The Taco Bell ad says theres a winner every 15 minutes, but dozens of would-be winners across the country said theyve been cheated.
Enter the code and see if youre an instant winner, the ad tells viewers, saying those who enter could win the new PlayStation Vita instantly.
Gamer William Schroeder of Lodi was one of the many who thought he was a winner.
The Taco Bell website told him Congratulations, you won.
No really, were not kidding, he said, a message consistent with what other would-be winners reported.
I was excited, Ive never won anything like that, he said.
But two weeks later, he got an email claiming he was not a valid winner, but without any explanation, he said.
Its ridiculous, he said, shaking his head.
CBS13 has been in contact with dozens of people from across the country since Feb. 14 who insist they too won PS Vitas only to later get the same rejection email.
Its absolutely foul what theyre doing to me and the rest of these people who are getting screwed, Schroeder said.
Taco Bell told CBS13 someone tampered with their contest creating too many winners and said those who followed the rules may not get their prizes.
Asked if these legitimate winners are guaranteed prizes, a Taco Bell representative said, They are not.
They will get a second chance [in a new drawing Taco Bell will create], the company spokesperson added.
