No, you haven't really won a free iPod

Story Published: Apr 22, 2008 at 9:54 AM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

Free is a good price. So when you get an e-mail that says, "Congratulations, you've won an iPod or get a free computer, or $500 gift card," you're going to pay attention.

Complaints have been pouring in about this misleading spam. The fact is you didn't win anything and you aren't getting anything for free.

"You could not get the big prize without spending money," said Stephen Cohen with the Federal Trade Commission

These "free" pitches are often very costly.

"So they would have to purchase a satellite television system. They would have to take out a car loan," Cohen said. "In addition to having to spend money a number of the programs required consumer to apply for credit cards."

Cohen says there's another reason for sending out this spam: to snag e-mail addresses -- yours or your friends - because it's valuable.

"Then the e-mail address can be sold or they can use it to send you more advertising."

For More Information:

Online Advertiser Settles FTC Charges. "Free" Products Weren't.

Prize Offers: You don't have to pay to play

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