ABC duped by Powerball lottery winner hoaxPrevious TopicNext Topic

I'm not seeing the problem here. So he told everyone that he won. So what? Did he hurt anyone? Did he promise anyone the good life? Did he buy a hummer get drunk and almost killed anyone? NO!

He threw egg in the face of the media and gave lunch to some people. HA HA HAHAHA. It wasn't gut busting funny....but it's funny just the same. I'm sure he didn't tell his wife that he won and got her hopes up.

Like someone said before.....No on got hurt. That's the main thing. ITS NOT A BIG DEAL.

Greetings all, first time poster in this forum.  I'm happy to see that most of the people here have a good sense of humor about this hoax, and also can see that there is a larger message about the gullibility of the media.  The man who orchestrated the stunt is no stranger to the game. 

Alan Abel ( www.alanabel.com ) has been pulling the wool over the media's eyes for over 40 years.  There was a great segment about him on 20/20 recently that quoted him as saying that with his hoaxes, he likes to give people a "kick in the intellect" ( http://i.abcnews.com/2020/Entertainment/story?id=1528377 ).  I first learned about Abel when I had the fortune of seeing a fantastic and funny documetary about him last year called "Abel Raises Cain" that chronicled his pranking career ( www.abelraisescain.com ).  Not only was it hillarious and entertaining, but it gave a different perspective on how the media has evolved over the last few decades. 

Some people have said that we live in a nation of sheep who tend to believe everything they see, read, or hear.  I think it's important to have someone like Abel who can make us aware of our own gullibility, and who can make us laugh at the same time.

Assuming that you believe in the whole odds "theory." Nonetheless they would not be considered morons had thay won, and instead of wasting so much time trying to convince others they have. I'll take 2,000 over just a few tickets, or even hundreds any day, instead of wasting it all like they did. Whether they get it back or not, it was all still a waste of time and they are attention whores.

The whole prank just goes to show how winners should be able to remain anonymous...

I guess it will take a kidnapping or murder to get the states and the multistate games on board with what Delaware already offers... as long as uncle sam gets their cut, THEY don't care about "exposing" the winner. Who cares who it was if it wasn't you? The oil companies have raped the economy since the Katrina disaster orders of magnitude more money than ALL of the lottery jackpot winners' prize money in the history of the lottery COMBINED would total... to me, THAT is the news I want to see... Once I checked my tickets and they posted that it was hit (and I know I didn't hit it), my involvement with that draw and jackpot is over (save for adding the draw data to excel).

If I win I plan on signing the ticket and applying for a concealed weapon permit and buy a pair of Glock 45mm sidearms and a case of shells before ever cashing the ticket in... If forced into a press conference I plan on letting that little tidbit get printed. (lol, now you will know when I win... "that's the psycho with the guns"... or "claimed anonymously by a trust in PA"... )

bottom line, don't hate the pranksters, hate the idiot media who makes "exposing" the winner such a high priority.

Thanks for the information!

Well written and informative post!

One would think that media folks would have done some research!

Ha!  And can we not be gullible too! 

If I win I plan on signing the ticket and applying for a pair of Glock 45mm sidearms and a case of shells before ever cashing the ticket in...

What is the largest size weapon a concealed carry license in Pensylvania allows?  Most states limit the size to a .45 caliber; keeps the average novice from destroying several neighborhood blocks with each round. 

What does a Glock 45mm look like? Is it a revolver or a semi-automatic? Does it come with a compensated barrel?  What is the retail cost of one?  How many 45mm shells come in a case?  What is the cost of a 45mm shell?  I'd be interested in the model number. Also the name of the company that sells the concealable holster for it.

Oh, by the way, you do realize a 45mm shell would be about 12 inches don't you?

"We spent a lot of money buying people's lunches. They had a thrill. . . . Nobody got hurt," he said. "It's kind of like a magic trick - a magician lies to you." 

The only person it might have hurt was the real winner and the anxiety created if he is currently getting his affairs together and forming a Trust or LLC. How would you like to turn on the tv and see somebody claiming your money? I think after getting all that money, however, he'll get over it!  I just hope there wasn't somebody stupid enough to throw away a winning ticket without checking the numbers first. I mean, it could happen, although I assume most people check their numbers just in case they win the lower tier prizes.

Regarding whether or not it should be a crime, I don't like the media, so I can't be a hypocrite.  They are always jumping the gun to get to the story and it's such a competition.  Remember when James Brady was shot and they reported he was dead? You'd think responsible people would verify their sources more carefully. The only thing I don't understand is how any reputable reporter would believe someone without confirming his story and just buy into all the hype. Winning tickets need to be validated , right?  

The reason I can't point fingers is that, when James Frey duped Oprah, I wrote an email to a friend and said I wish I'd thought of that! I am a very honest person, but if I could write a book and sell a million copies, I wouldn't mind embellishing a little and throwing in a few "stories" to make it more colorful. If you think about it..nobody really got hurt spending a few bucks for a book.  It's not like scamming someone by saying she won the lottery and asking for $5,000 or lying about a used car.  On the other hand, I think these guys should spend a little time in jail for fraud to discourage future would-be pranksters.

HAPPY FRIDAY......""

I don't hate pranksters,  but I enjoyed your posting, especially the part where  you write:

'If I win I plan on signing the ticket and applying for a concealed weapon permit and buy a pair of Glock 45mm sidearms and a case of shells before ever cashing the ticket in... If forced into a press conference I plan on letting that little tidbit get printed. (lol, now you will know when I win... "that's the psycho with the guns"... '

Now that's funny....why do you need so much drama on you??....If you live in Maryland or the Nations Capital, no one can force you into a News Conference....but I liked your posting, it's humorous........

HAPPY FRIDAY...2/24/2006

While I do have a great sense of humor, my feelings about the hoax are really indifferent. Simply because there are so many  Lottery scams/hoaxs being perpetrated by very clever people, recorded in the Lottery news for our information....I enjoy seeing the "Third Estate" being hung out to dry,  but the principle of the issue, of the hoax is what bothers me, because someone is always coming up w/some clever way to shaft people, and most often very negatively.

HAPPY FRIDAY "CHEWIE"...2/24/2006

lololololol..... will never ever waste money on a body guard, not after he purchases that hummer......and we know I don't mean the car........lolooololoo

HAPPY FRIDAY "JUST"

Speaking of Oprah & that book scam........she was " ""  hot about that, and displayed it on her program w/him. She even invited the Book Publisher/Editor and tried to get her to take some of the responsibility for the scam.....lololololol......personally, I don't think it's such a good idea to scam or prank anybody thru any medium.  There is a 'principle' involved that should be respected, and accepting these antics, simply encourages people to explore more elaborate and sinister pranks or scams to get attention. I have a great sense of humor, but I do respect the prinicple involved.

 "I think these guys should spend a little time in jail for fraud to discourage future would-be pranksters"

If all pranksters and hoaxers were put in jail for "fraud", then we would see the likes of Ashton Kucher, Tom Green, and Jamie Kennedy behind bars.  On second thought, maybe that's a good idea.

These guys never actually tried to claim the prize money.  THAT would be fruadulant.  They were just using the media as a conduit...just like the media uses certain people (victims of crimes, etc.) to get ratings.  The press that fell for the hoax got what they deserved, IMO. 

 BTW, there's a great acticle about all this here:

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060224/LIFE01/602240331&lead=1

...the deception that these hoaxers perpetrate in order to have a little fun, is no different than what politicians and corporate officials do every day for profit and personal gain.

Libra926 wrote: "Speaking of Oprah & that book scam........she was " ""  hot about that, and displayed it on her program w/him. She even invited the Book Publisher/Editor and tried to get her to take some of the responsibility for the scam.....lololololol......personally, I don't think it's such a good idea to scam or prank anybody thru any medium.  There is a 'principle' involved that should be respected, and accepting these antics, simply encourages people to explore more elaborate and sinister pranks or scams to get attention. I have a great sense of humor, but I do respect the prinicple involved."

Oprah was smart to take blame and keep her integrity. All the news reporters were applauding her and saying that politicians should follow her honest & upfront behavior. Still, the guy was very smart and knew he'd sell more books by exaggerating. It was no big deal IMHO.  Anyone who knows me realizes that humor to me is like oxygen. I can't live without it. However, I do agree about "principle" (to a point) which is why I suggested that perhaps they should spend a little time in jail. I also agree that pranks can be sinister and hurt people. Imagine a prank where you tell someone he won the lottery and he's gullible enough to believe you. So he quits his 20 year job only to learn it's a "prank." Some of them are cruel, like making someone believe his or her spouse is cheating or someone is dying.  Once I was at a restaurant where someone at our table obviously paid the waitress to throw a pie in a man's face. He was wearing contacts and an expensive suit. Not happy. Most people living in Boston probably know a seafood place called Durgin Park. I'll never forget it.

I'm not taking sides, because I also agree with The MacGuffin when he/she mentions celebs like Tom Green. I think he's a riot. I occasionally watch Letterman and remember when he sent Rupert G. (owner of Hello Deli) to go around annoying people. One time I thought a guy was going to punch him in the face. Candid Camera was always one of my favorite shows  and I still chuckle when I think of those people talking to a mailbox or watching someone fall into a large wedding cake.  Then there's April Fool's Day pranks...so I guess it depends on how damaging the joke is. Hmm, maybe I just changed my mind! Did anyone see the show that was on recently (and obviously cancelled) where the goal is to get yourself fired from a new job? It was really stupid, but a couple of the contestants had me laughing.

War of the Worlds...1938...one of the biggest pranks of all time and everyone went crazy thinking Martians were really invading the Earth!  

Its all about knowing limitations.  Candid Camera knew their limits.  The "Jackass" did not know the limit.  Sneak up on my house in the middle of the night, dark as it gets, and try to scare me out of my wits?  Your funeral will the highlight of the community.  Old man, in the dark, puts two in the heart and one in the head.  Rest in Peace.

HAPPY SATURDAY...."JUST"

Yes, I do remember the show you speak of, it was indeed interesting, comical and also insightful to some degree, especially as the Bosses really were being  tested, on patience, understanding  and trust. I too agree w/your statements....as listed below:

Imagine a prank where you tell someone he won the lottery and he's gullible enough to believe you. So he quits his 20 year job only to learn it's a "prank." Some of them are cruel, like making someone believe his or her spouse is cheating or someone is dying.

All too true, and it's easy to create stories of infidelity, because people can make up details of daliances and rendevous, that really sound convincing....

In fact, that is why I delete all the emails regarding Monies people want me to help them bank away here in the United States, or hold for them, and I would get part of it....ect, all sorts of crap these 'con artists' try to sell you....I'm too sophisticated and educated to be "hoodwinked" by these idiots....they refer to me by my real first name, and wouldn't know me if they knocked me down in a crowd, or ran passed me to catch the subway.  Some of them have foreign names I cannot even pronounce let alone spell.........lolololololol