This makes me sad but it unfortunately is expected when such an announcement goes out. Maybe when the owner identifies themself you should find a way to verify it (in a mutually agreed upon fashion) through the bank/receipt etc.
Yes, I am not at all surprised. I asked them for basic info that they would know if it was theirs, which bank, what day was it, etc.. and it was pretty clear they were trying to make a buck, and for sure what I found was not theirs.