When you think you've won £280k, but it's £28
A Norwegian couple has shared how they discussed buying an engagement ring after mistakenly believing they had won more than 3.9 million kroner, equivalent to £282,000. They were among scores of Norwegians who mistakenly received a notification from the state-owned gambling company, informing them of eye-watering windfalls. However, instead of the original substantial prize, Halvor Begum and Iselin Olafsen went home with about 390 kroner, or £28.
The unexpected windfall
This bizarre incident took place last week and made headlines in Norway and beyond. It caused a significant buzz on social media, with many speculating about the potential consequences of such an erroneous message. While some dreamers might have begun planning how to spend their imagined winnings, the company took a different approach.
In a statement, Norsk Tipping clarified that the notifications were sent in error and asked recipients to ignore them. They emphasized that prizes are only awarded through a secure notification channel and asked customers to regularly check their accounts for accurate information. The company took full responsibility for the incident, acknowledging the confusion and excitement it caused among recipients.
Lessons learned
This story is a fascinating reminder of both the power and responsibility of digital communication. Companies must recognize that even a well-intentioned message can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. This incident also highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when dealing with financial matters. While the false notifications caused a short-lived frenzy, the couple's actual prize of £28 will hardly make the headlines.
