§ 59.1-416 Representation of having won a prize, gift or any item of value
A. No person shall, in connection with the sale or lease or solicitation for the sale or lease of goods, property, or service, represent that another person has won anything of value or is the winner of a contest, unless all of the following conditions are met:
1. The recipient of the prize, gift or item of value shall be given the prize, gift or item of value without obligation; and
2. The prize, gift or item of value shall be delivered to the recipient at no expense to him, within ten days of the representation.
B. The use of language that may lead a reasonable person to believe he has won a contest or anything of value, including, but not limited to, “Congratulations,” or “You have won,” or “You are the winner of,” shall be considered a representation of the type governed by this section.
History
This law was first created in 1989. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 689 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1989 “Acts” aren’t available online.
1989, c. 689.