Most of us have seen the offers for free NFL jerseys - and many other items such as Apple iPods - in exchange for an email address. Are these offers real or a sham? Can you really get a free NFL jersey in exchange for an email address? The short answer is yes, but the complete answer is a little more complex.

Despite what you may think, these offers are real. You can actually get a free NFL jersey or a free iPod. But these are physical products and they can't be delivered electronically. So don't be surprised when you're asked for your shipping address shortly after you provide your email. It's your decision whether or not you want to provide your mailing address. Providing a home address is a no brainer for most football fans who want a free NFL jersey.

Of course each offer is unique. Generally, you're going to be shown dozens of offers and asked if you have any interest in them. The offers run a broad range from online colleges to information for veterans. You'll start receiving emails as soon as you show interest in any product or service offered. Remember you've already provided your email address.

You may be wondering if you can get around this by providing a false email address. Don't hold your breath for a free NFL jersey if you do this. You must complete certain requirements and show interest in a minimum number of offers before you're sent a free NFL jersey. The offers and requirements vary. However, if messages sent to the email address are returned undeliverable, don't expect to receive a free NFL jersey anytime soon.

An alternative solutions is to use a "throw away" email address especially for free offers. This would be an email address other than your primary email address. There are countless free email services. Yahoo and hotmail are just two places to set up "throwaway" email addresses. As soon as you give your email address, the offers will fill your inbox. Using a "throwaway" email address sends them to an entirely different inbox so you don't even have to read them.

In the final analysis, these "free" offers are legitimate. The avalanche of offers you'll receive is the price you pay for a free NFL jersey. They're betting to make a profit despite giving away a free NFL jersey when you spend money on the other offers.