The Mavis Wanczyk Lottery Scam: What to Be Aware Of?

Online scammers are eager to exploit your passion for the lottery via different methods. One worrying fact is the persistence of certain frauds, such as the Mavis Wanczyk lottery scam. The aforementioned fraud has a habit of reappearing on social media and siphoning money from innocent victims.

We decided to warn you about the possibility of being targeted by unscrupulous individuals, and teach you how to avoid online lottery scams. Let’s analyze the working parts of the Mavis Wanczyk lottery scam.

Highlights:

  • The Mavis Wanczyk scam impersonates Powerball winner Mavis Wanczyk.
  • Fake social media accounts claim Mavis is donating money in return for personal information.
  • The fraud started in 2017 and is still ongoing, but implemented by different scammers.

Who Is Mavis Wanczyk?

Mavis Wanczyk is a name that gives credibility to the scam. However, it’s necessary to understand that the real Mavis is not part of the scam. She is also a victim. Wanczyk is the winner of a massive $758 million Powerball jackpot. The lucky Chicopee, Massachusetts, resident entered the history books in 2017 by winning the largest jackpot prize won on a single ticket in U.S. lottery history.

Mavis took home a lump sum of $336 million after taxes. The funds were sufficient to convince Mavis to quit her day job at the Mercy Medical Center. However, she never truly embraced philanthropic endeavors, at the level falsely advertised on social media.

Mavis Wanczyk

Credit: Powerball website

How the Mavis Wanczyk Scam Works?

Typically, online lottery frauds, such as the Postcode lottery scam, work by impersonating an official from the lottery. However, criminals are constantly modifying their approach. The tactic used for the Mavis Wanczyk scam is to assume the identity of the Powerball winner. Fraudsters send messages via social media channels in the name of Mavis, proclaiming an eagerness to share the wealth by distributing donations to random recipients.

Different social media channels are used as a platform for the scam, such as Instagram, X formally known as Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Usually, the message claims that Mavis would like to give you a specific amount of money. The reported sums range from $200 up to $25,000. The catch is that you need to share your personal information and banking details to receive a check with the money.

It’s a standard phishing email scam aiming to steal your personal information. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that none of the social media accounts are owned by Wanczyk. One individual is not running this scam. Different fraudsters utilize Mavis’s name to lure victims. It’s not the first instance of a lottery winner’s name being used for a scam. This scam concept has been in circulation for years.

Mavis Wanczyk Scam

Credit: One example of an Instagram account impersonating Mavis.

What to Do If Contacted By Mavis Wanczyk?

Unfortunately, these messages are not sent by Mavis, but by different criminals. If you receive a similar message under the name of Mavis Wanczyk, do not like the post or share it with friends and relatives. Most importantly do not respond to the message by sending your information.

You can forward it to your local police and notify them that the scam is active again. Sharing our article is a good method to raise awareness about the risks of engaging with these scam posts. Be vigilant, no only with phishing email scams, but learn about various lottery scandals that have rocked the industry. Although some danger lurks on the internet, it’s generally safe to buy a lottery ticket online. However, do not be gullible and think free money is up for grabs.

FAQs

What Is the Scenario for the Mavis Wanczyk Scam?
A message purportedly from lottery winner Mavis Wanczyk is received via social media or email, informing the targeted victim that Mavis would like to donate a large amount, but they need to provide personal information to qualify for the gift.
Is The Real Mavis Giving Away Money?
No, Mavis Wanczyk is not donating money to random people via social media.
Has the Fake Mavis Wanczyk Been Caught?
Mavis Wanczyk impersonation social media accounts continue to pop up. It’s not one individual pretending to be Mavis. Law enforcement agencies are constantly warning communities about active scams. We did not find reports of any arrests.
Is the Mavis Wanczyk Scam the First Scam Using the Name of a Lottery Winner?
No, it’s not the first scam to rely on the fame of a lottery winner. One similar example is the scam exploiting the names of EuroMillions winners Richard and Angela Maxwell. That scam followed the same scenario as the Mavis fraud.
Are There Similar Scams in Circulation?
Yes, multiple scams circulate on the internet. The Postcode lottery scam has been ongoing for years, and scams under the name of Wanczyk and the Maxwells are constantly appearing online.

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