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Fake social media accounts target Powerball winner

Fake social media accounts target Powerball
Posted at 8:14 AM, Aug 31, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-31 08:14:00-04

Police in a Massachusetts city are warning of fake social media accounts that have popped up to scam people since a local woman won the $758.7 million Powerball jackpot.

Chicopee police say fake Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts state they belong to Mavis Wanczyk, who was announced as the Powerball winner last week.

The fake accounts say following and answering private messages will result in getting money. Police warn people not to provide personal information.

Lottery officials say Wanczyk chose to take a lump sum payment of $480 million, or $336 million after taxes. It's the largest grand prize won by a lottery ticket in U.S. history.