$270M Mega Millions lottery jackpot claimed anonymously

Comment #53

KY Floyd — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 01:30:21 GMT

The Jack scenario isn't a rare case, it's an extreme case, and there's an important difference. That we haven't heard anything about the West's or any other particularly lottery winner may just mean they aren't having problems that are newsworthy and come to the attention of the media. Just because most of us don't remember the names of those who won a few months ago doesn't mean the vultures don't know their names, or their addresses and phone umbers. The only time you're likely to read a sto... [ More ]

Comment #52

sirbrad — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 01:19:55 GMT

Not all store clerks are bad, in fact I have not had any ask me anything relating to my winnings in many years.

Comment #51

sirbrad — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 20:52:27 GMT

The Jack scenario is actually a rare case, and the amount of jackpot winners who never have any problems far exceeds the number who does. But of course we do not hear about them, because nothing ever happens to them that is newsworthy. Looks like the Wests are doing just fine. Again, all depends on what type of life you already have created, and where you live. As well as your overall intelligence, and other intangibles in life.

Comment #50

Shane3 — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 20:00:08 GMT

It always amazes me how the balls seem to dance around the numbers I have on my ticket.......I'll have for example 22,24,35,37,49 and we'll see 23,25,36,48,50.

Is there any way that there could be a super computer somewhere calculation which numbers have been selected for the drawing by the players.....then it selects which numbers to draw that will pay out the least amount of funds.

Two drawings ago I had three of the five numbers and I was within one of each of the other two numbers. I g... [ More ]

Comment #49

RJOh — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:23:15 GMT

Actually there have been several jackpot winners in north-west Ohio claiming their winnings way. This was the first MegaMillion jackpot claimed that way but several Ohio SuperLotto prizes were claimed that way. Make me think someone or a group in that area has a winning system and don't want to draw attention to themselves.

Comment #48

tg636 — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 14:16:38 GMT

> With that much money you have nothing to ever fear again.

Only endless begging, harrassment, moneygrubbing friends and relatives coming out of the woodwork, lawsuits brought by anyone who thinks they can get you to write a check. As an aside, did you ever hear of Patty Hearst, the Getty heir or Jack Whittaker? Did you ever read Dominick Dunne's Justice to see how money doesn't always lead to happy endings? You have nothing to fear financially, but that's not the only type of fear in the... [ More ]

Comment #47

sirbrad — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:12:16 GMT

I believe in PA they withold 25%, and no state tax. Nice.

Comment #46

rundown99 — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 05:08:09 GMT

Now that's what I call a smart lottery winner!!!!! I have been saying it all along on this website.... Go to a state where you can be ANONYMOUS

Comment #45

KY Floyd — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:36:32 GMT

Each state has their own individual rules, but there's an excellent chance that you do have the right to claim any prizes as a trust. Even if the rules require that the name of the winner be released or that the winner attend a press conference you still might be able to remain anonymous. A trust is a legal entity, and therefore has some of the rights and obligations that a person does. Unless the rules prohibit it, the trust can claim the prize, and therefore the trust is the winner. The name... [ More ]

Comment #44

tntea — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 23:46:49 GMT

You dang right.. I am a store clerk, and I wouldn't split/give any of my winnings away..lol

I dont' expect anyone to hand out from their winnings.. that would be their choice and a silly one if they thought to do so..

I do have customers who tip when they are lead to the scratch offs that haven't hit that day.. I am wise enough to save that info for the tippers only... Think about it..

Comment #43

libra926 — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 20:18:00 GMT

HAPPY SUNDAY 'DRIVE'

In the State of Maryland(you know, just one of the original 13 ).....

We are not required by Lottery Law....to announce ourselves thru news conferences or any other type of communications. We can have an Atty pick up the Check for us, or have the Atty set up a sweet little Trust Fund, so the Lottery Execs can nicely deposit the funds right in, without ever showing the Public anything....In my case, as the option is always open, I don't know which way I'd do it, howev... [ More ]

Comment #42

libra926 — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:59:23 GMT

HAPPY SUNDAY.........ANYWAY..........

LOLOLOLOOOLOL...............I must say you have a terrific sense of humor.....

I won just 250,000 and just from word of mouth I was getting hit on like a hooker on Saturday night.

You know, it's impossible to please everyone. The upside here, is that now that you have expressed your generosity to those around you, it will not be necessary again, at least not to the extent that you shared before...You don't owe anyone anything....If your family rea... [ More ]

Comment #41

libra926 — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:47:51 GMT

HAPPY SUNDAY JUST .........3/19

You are another of my favorite posters, and I always enjoy reading what you post.

.....I recall when once I made a big commission check after months of struggling. Although I'm not one to discuss money with friends or neighbors, I happened to mention I finally had enough money to pay off my credit cards and buy some new underwear! The next thing I know, people are asking to borrow money. I imagine if you win money, it's much worse, since people figure yo... [ More ]

Comment #40

libra926 — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:36:22 GMT

HAPPY SUNDAY.... DD ...3/19

No, I didn't actually, and it worked out ok, because the Jackpot is now $$$$101 mills......

I hope you do win BIG....very very soon, because you are one of my favorite posters and really deserve something great like this to happen for you, really you do......PB or M M

Comment #39

RJOh — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 17:29:58 GMT

Ohio does tax lottery winnings and some cities do too.

Comment #38

Todd — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 17:29:20 GMT

Why don't you check the Jackpot Analysis page at www.usamega.com

Comment #37

RJOh — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 17:27:41 GMT

Even worst are those people who aren't your friends or family who see you spending $20 on lottery tickets and think you will give them $20-$50 just as easily if they have a good sob story. As far as they're concerned you already have enough money to start giving some to them, they aren't willing to wait until you win the jackpot.

Comment #36

Drivedabizness — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 17:22:10 GMT

As far as I know, Lottery regs requiring them to ID winners are more focused on being able to publicize results - not prove they actually paid someone.

I would be very interested in having the option to claim as a trust.

Maybe one of my fellow LP'ers can clue me in. I sometimes calculate the percentage of the after-tax lump sum vs. advertized JP for Mega Millions - it usually comes in right at or above 45%.

According to the article, the winner received a check for 42% of... [ More ]

Comment #35

LOTTOMIKE — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 17:01:11 GMT

even if you don't win a jackpot and you win like a straight pick 4 or win 20,000 on a scratch off if you tell the wrong person people still line up at your door like you owe them something.i keep my lottery things away from my family in a safe.what they don't know want hurt them.i make sure not to make any large purchases and quietly stick the rest in the bank.then on payday at work i'm like well my gosh i got a pretty good check i'll go splurge,lol and they are none the wiser....... [ More ]

Comment #34

lorcha1 — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 12:47:26 GMT

If I'm ever so Lucky to win the Lottery that is the way I will choose to claim my winning's

Comment #33

sirbrad — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 07:16:50 GMT

I also like to tell the store clerks to be sure to contact me if thet win as well for my cut.

Comment #32

justxploring — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 05:41:05 GMT

I think most of the supermarkets around here have rules about clerks mentioning something like that. They used to kid around, but now they just say Good Luck! I'm very serious when it comes to buying tickets, so whenever anyone in the past, like a neighbor or coworker, has made a comment like will you split it with me if you win? I always smile and politely say NO! Isn't there some law about a verbal contract being binding? Some day I bet we'll read about a lawsuit where a bunch of people a... [ More ]

Comment #31

sirbrad — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 04:54:05 GMT

I had some good comebacks awhile back for those pesky store clerks. They are like everyone else, they want to jump on the bandwagon of success but want nothing to do with the poverty wagon.

I usually tell them that I will split it with them if they can come up with half of my total losses so far before the draw, then everything will be equal. That usually leads to a good chuckle, and a good luck have a nice day. Exactly. People love something for nothing. They donlt deserve squat, they a... [ More ]

Comment #30

LckyLary — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 03:22:26 GMT

I spend all that dough on Mega Millions, and now I won't get to hear any of the wacky escapades of the jackpot winner. I don't know who to be jealous of (or not jealous of) this time

Comment #29

DoubleDown — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 18:40:23 GMT

Thanks Libra, Hope you are having a good Saturday as well..

Playing the PB tonite ???

I already got my PB with PowerPlay tickets....

Good Luck to us all !!

DD

Comment #28

libra926 — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 18:28:56 GMT

HAPPY SATURDAY....3/18.... DD

As always great to read your postings and ........May I Say bullseye

Comment #27

Just6ntlc — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 18:24:14 GMT

Congratulations to the anonymous winner. I hope this person doesn't have problems later in life.

Comment #26

spy153 — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 18:19:44 GMT

you know what I hate? I hate those stupid store clerks who think they deserve some money just because they "sold the ticket" to you. come on!!!!!! I had one clerk tell me she'd help me all she could.... what does that mean? what, you going to help me pick the numbers? I don't think so.

Comment #25

spy153 — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 18:12:53 GMT

I think that winner was from DETROIT, MI. I don't know, just something told that was going to be the place the winner was from. I was born near there, (farmington hills) so you can see how I was excited about that last run. We don't know who the winner is, but I still say they were from detroit. A lot of smart people there. Real good schools.

Comment #24

konane — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 17:58:42 GMT

Congratulations to the winner!! Hope their newfound prosperity brings them lots of blessings

Comment #23

hsvscubaski — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 14:23:19 GMT

They did exactly what I would do!!!!!!!!! Many good reasons to do this. If I won that much money I would want to share with relatives and a trust is a good way to do that by making them owners of the trust. They get the money and are responsible for the taxes. Not sure but maybe able to invest and defer some taxes. I know in Tennesse they will only issue one check so if it waas a group also a good way to handle for tax purposes and avoid the gift tax rules

Comment #22

anonymous77 — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 14:13:53 GMT

I am glad to read the winner's story here. I would respect his or her decision to remain anonymous as far as it's permitted. And, I hope that the winner would spend the money wisely.

Congrats to the anonymous winner

Comment #21

Staar — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 12:04:15 GMT

Staar again.. Let's face it ..everyone plays the lottery ,even myself, knowing what went. We want to win! And if a person or persons should win a big amount,they certainly knows what comes along with it,or they shouldn't play at all. If it were me that one, all I was saying was, that the other millions of people that played, deserve to know that there was a legitamate winner, a real person that exists. Do I believe that the the state or govt. could pull a fast one on the public and get away wi... [ More ]

Comment #20

sirbrad — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 11:59:31 GMT

In that case I am truly glad we are friends now.

Comment #19

Kidzmom — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 07:15:23 GMT

Well as I always said and will continue to say.......When I win the big one, Those who were there with me before I won will be there with me after I've won. That statement alone should let others know where they stand.

Comment #18

Trained2beRich — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 04:47:44 GMT

i would do exactly as the winner did. form a blind trust. I come from a huge family but i only got 1 christmas card from my parents and a call from my brother. Hmm I have some 30 first cousins...i would not share except for 3 people-my dad, mom, and brother. I know no one would think of me if they won....is it bad to think that way? think only of those who may reciprocate

Comment #17

sirbrad — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 03:43:08 GMT

Once again it all depends on individual circumstances, and where you live. Where I live you could walk uptown and tell people you won $300 million dollars, and they would just nod their head accordingly and mumble that's nice, and continue on. Guess I am one of the lucky ones. No hiding here, the public has a very short term memory regardless. It is mostly all just winner paranoia.

Comment #16

sirbrad — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 03:37:28 GMT

Lol.

Comment #15

liberal47 — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 01:13:37 GMT

I won just 250,000 and just from word of mouth I was getting hit on like a hooker on Saturday night. Even after I gave everyone near me a taste, I was not doing what they wanted. I'd hate to see what it would be like if I won BIG money and the world found out. I've lost enough friends, and alienated enough family.

Comment #14

mylollipop — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 01:03:42 GMT

Hooray for the winner; very smart winner----a trust

Comment #13

Editgap — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 00:31:21 GMT

If I claimed anything ananynnomouslysly, it would be because I am solo and there is no chance for anyone to say that I won the jackpot. I could go on being myself with a lot of cash no one knows where it comes from.

Comment #12

uwantedtoknow — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 00:20:55 GMT

THIS IS MY FIRST COMMENT

the winner yes i know the winner or winners the person who won does live in michigan it is a female and not what everyone was perdicting she is unemployed doesn't own a home lives with family and has shared her wealth or at least is going to. she has split her winnings with family. everyone will know soon enough who won but for her sake i really hope they leave her alone going from nothing to everything will be hard enough and i'm sure with her family's history they w... [ More ]

Comment #11

justxploring — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 23:21:17 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by Staar on March 17, 2006 I always wondered about those big prizes claimed anonymously. Maybe its just my suspiscious nature, but wouldn't it seem that once you got the money, you don't have that much to fear from that point on , and it would be too easy for any lottery to say ,Oh yeh the winner decided not to reveal themselves and then keep the money for their use ? I mean really, who would know ?

I doubt the state could get away with it, but that is a very int... [ More ]

Comment #10

DetroitJazzMan — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 22:15:50 GMT

I don't think that lottery winners are running from other people, it's the other peoples relentless persuit of seperating them from some of that cash that bothers them. And lets face it.... A secret..... is only secret until you tell one person!... Just say NO! applies to more than drugs, and besides wouldn't it be nice to just enjoy the money without someone asking for some? Help who you want to help and the rest be damned

Comment #9

DoubleDown — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 21:45:16 GMT

Perhaps this person chose this way to keep the wolves from attacking.

Perhaps they know a lot of people that would line up with their hands out.

Perhaps they have a ton of relatives that would insist that they get a cut.

Whatever the reason it doesn't matter at this point....

Comment #8

Todd — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 21:45:09 GMT

I guess there's always another way to look at things.

Comment #7

Staar — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 21:28:40 GMT

I always wondered about those big prizes claimed anonymously. Maybe its just my suspiscious nature, but wouldn't it seem that once you got the money, you don't have that much to fear from that point on , and it would be too easy for any lottery to say ,Oh yeh the winner decided not to reveal themselves and then keep the money for their use ? I mean really, who would know

Comment #6

delS — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 21:05:54 GMT

Todd-

I have a feeling that it probably is a LP member, just because of an email that came forth earlier today on this site and your comment! Nevertheless, they are after my own heart. If ever I were to win, I would claim it in a trust as well! Then roll out and into Goldman Sachs to handle all my investing and money management! Good luck to M H Blind Trust

Comment #5

Todd — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 21:02:20 GMT

Whoever it is, I hope it's a Lottery Post member.

Comment #4

GuessWhat! — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 21:00:52 GMT

just YOU

Comment #3

sirbrad — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:56:19 GMT

Ah man that wuss! With that much money you have nothing to ever fear again.

Comment #2

DoubleDown — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:45:54 GMT

Very cool...

This is the way to fly !!!!

Let those that were wondering rest easy now.

Comment #1

liberal47 — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:26:57 GMT

A very wise winner. Glad to see they had patience and forethought to protect their identity. Sure, word of mouth will erode their secret in their local area, but they shouldn't be as big a target, like Jack Whittaker was. Let their trust make those donations to charity.

$270M Mega Millions lottery jackpot claimed anonymously

Lottery Post — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:07:34 GMT

The winner of the biggest lottery jackpot won in Ohio has claimed the $270 million prize anonymously by forming a trust.

Toledo attorney Mark Mockensturm, a trustee for the M H Blind Trust, made the claim Friday at the Ohio Lottery's headquarters on behalf of the winner of the Feb. 28 Mega Millions jackpot.

The winner chose to receive the prize in a lump sum and, after taxes, will get a check for $113.5 million.

The ticket was sold in Lyons, a farming village of about 600 people two m... [ More ]