They are legitimate....usually.I've gotten 95% of rebates that I have submitted in the past years.I make sure to photocopy EVERYTHING that I send-the form,the receipt,UPC,etc.and I write the date that I mailed the rebate on the form.

Rebates have to be postmarked before a certain date,but it is YOUR responsibility to to that.You are also given a time frame in which you should receive the rebate.If you don't receive it in that time frame, it's up to you to contact the clearinghouse to find out if the rebate has been mailed.

Sometimes (Amazon.com is good for this) you'll be given a bs reason for the rebate being denied.I've had rebates denied because they claim the item was purchased after the date on the form, which is incorrect, as my receipt shows.I contact them,send them whatever they ask for and get the money that I am due.

Rebates are wonderful, but it's up to you to keep on track of whether they've been received by you or not.