I didn't realize this until one of the sponsors of one of the sweeps posted something yesterday (and then I checked mine and saw that I missed out on a $50 gift card win in October because of my ignorance    ).

If you get a direct message on Facebook from a non-friend or business account (like a sweep sponsor), it doesn't alert of those in the messages alert along the top of your screen next to notifications. It doesn't alert anything anywhere.

If you go into messages, on the left side of the screen indented a little is the word "Other". Messages from businesses or people you don't know end up in Other.

Fortunately, most sponsors use email, but if you enter a FB sweep that mentions sending a FB direct message to the winners, you might want to check Other so you don't miss out too.

Thanks for the head's up!

Wow!!!!  I've been on Facebook FOREVER and never knew to look there!!!!!  Thanks so much!  Now I'm scared to check!!!!!

Thank you for the heads up.  I had about 20 messages there, did not even know about it.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Thanks for posting this - more info I can use, thankfully I didn't miss anything