TOP TIPS
Most advertising meets the rules and the ASA here to get rid of the ones that don't.  There are some things you can do to help you get the best out of advertising.  Here's a list of tips to remember:

1. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
   Most sales promotions, prize draws and competitions are great fun and comply with the codes, giving consumers peace of mind that everything's being run fairly and every one has an equal chance to benefit.  Some aren't so properly organised and others are just scams.  An 'offer' which seems too good to be true almost certainly will be. Don't believe letters, e-mails or text messages telling you you've won prize draws or lotteries you haven't entered.  The promise of a large cash prize may seem tempting, but no-one gives money away for nothing.  If you think a promotion is being run unfairly let us know.
   
   
2. Don't reply to Spam
   E-mail is a great way to keep in touch with friends, organisations and companies. Advertisers use e-mail to keep customers up-to-date with latest ranges and special offers. However, e-mail scams are common and many of them come through unsolicited e-mail sent out to thousands or even millions of recipients. Unless you think it is from a legitimate company that has made a genuine mistake in mailing you, don't respond to spam e-mail messages. Don't even unsubscribe. Sending a reply, even if it's a request to be taken off a database, may confirm your account is active and may encourage the spammer to send more mail. Companies in the UK and EU should have your explicit consent to e-mail you (or send you text messages) if you've never contacted them before.Click here to read our Spam Factsheet in full.
   
   
3. Tick the right boxes
   We've all seen the tick box at the end of a form or piece of direct marketing asking us if we'd like to receive information from the company in future or if they can pass our details to other companies whose products we might be interested in.  Before ticking a box to request further information or marketing material, make sure you are aware of how your data will be used and who it may be passed on to.  Unless you are confident who you are giving it to and how it will be used, don't give away information that is private, financial or personal.
   
   
4. Check the contact details
   Do you send off for things you see advertised in the press? Make sure you keep the advertisers' contact details in case there's any problems such as orders or cheques going astray. The contact details should be outside the coupon you may be required to send off with your order. If you have problems getting goods or refunds you've ordered by post from a press ad, we can help resolve the problem. Click here to make a complaint
   
   
5. Register with the MPS
   If you want to reduce unsolicited mail contact the Mailing Preference Service (MPS). This organisation can have your name removed from unsolicited mailing lists, ensuring that you hear only from companies you've asked to contact you. Remember, however, that direct mail can be useful by, for example, delivering straight to your door detailed information about complex purchase decisions like buying financial services. But if you're sure you want to stop receiving unsolicited direct mail, click here to register with the MPS.
   
   By following this advice and with the knowledge that the ASA is also here to stamp out problem ads, sales promotions and direct marketing, you can continue to enjoy and engage with UK advertising with confidence.