He has (a lot of) money and he likes to talk about it: Kürsat Yildirim, known as Chico, has been almost omnipresent in the German media since he won ten million euros in the lottery. Yildirim spoke extensively with the “Bild” newspaper, appeared on television on stern TV, and regularly posts updates on Instagram. In it, the Dortmunder reveals, among other things, which cafés he likes to visit.
“Everyone should know how rich I am,” the 42-year-old told the “Bild” newspaper. However, he is acting in stark contrast to what experts and lottery companies advise lucky winners. Because the recommendation is actually: Anyone who comes to such a large sum of money should initially keep quiet about it.
“Winners should think carefully about who they tell about their prize. This way they avoid envy and protect themselves from petitioners,” advises the lottery company Westlotto, where Yildirim won his ten million euros, on its website. Because the danger of getting caught by false friends or scammers is great. Not to mention other criminals like kidnappers or robbers.
Verena Ober, press spokeswoman for the State Lottery and Casino Administration in Bavaria, also urgently advises discretion. “Silence is golden. Think very carefully about who you talk to about your profit, who you tell about it. Even in the family circle, think very carefully about who you want to entrust it to,” she told “Focus”. “Of course, once you say something or say it too quickly, there are immediate consequences – and you can’t undo them. So you should first be aware of the consequences before you announce the good news.”
Chico, on the other hand, does not see this danger: “I don’t care. I can take good care of myself and I’m well secured. The money has long been in safe hands,” he announced in the “Bild” newspaper. The winner appears publicly with newly purchased luxury cars and when shopping for branded clothes. He is also said to have bought his favorite café in the north of Dortmund immediately after winning, but then rowed back: “The purchase contract did not come about.”
Westlotto also advises against spontaneous purchases in the intoxication of winning the lottery. “Don’t make spontaneous decisions that you may regret later,” says the lottery website. Serious and professional advice is also recommended. Westlotto also encourages winners of larger sums to get involved socially and let others share in their luck. You should also find out about the tax aspects of your profit.
Sources: Westlotto / “Focus” / “Image”
