Sidney Lottery winner Scott Gurney is warning the public not to send him Bitcoin as several fake Facebook accounts have appeared using his identity to scam people out of their money.
Scott Gurney, a recent $55 million lottery winner from Sidney, warns the public not to send him Bitcoin, The Times Colonist reports.
Several fake Facebook accounts have sprung up using his identity to scam people with money. Since claiming his lottery prize, multiple accounts have popped up on the social media platform, with each account showing a photo of Gurney holding his lottery check.
Some of these accounts offer financial assistance, while others contain feel-good slogans and assurances that their account is the only legitimate one.
Gurney advised those who have fallen into the trap to contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He sympathizes with those who may be facing financial hardship, but stresses that people should be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. It is still unclear how the scammers convinced people to send Bitcoin.
The lottery winner, who is also a financial adviser, is busy taking care of his clients during tax time and plans to retire in December.
He described winning the lottery as a life-changing experience and recognized the need to be responsible and careful in managing his newfound fortune.
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation advises anyone who receives unsolicited messages to exercise caution and not to disclose personal information or make any payment. They encourage contacting the police if criminal activity is suspected.