While figuring it was a scam, I still took the time to check. My interest was piqued when I had three of the same under the television. You can always use a TV, and the card clearly states “to play, simply pull open all three tabs. If you match three symbols in a row – YOU WIN.”

I matched three in a row, and there’s nothing on there about having to show up to the dealership to find out if you win. If you get three in a row, you win. So, I won.

But it’s never that easy, so I thought I’d call that number on the card to confirm. I called the number, in Albany of all places, and what do you know – the operator also said it was a winner.

Heading to Middlesboro for a baseball game, I stopped at the dealership Monday to find out if I really won. The guy in the suit there said the contest starts Tuesday and I should come back then.

The guy in front of me also had a card and turned around to me. “So, you won a TV, too?”

Another trip to Middlesboro was met with expectations of disappointment, but I thought I had to give it a shot. I walked into the showroom where many people with cards like mine but no televisions or even IPad Pros in sight.

An employee asked if I was there for the contest, and I showed him my card. I knew it was bad when he said we had to walk to the back and check numbers. He said my number didn’t match the number on the wall. I’m guessing that was a common problem that day and all week the contest lasts.

The guy said his name was Joe when I asked, but didn’t want to add a last name when he noticed my reporter notebook.

“So, this is a scam, Joe?”

“No,” he said. “Read the small print, sir. People don’t read the small print.”