Facebook Removes Fake Page of S. Dakota Powerball Winner

Recently a South Dakota rancher who had fallen on hard times won the Powerball lottery. Neal Wanless, the winner, will walk away with $88 million after taxes. The big win received extensive press coverage. It was reported that the Wanless family had a mobile home repossessed and that the family couldn't afford a phone. Mr. Wanless displayed a great amount of humility about his new found fortune vowing not to squander his winnings and promised to help those in the community who had supported the Wanless family during hard times.

It has been reported that someone using Wanless's name set up a facebook page using his name. The profile using Wanless's name quickly acquired 120 'friends.' The Facebook page used the big winner's real name and featured a picture of a cowboy riding into the sunset. On the information page was, "Looking For: Dating." So far Powerball winner Wanless has issued no statement regarding the fake Facebook page.

Facebook spokesman Simon Axten said the page has been disabled because it violates

Facebook's terms and policies. Axten further stated, "Facebook has always been based on a real-name culture. We think this leads to greater accountability and a safer and more trusted environment for our users. It's a violation of our policies to use a fake name or operate under another person's identity, and we encourage users to report anyone they think is doing this, either through the report links we provide on the site or through the contact forms on our Help page."

Before the page was shut down many well wishers had posted messages. One message read, "Must be nice! Being a single mom of 3 kids, I could definitely use a lottery win right now"¦ maybe then I could actually afford a house ¦ keep on dreaming right?"

Facebook spokesman Axten said he could not comment on the possibility of charges against the person who set up the fake page but said the company generally does not press charges for fake pages. So far Powerball winner Wanless seems to be taking his big win in stride. Neighbors of Wanless have no doubt that he will fulfill his promise to pay the community back for their generosity towards his family during troubled times.

Computer technology could very well affect the way lotteries do business in the near future. Several states are considering moves that would make the sale of online lottery tickets legal. Players will be able to log on to state lottery websites and make an online lottery purchase. Cash strapped states hope to fill state coffers with new lottery money by combining lotteries with 21st century technology.