security or ID Number (for tax form purposes), birth date, current address and phone number.  An alternate Winner may be randomly selected from among the remaining eligible entries if a Winner:  (i) cannot be reached; (ii) fails respond with the required information in a timely manner as required in these Official Rules; or (iii) cannot accept or receive the Prize for any reason.  All Sweepstakes entries are subject to verification prior to awarding of any prize.  Eligibility and any and all other claims shall be subject to verification prior to the actual awarding of a prize.
8. PRIZE. The prize and the approximate retail value of the prize will be announced via the Platform Announcement for each specific Sweepstakes.
9. ODDS. Odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible entries received.
10. PRIZE CONDITIONS: ALL WINNERS ARE POTENTIAL WINNERS UNTIL SPONSOR DETERMINES ELIGIBILITY STATUS. Except where prohibited, Winner may be required to execute an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release and a Publicity Release, and a Tax Acceptance Form (“Affidavit/Release“).  If the prize is a mobile phone and the Winner is under 19 years of age and is a resident of the State of Alabama, or Nebraska, then the parent or legal guardian of such Winner also must sign any documents required herein.  If the grand prize is a mobile phone and the Winner is under 21 years of age and is a resident of the State of Mississippi or Pennsylvania, then the parent or legal guardian of such Winner also must sign any documents required herein.  Such documents must be signed and returned by the date and/or time indicated within such documents.  If the potential Grand Prize Winner fails to sign and return such documents within that time, or if an entrant is found to be ineligible, or if an entrant does not comply with the Official Rules, then the Winner will be disqualified and an alternate Winner will be selected.  Winner waives the right to assert as a cost of winning a prize any and all costs of verification and redemption to redeem said prize and any liability which might arise from redeeming or seeking to redeem said prize.  Sponsor is not responsible for fraudulent calls or emails made to entrants not by the Sponsor.  All federal, state or other tax liabilities (including income taxes) arising from this Sweepstakes will be the sole responsibility of each winner.  Except where prohibited by law, the Winner’s entry and acceptance of the prize constitutes permission for Sponsor and/or any Sweepstakes Entities to use said winner’s name, and in some cases, his or her photograph, likeness, statements, biographical information, voice, and city and state address for Sweepstakes or advertising purposes in connection with Ebates.com or Sponsor’s properties generally.  All entries are subject to verification prior to awarding of prizes.  Eligibility, age, and claims made by the Selected also are subject to verification prior to awarding of prizes.
11. SWEEPSTAKES CONDITIONS: VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws of the United States. By participating, Entrants agree to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and waive any right to claim ambiguity in the specific Sweepstakes or these Official Rules.  Winner and Entrants also agree to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor(s) and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents from and against any claims, damages, disability, attorneys’ fees, and costs of litigation and settlement, as well as any liability due to any injuries, damages or losses to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from (i) redemption, acceptance, possession, ownership, misuse or use of any prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity or participation in specific Sweepstakes, or (ii) printing, distribution or production errors. Sponsor or its affiliates may rescind any Sweepstakes found to contain such errors without liability at its sole discretion.  Sponsor makes no warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the use of any prize, including, without limitation, quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose (Unless sponsor provides the prize Winner with written warranties).  Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any additional expenses, omissions, delays or acts of any government or authority.
12. RESTRICTIONS: The prize consists of only those items specifically described as part of the Platform Announcement for the specific Sweepstakes. Sponsor may at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion provide different prizes of equal or greater value.  Sponsor shall not be liable to any Winner or any person claiming through such Winner for failure to supply the prize or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulations(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, threatened terrorist acts, terrorist acts, air raid, blackout, act of public enemy, earthquake, war (declared or undeclared), fire, flood, epidemic, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal) labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other cause beyond Sponsor’s sole control.
13. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Sponsor is not responsible for: (1) lost, late, misdirected, undeliverable or incomplete entries due to system errors or failures, or faulty transmissions or other telecommunications malfunctions and/or entries; (2) technical failures of any kinds; (3) failures of any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes; (4) unauthorized human and/or mechanical intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstakes; (5) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (6) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the specific Sweepstakes or receipt or use of any prize. If for any reason an Entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, Entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Sweepstakes.  Sponsor may prohibit an Entrant from participating in the specific Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said Entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor’s representatives.  If for any reason the specific Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including, but not limited to, infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, or any other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the specific Sweepstakes, then Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend all or any part of the specific Sweepstakes and to select a potential winner from among all eligible entries received by Sponsor up until the time of such cancellation, termination, modification or suspension, as applicable.  Any attempt by an Entrant to deliberately damage the website for undermine the legitimate operation of the specific Sweepstakes may be in violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek civil and/or criminal prosecution and damages (Including attorneys’ fees) from any such entrant to the fullest extent of the law.
14. DISPUTES. Disputes regarding these Official Rules and/or Sweepstakes will be governed by the internal laws of the State of California. By entering, you consent to jurisdiction in the federal and state courts of California for the resolution of any and all disputes.
15. PRIVACY: Entrants may be contacted through private message through the social media platform and/or by email.  Email addresses may be stored and Entrants may receive email correspondence from, or on behalf of Sponsor subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy.  Sponsor uses commercially reasonable efforts to comply with Federal CAN-SPAM guidelines, and Entrants may subsequently opt-out of receiving further emails by following the opt-out instructions contained in the email.  Any questions regarding privacy matters should be directed to the address set out below. Please refer to Sponsor’s privacy policy located at http://www.rakuten.com/privacy for important information regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by Sponsor.
16. WINNER(S) LIST: For the name of the prize Winner(s), log onto http://www.rakuten.com/blog/ebates-winners-circle/. Winners list becomes available after completion of the specific Sweepstakes.