ABC duped by Powerball lottery winner hoax

Comment #57

GoldenLife — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 05:02:21 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on February 22, 2006 Having been involved with magic now for the last 26 years professionally, a good magician does not lie to you at all he tells you he is going to fool you and he does. Some do so more subtle than others. More importantly he entertains you with his entire magic persona, and is actually an honest liar so to speak.

But getting back to the other topic at hand, if someone is willing to spend $2,000 or more in order to fake a powerball wi... [ More ]

Comment #56

wewin — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 01:56:33 GMT

Oh ok thats cool and you're right. Lets have a drink ... I'm buying ok.

Comment #55

Chewie — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 01:09:51 GMT

No one ever said you had to be a mature person to be rich. I see a lot of idiots driving luxury cars every day. Don't have the brains to study a map before they get behind the wheel and wind up parked in the multi-striped area trying to find north.

Comment #54

wewin — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:21:52 GMT

lol ... call it what you may but looks who's getting all the attention and making millions. I'll drink to that.

Wewin

Comment #53

Chewie — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:15:10 GMT

Still sounds childish. Mature, rationale, adults have the intelligence to find productive ways of achieving goals; without resorting to pranks. Having said that, obviously your mentality and that of the ABC team, have reached a nominal playing field.

Comment #52

wewin — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 23:56:42 GMT

Actually if people knew the real story behind all this, they would call him a genius. Why? The person that funded this so-called hoax is a well-respected businessman, famous author, super copywriter and a friend of mine. And it was to actually get the medias attention to promote a book. Thats all it was used for and they've succeeded.

You see when people hear the word Hoax they automatically think its a scam and all kind of thoughts goes through the mind, but yet its the media who made it... [ More ]

Comment #51

Chewie — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 23:34:11 GMT

I think you mean a .45 caliber, not mm. A 45 mm, without or without the dot , would require a railroad car for mobility. A 10mm is close to a .40 cal and a 9mm is close to a .38 cal. A .357 is a suped-up .38 cal, with a ton of velocity. The new .50 cal sniper rifle supposedly has the impact of a train engine. I remember chopping down trees, with a Browning .50 cal machine gun, more then a mile away. My spotter, with a telescope guided the rounds. Sure impressed the NVA hiding behind t... [ More ]

Comment #50

justxploring — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 23:30:09 GMT

I agree mylollipop. I don't believe half of what I read any more. I know we're not supposed to go off subject on this board, so I'll try to make this brief. Here's just one example of why I'm always skeptical. When my Grandmother was 106 a reporter from the Boston Globe approached my father and asked if she could write an article on her life. She said a photographer would be at the Center For The Aged where she lived to take pictures. My grandmother had her hair braided and was waiting in her... [ More ]

Comment #49

mylollipop — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 22:31:44 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by Chewie on February 25, 2006 Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on February 25, 2006 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' involve... [ More ]

Comment #48

hypersoniq — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:43:22 GMT

oops, I forgot the . in .45mm

I guess I would need a forward obserber with a 45mm

I'm almost certain that the biggest glock with a compensated barrel is the .357

Comment #47

justxploring — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 03:23:16 GMT

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.

Hi, Libra. Yup, I couldn't believe that the contestants didn't get fired right away. I've had the opposite luck. I've been the perfect employee and gotten screamed at for no reason except that the manager was having one of his mood swings. I agree with Chewie, even if he is kidding around.... [ More ]

Comment #46

Chewie — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 19:11:10 GMT

I live in NJ - no concealed firearms at news conferences - just my charm and wit to keep them at bay! Thanks to technology, I can use my concealed cellphone to dial 9-1-1-P-R-A-Y. You remember New Jersey? One of those states that would rather see your grandmother gang-raped, laying in the gutter, and being urinated upon, then have a chance to defend herself with a legal firearm! Why am I going to retire in Texas? Hummmm.

Comment #45

libra926 — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 18:28:39 GMT

HAPPY SATURDAY..... CHEWIE .....

LOLOLOLOLOL0.........(LMAO).....sometimes you and DOUBLE DOWN (DD) are too mcuh for me. I swear I can't stop ...........

Hey, tell me, which is worse...you or HYPER ...with the consealed 45mm going to the news conference(when he wins) to claim his prize......LOLOLOLOL....I just luv it......

Comment #44

libra926 — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 18:21:03 GMT

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... [ More ]

Comment #43

Chewie — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 18:08:43 GMT

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.

Comment #42

justxploring — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 17:46:25 GMT

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 siniste... [ More ]

Comment #41

TheMacGuffin — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 00:18:52 GMT

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, e... [ More ]

Comment #40

libra926 — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 21:17:34 GMT

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 s... [ More ]

Comment #39

libra926 — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 21:06:05 GMT

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

Comment #38

libra926 — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 21:03:01 GMT

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.

Comment #37

libra926 — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 20:56:07 GMT

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... [ More ]

Comment #36

justxploring — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 18:45:37 GMT

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 stu... [ More ]

Comment #35

Chewie — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 03:15:08 GMT

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... [ More ]

Comment #34

mylollipop — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:22:31 GMT

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

Comment #33

hypersoniq — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:53:14 GMT

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... [ More ]

Comment #32

sirbrad — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 21:18:53 GMT

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.

Comment #31

TheMacGuffin — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 20:00:37 GMT

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 like... [ More ]

Comment #30

whitmansm2 — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:26:37 GMT

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... [ More ]

Comment #29

Littlemanjen — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 13:22:52 GMT

SirBrad , not a good idea to spend that money on Powerball, instead of what he did. He got what he wanted, national news coverage! That is money well spent in his opinion, not yours.

Comment #28

truecritic — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 08:11:18 GMT

KY Floyd

We don't have enough laws yet that make things illegal just because some people find them offensive.

Your sarcasm is wasted on me. We don't need more laws. We need LESS laws.

My question about a law banning pranks was rhetorical. Of course not.

Comment #27

psykomo — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 07:22:46 GMT

libra926:

WITH krap, crap, aptt......like this........no WONDER.......we get FUSED!!!!!

STICK with LOTTERY $$$$ and gather the new$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

YOU ARE A WINNER............. U ........................H-E-A-Haaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

LOL AMERICA$$$$$$$$$$$$$

PSYKOMO

Comment #26

KY Floyd — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 07:05:15 GMT

Since three people flew in from elsewhere, rented a car, and stayed overnight it's a safe bet that they spent closer to $4000, but they did it for publicity, not attention. The author mentioned in the story writes about marketing and advertising, and for a measly (and presumably tax deductible) $4000 he got national coverage from major news sources.

They didn't spend the money on tickets because they aren't morons. If they'd spent $4000 on tickets the odds say they would have gotten back... [ More ]

Comment #25

KY Floyd — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 06:59:53 GMT

You're right, something should be done. We don't have enough laws yet that make things illegal just because some people find them offensive. Congress is finally on the right track with a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, but they should really step up to the plate and just repeal the whole first amendment. Then people couldn't fool the press, and we wouldn't be forced to listen to all those terrible DJ's saying bad things. They should pass another amendment to make gambling illegal... [ More ]

Comment #24

mylollipop — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 06:19:15 GMT

There used to be a time when journalist researched the stories they were writing and took pride in answering, who, what, when, where....etc. Now, the majority of journalistic efforts appear to be about the headlines---sensationalize the data if it makes a buck! Forget about the bare facts. The recent fiasco about the miners found alive in the West Virginia is a prime example of jumping the gun and releasing the information before the FACTS are known. That was the worst day in journalism fo... [ More ]

Comment #23

JohnnyVal02 — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 05:17:44 GMT

Let me tell you, there are so many instances of people getting tricked into believing they won the powerball or even as little as a scratch ticket...this site I found has got a couple really hilarious videos of people getting tricked:

http://collegeguru.blogspot.com/2006/02/365-million-dollar-lottery-winners.html

Comment #22

sirbrad — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 04:20:34 GMT

Having been involved with magic now for the last 26 years professionally, a good magician does not lie to you at all he tells you he is going to fool you and he does. Some do so more subtle than others. More importantly he entertains you with his entire magic persona, and is actually an honest liar so to speak.

But getting back to the other topic at hand, if someone is willing to spend $2,000 or more in order to fake a powerball win simply because they want attention, they truly are idio... [ More ]

Comment #21

Chewie — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 04:07:17 GMT

Turn on the radio. Turn on the Television. Use the internet to search news organizations. Its every where! Even better, go here: https://www.lotterypost.com/news/129110.htm

Comment #20

Chewie — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 04:03:18 GMT

Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well?

He did, then bragged on his show that his insurance company paid it. All the while, increasing his followers and enabling him to transfer to satellite radio and quadruple his income. The FCC punished him by sending him to the only place he could be even more famous and make more money - and all the FCC to loose all control of his content. Another smart move by your U.S. Government. Lets publicise some guy in NYC, which most adu... [ More ]

Comment #19

cats135 — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:52:44 GMT

All hoaxes aside, does anyone know if the real winner of the $365 million has come foward yet?

If the winner hasn't come foward yet, they probably don't know that they have won.

I mean, can you imagine winning all the money and staying silent?

I would be screaming from the hills, wouldn't you

Comment #18

truecritic — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:50:11 GMT

>"Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear" - a friend told me once.

Since you "heard" that from your friend, then you cannot believe any of it! LOL

Comment #17

Chewie — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:49:34 GMT

The media had credibility because the resources to validate their bulldung was not available. People believe that the networks didn't become biased and one sided until the internet came along. They have been that way all along. They hired people who go to the same schools they did, they hired people who think like they do, and they all hang out in the same bars and attend the same celebrations complimenting them on their performances.

People now post the truth in blogs and shoot their bias... [ More ]

Comment #16

LckyLary — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:46:17 GMT

Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear - a friend told me once.

Half the fun of winning is the attention (for some).

Comment #15

Badger — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 01:03:32 GMT

Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can.

While that may be true it is also true that at one time the media had credibility. Over the last decade or so, they have lost most of it. Anyone who listens to the news now no matter from what venue, and believes wh... [ More ]

Comment #14

truecritic — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:03:36 GMT

The media knows nothing or less than nothing

So, you don't like the media? The ones that provide 99% of the news that you hear, see or read?

if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found.

REALLY? Just where does that truth pop out? Over the fence talking with a neighbor?

Chewie

Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting com... [ More ]

Comment #13

Uncle Jim — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 23:58:10 GMT

Well I have no love for jokers, tricksters, game players and con artists but with regard to ABC (OR any other media outlet) getting duped all I can say is...KEWL!

Jim

Comment #12

fja — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 23:57:26 GMT

I'd have to agree...News isn't really news anymore...It's what they heard someone say........Thats all they print or show........That and Paris Hilton

Comment #11

Chewie — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:46:16 GMT

I wonder if ABC hired the former Dan Rather fact checkers from CBS?

Maybe it's time someone or group of someones played a prank on the pranksters!

People love to see this sort of thing. Look how much Sterm is getting to make fools out of any American with ethics and integrity. The American public is paying him to do what he does.

Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got.

Actually, Stern did not pay a penny. His organization, and his insurance compa... [ More ]

Comment #10

konane — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:19:19 GMT

Get the headline first, don't be concerned with accuracy.

The lazy MSM got exactly what they deserved this time.

Comment #9

acronym007 — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 20:50:40 GMT

I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it ca... [ More ]

Comment #8

Littlemanjen — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:38:53 GMT

I agree Truecritic, some of those are pretty bad and hurtful. This guy hurt no one, 200 people received a free meal, and the press jumped too quickly. Simple as that. The press received the Dewey defeats Truman award.

Comment #7

truecritic — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:27:44 GMT

Pagani said he is a former disc jockey

While this prank didn't fall under the disgusting category, I have seen/heard several pranks pulled by disc jockeys that are disgusting. Something should be done to those DJs to keep their pranks in the suitable for families range. Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got. That is what should happen to other DJs too.

Common sense. Common decency. That is what should keep people from doing things like this.... [ More ]

Comment #6

Littlemanjen — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:02:58 GMT

You know, I don't agree with people getting mad, it actually is funny if it can be pulled off. As he said, a magician does magic. Kinda like Bill Clinton not having sexual relations with Monica, the guy writing the book Oprah supported, and George Bush and weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Those things are still debated, covered in the media, and this guy just had his time in the limelight. It is not worth getting bent out of shape over. And before anyone jumps on me, NO, I do not condone lyi... [ More ]

Comment #5

Raven62 — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:25:52 GMT

LOL!

Maybe it's time someone or group of someones played a prank on the pranksters

Comment #4

RJOh — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:19:25 GMT

Before he flew home Tuesday, Pagani said he gets the same thrill from hoaxes as someone who collects stamps.

With this, I can say I was in the New York Times, the Washington Post and on Good Morning America.

Sounds like Pagani gets a thrill from running his big mouth and telling lies to make national news. When he compares it to collecting stamps, he's also lying to himself and believing it.

Comment #3

winner2b — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:10:04 GMT

Every idiot gets his 15mins of fame!! Kudos...

now leave. . . .

Comment #2

emilyg — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:08:30 GMT

pretty stupid.

Comment #1

libra926 — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:06:44 GMT

2/22/2006

Is it something in the AIR, THE WATER, OR THE CROPS....that made these idiots help put this scam together???????....only in America..........

ABC duped by Powerball lottery winner hoax

Lottery Post — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 17:59:07 GMT

The brief hoax involving a man claiming to be an out-of-work truck driver who won the $365 million Powerball jackpot was months in the making.

It involved two men who have jerked the chains of the national news media for years and was financed by a Texas author seeking publicity for his books, one of the pranksters said Tuesday.

We had decided that one of these days, there'll be a record jackpot, and we'll have to go, said Bob Pagani, who portrayed the unemployed man who spent $2,000 on... [ More ]