Do you sign your tickets?

Reply #59

BigDMike — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 18:41:57 GMT

I don't sign the ticket. If the ticket is stolen, then shame on me for not protecting my ticket(s) properly as I would any other curency. May the theif live the rest of their life with a migrain headache and bad breath. If I lost it, then shame on me for the same, but hopefully it's a blessing for the person that might find it. Either way signed or not... I'M not getting paid.

Besides, what happens in an emergency and you need someone to cash out for you?

Big money Jackpot... different sto... [ More ]

Reply #58

mrcraft — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 18:35:46 GMT

Since I can't claim via a trust or LLC anymore in California, I have no excuse not to sign the ticket right after purchase, but I never do mainly out of habit. Honestly, I don't think that'll change.

Reply #57

haymaker — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 18:18:46 GMT

Jersey also makes you choose when you buy the tix.

Reply #56

Candlelight777 — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 12:19:09 GMT

i had to laugh and think of myself when i read your post. My kids laugh when i scan my tickets since they put scanners in the store. I always check them myself but i will not throw them away until i scan them. There have been a couple times that i missed a winning ticket somehow after scanning them. I also get sloppy sometimes and shove the tickets in my purse to only find one floating around at a later time. Now i use those card holders. Just goes to show stuff happens and if it involves someth... [ More ]

Reply #55

savagegoose — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 12:02:00 GMT

its good to share the info,. liked in the 25+ years I've played lotto. almost all of that time regular and on a ticket registration card of some sort i think ive only had checks mailed out to me about 5 times. I know i said they would deposit to a bank, but at the start they mailed a check out. and i haven't had any missed winnings since the bank deposit regime. also if you give no bank details, they send a check. also i don't think any of the mailed checks where ever over $20. but it goes to sh... [ More ]

Reply #54

Candlelight777 — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 11:55:19 GMT

It's really unfortunate that there are states such as yours that forces peoples hand like that. Good thing is there are several state reps pushing for players to have the option. If it is given clearance it would also effect multi state games as well. I don't believe it's a matter of if, but when it will happen.

I remember a time when we had to pick annuity/lump sum at purchase as well and it never made sense. If anything it put folks at a disadvantage by forcing them to make a decision with... [ More ]

Reply #53

ttech10 — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 06:45:01 GMT

It'd be nice if you said it worked here how you said your lottery told you, as many would like the ability to sign their tickets and still have their options open for claiming, but I don't think it's a major issue for myself.

The bigger issue is that we're the only state (I believe) that forces you to choose annuity/lump sum when you buy the ticket.

Reply #52

Candlelight777 — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 23:00:58 GMT

I just wish our state lottery would offer such a system!! it would make things soo much more smoother

Who knows maybe one day with fingers crossed

Reply #51

Candlelight777 — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 22:58:21 GMT

Glad you got some verification on the matter and how your lottery handles these things

Reply #50

savagegoose — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 15:55:37 GMT

yeah we have had a few systems over the decades. 1st when we used carbon copy pape, the only way to colllcect was bring in your copy, and it had a section when purchased to fill out name and adress. one copy was sent to lotto hq and filed! the other you kept.

later a free member card could be aplied for, then it was $2 to buy it,. now free again. other states its $3 a year to subscribe to the member card.

Reply #49

ttech10 — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 05:39:23 GMT

i guess i am not seeing where a criminal would bother taking a lottery ticket during a break in

I don't think a criminal would steal one, but I think if they did, and it was signed, it would likely be destroyed to avoid any connection between them and the robbery.

I finally had someone from the Commission get back to me via email. You can still claim via a trust if you sign the ticket, but you must add 'for ABC Trust' after that, where ABC Trust is the name of your trust. The names of thos... [ More ]

Reply #48

Candlelight777 — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 14:05:16 GMT

Hmm, i guess i am not seeing where a criminal would bother taking a lottery ticket during a break in, unless they are willing to take the chance of incriminating themselves by presenting evidence to the lottery in an attempt to claim a prize that would link them back to the break in where a lottery ticket was among things reported stolen in a police report. Yeah criminals are not bright after all they are criminals, but i think most know not to create a trail to link them back to the scene where... [ More ]

Reply #47

ttech10 — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 09:44:24 GMT

If fraud is suspect and proven then no, it's not the final word. Lottery doesn't play sides, they follow the protocal of rules in place in the event such events occur.

That's the reason I have no worries about my tickets not being signed. If it gets stolen and my numbers come up, I'd contact the Lottery Commission right away with my info (picture of scanned picture, police report and rough description of what I look like for the store surveillance). Then I'd sit and pray that the person who t... [ More ]

Reply #46

Candlelight777 — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 01:28:34 GMT

If fraud is suspect and proven then no, it's not the final word. Lottery doesn't play sides, they follow the protocal of rules in place in the event such events occur.

Maybe we were reading two different articles because the lottery did do an investigation and awarded the money to the woman who found the ticket abandoned in the retailer's trash. It was a judge who went against the lottery's investigation and decision on the matter (why is not clear). Certainly will be interesting to see what... [ More ]

Reply #45

ttech10 — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 23:07:46 GMT

It's show time and time again, though, that what's in the writing itself isn't the final word. The final word is done after due dilligence by the Lottery Commission during their verification/investigation to ensure the person who presented the ticket is indeed the person who owns the ticket. And from cases I've seen between an alleged original owner and alleged un-original owner, the Lottery Commission has typically ended up siding with the alleged original owner, despite the claim that the tick... [ More ]

Reply #44

Candlelight777 — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 14:52:02 GMT

What each player decides is important or relevant regarding their ticket is certainly their choice. I am merely concerned with what the lottery tells me and what is in writing by the lottery itself. This is what i am basing my decisions on. I do not want to make assumptions as to how they will handle things nor do i want to have my own common sense be my bases for what i believe the lottery will or should do in such events.

Unfortunately, there are way too many times justice does not prevail... [ More ]

Reply #43

Candlelight777 — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 14:20:17 GMT

This is clearly a really bad story to use. There is a lot of missing info in this article to specifics for why the judge was persuaded to disagree with the lotteries own investigation. Given the nature of this case the judge very well may have felt this potentially was a inside job by employees and this woman who pulled it out of the trash. KEY POINT...she was told it was not a winner...hmmm. We have a glitchy camera that just so happens to not sync at a rather interesting time regarding this ca... [ More ]

Reply #42

ttech10 — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 04:52:26 GMT

Obviously a phtocopy isn't going to be accepted in lieu of the actual ticket. But there have been enough cases where a ticket was proven to be someone elses and the money awarded to the original, actual owner. Even when the original owner trashed the ticket and a stranger found and claimed the ticket.

http://news.yahoo.com/woman-lost-ark-lotto-ticket-entitled-1m-001711454.html

The lottery ticket is a bearer instrument line is overrated (when it comes to if your name is on it, you get the m... [ More ]

Reply #41

Candlelight777 — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 14:59:40 GMT

Now that would solve alot of problems....registering tickets at the time of purchase. Wish state's would do something like that here in america. I guess though it would be too time consuming at checkout, but if they provided everyone with one of those cards you get like you do with grocery stores and they could just scan it and your ticket is automatically registered with your info...wow that would be cool. Course then again, maybe the lottery is counting on those lost tickets that are never fou... [ More ]

Reply #40

savagegoose — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 14:44:27 GMT

I started signing the bck of my tickets hen i realised we have players cards where the winning ticket is registered to me anyhow, if i lose ill get paid anyhow deposit right to bank account, well they might call me and ask where is my winning ticket. heh well a few have sigs on now.

Reply #39

Candlelight777 — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 13:43:16 GMT

What is scary is how many people believe their photocopies will be accepted by the lottery as proof they own it in the event something happens to their ticket. If i had a large winning ticket i would still make a copy, but i would in no way expect my photocopy without the original to serve as validation in order to claim the prize or serve as proof that i am the rightful owner of the ticket because of the following

Hoosier Lottery states:

A ticket is the only valid proof for play and the o... [ More ]

Reply #38

ttech10 — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 04:33:28 GMT

Personally I think a majority would just trash it. Likely during a robbery they wouldn't bother checking the back for a name so it wouldn't deter them from taking it. If it was taken during a robbery, I think having all the other evidence of it being mine would be better than having my name on it. If my numbers won I could contact the Lottery Commission and show them my photocopy and they could review the tape from the store seeing me buy it. Then if someone comes in with it, they get caught and... [ More ]

Reply #37

onlymoney — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:58:43 GMT

Anyone who can't keep track and sign their tickets shouldn't play in the first place. According to the stats you provided, there are a lot more sidetracked individuals than I originally imagined. Scary.

Reply #36

Chadu82 — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:39:58 GMT

I haven't been signing my tickets but I've given it thought and I've been meaning to get better about it. I think it would probably be a good idea for everyone to do it, especially people like me who play quick picks since I can't hardly remember my numbers and if the ticket was stolen, I'd feel a 'little' better knowing I had signed it if it was the big 'one'. So yes, I do think it's wise for everyone to sign their tickets after reading about different lawsuits that have happened from people ma... [ More ]

Reply #35

Candlelight777 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 23:34:07 GMT

Your subtle message just might do the trick ..smiles and giggles

Reply #34

Jon D — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 23:14:55 GMT

Still going with this, huh...

Don't you see that's your whole argument, that you need to sign your ticket, OR ESLE!

Well, what is that OR ELSE? It's someone trying to take ownership of your ticket by theft or fraud isn't it? Exactly what I was explaining.

And you make statements like:

...the lottery doesn't concern itself with whose signature got on a ticket...

...if someone else gets ahold of it and signs it, it's game over sadly for the rightful owner.

Sorry, that's just plai... [ More ]

Reply #33

LottoBoner — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 23:02:15 GMT

Generally I dont sign my tickets, generally, I dont sign my $100 dollar bills either.

I generally trust my clerks, (except for the ones who try to steal my tickets.)

They know pretty well by now that I will not hesitate to knock over the cheesy poofs.

But considering a large winning ticket, I would probably mark it as being mine.

Perhaps a nice spritz of flouresecent liquid, or some resin from my tobacco pipe.

Also any large ticket should be photocopied, (just dont leave it in t... [ More ]

Reply #32

Candlelight777 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 22:31:47 GMT

Actually the KY lottery website says this under the customer service tab (FAQS tab) and this basically answers the question what they meant by saying sign the back of your ticket it will help protect your claim should you win ...and regarding requirements about signing tickets to claim prize as well.

What proof does anyone have that the winning ticket is really theirs?

Sign the back of your ticket immediately upon purchase. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments.

How do i claim a K... [ More ]

Reply #31

Stack47 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 21:47:16 GMT

I'm pretty sure requiring ID to cash any ticket over $50 but under $600 is a store policy because unless it's on printed on the back of the tickets (which I doubt), it's not a state lottery rule. The store where I generally buy tickets is also a cashing agent and it's common for them to validate a ticket under the limit and hand the player the cash with no questions asked.

Signing the ticket before the results are known is personal preference, but I'm not sure if signing the ticket is a valid... [ More ]

Reply #30

Candlelight777 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 19:43:54 GMT

KY lottery website:

Always sign your name to the back of your ticket(s). This will help protect your claim in the event you win.

You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase or redeem tickets, and you must be able to present valid government issued photo identification for any prize over $600.

So yes, if your ticket is a winner under $600 your screwed because with the KY lottery and many others as well..ID is not required. Now my local retailer does require ID if it's... [ More ]

Reply #29

Stack47 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 18:54:03 GMT

In my state, there is no bearer instrument language on the tickets, and only a few lines down does it say to sign your ticket to indicate ownership.

The majority of wins are under $600 and the value of the tickets are determined by bar codes. My state says to immediately sign the the ticket because it's a receipt, but it doesn't prove the signer bought the ticket. Is there a logical reason to sign the back of one of those tickets when the name of the ticket holder is irrelevant?

Even if s... [ More ]

Reply #28

Candlelight777 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 14:20:05 GMT

Jon, these are cases of a store clerk on camera committing fraud and caught in the act on camera....sigh...i give up!

Good day Jon

Reply #27

Candlelight777 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:59:27 GMT

I apologize for the large font, i have eye problems and health conditions that causes my eyes to focus differently when i have flareups. I have gotten soo use to enlarging my print that i never really thought about how it may been seen as shouting. My apologizes.

Reply #26

Candlelight777 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:58:13 GMT

Personally, i think if someone stole it and then realized it was signed, they would resort to plan B and then claim they found it with hopes of a reward for turning it in. I think in most cases, a signature would more then likely be visible and serve as a deterrent because it would be worthless to them and too much of a risk getting caught trying to claim a reward.

If you feel comfortable that your methods will prevail without a need to sign your ticket in the event your ticket is lost or sto... [ More ]

Reply #25

Jon D — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:22:41 GMT

You are new here, so you may not be aware of the multitude of stories where video evidence was used to establish that a customer was the rightful owner of a ticket instead of the thieving clerk who possessed, signed and tried to claim it.

Case in point, Bob Sehested:

https://www.lotterypost.com/news/145102

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i8sKdbqQj0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSvIvJzLTho

In this and many other cases, video evidence trumps possession and signature.

People can... [ More ]

Reply #24

Jon D — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:20:30 GMT

Why did you increase your font size? Stop SHOUTING, it doesn't make your point any stronger.

You seem to have this idea of finders keepers in your head. I tried to gently nudge you in previous replies, but you seem to be sticking to your guns on this. But just because a clerk takes a ticket from a customer, and is then the bearer of that ticket and signs it, that does not mean that he is the rightful owner.

We live in a lawful and civilized society. We don't encourage thievery. Whether yo... [ More ]

Reply #23

ttech10 — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 03:54:23 GMT

I would think video of me buying the ticket, plus my fingerprints on it, plus a photocopy would be sufficient to prove it's mine. After all, the lottery has awarded money to original owners who threw their ticket away and had a stranger claim it. My biggest worry if someone stole the ticket is if it would even be located (as the thief could just destroy it rather than risk cashing it).

And from everything I've seen, the name on the back is the name that gets released. The name on the ticket... [ More ]

Reply #22

rdgrnr — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:41:41 GMT

I always sign 'em cuz they're multi-draws good for the month and I don't want no varmint havin' that many chances to win on my dime.

I don't know how much good it'd do cuz I can't make out my signature my ownself and I never sign it the same way twiced anyway.

Reply #21

maringoman — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:13:06 GMT

Do you sign your tickets?

I used to sign them when I was a new player. I stopped doing that snip a long long time ago. I never lose my losing tickets so I am pretty sure I wouldn't be so unfortunate as to lose my only winning ticket. I personally check my lottery tickets so the risk of a dishonest clerk taking my money is non existent

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

Reply #20

savagegoose — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:01:05 GMT

remmember the story on here bout the apes that tried to claim a prize with a name scratched off the back, well scratched thru with a pen? yeah putting ya name on back will ake life difficult for any apes that wanna try it.

Reply #19

Candlelight777 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:27:55 GMT

Just to say again, because you are on camera purchasing that ticket does not establish ownership, the lottery has already told you how to do that, because what if a person bought it as a gift, stocking stuffer or used someone else's money for example, to purchase them tickets while they were at the store. At the end of the day, who does the lottery believe, or do they need to? it's who is in possession of that ticket and whose signature is on that ticket...and the lottery tells you right on the... [ More ]

Reply #18

Candlelight777 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:08:33 GMT

I disagree, if someone finds it, they will turn it in with hopes of being rewarded for doing so. If they don't, the ticket is worthless to them anyway because it's signed...so why wouldn't they turn it in knowing more then likely the owner of the ticket, who just won the JP, would reward them nicely for doing so?

Proving that a ticket was stolen would be very very hard and one would have to have some hard evidence to prove differently. He said she said would not override a signature on a... [ More ]

Reply #17

Jon D — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:28:11 GMT

Sorry, that's probably just me then. I just saw a couple of phrases that didn't sound right and caught my eye:

...the lottery doesn't concern itself with whose signature got on a ticket...

...if someone else gets ahold of it and signs it, it's game over sadly for the rightful owner.

I'll just turn down my phrasing sensitivity meter a few notches. No worries. We are on the same page...I guess.

Reply #16

Jon D — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:22:45 GMT

Well, if the ticket is lost or discarded before the draw, the signature won't help you.

But if it is stolen or subsequently found and recovered by someone else, if you put in a competing claim then it will most likely go in your favor.

The lottery itself does recommend that people sign all their tickets. But they do this because they know of so many cases where people did not know the value of their tickets and put their trust in a clerk, who scammed them out of their winnings and leading... [ More ]

Reply #15

JoshUK — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:53:16 GMT

Sometimes, I don't make a habit of it tho.

Reply #14

Candlelight777 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:27:00 GMT

But what if something happens to your ticket between purchasing it and the drawing and it turns out to be a winner. These are the many stories we read about and what i was trying to make a discussion about

Reply #13

Candlelight777 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:17:18 GMT

Yes, it was brought up regarding a news article which prompted me to start this discussion because i thought it was worthy of discussion. My goodness Jon, i just can't figure out where you are going because clearly, the lottery is gonna do a verification process with every ticket presented.

Did i say anywhere that a verification process does not take place? My point was protecting your ticket in light of such stories where there are lost or stolen tickets that turn out to be winners by signin... [ More ]

Reply #12

Jon D — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:30:26 GMT

I sign my tickets if and when they are worth $600 or more.

People getting ripped off are because they don't know the value fo their winning tickets. I always know, so I would never hand a clerk a =$600 ticket, I would sign and and then present it at a claims center.

Reply #11

Jon D — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:27:41 GMT

They don't even need a signature just be in possession of that ticket. Signing my tickets ensures it game over for anyone else and rendered worthless to them.

You posted about this before, but in reality just because you are in possession of a ticket and sign it, that doesn't automatically mean you get paid. For large prizes, the lottery will check if the ticket was legally obtained and the claimant is the rightful owner. There have been many cases of thieves/clerks trying to claim prizes as... [ More ]

Reply #10

Candlelight777 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:05:12 GMT

Something else to add, it was about a year ago i was playing quick draw alot and given it involves soo many numbers i wanted to use a highlighter for easy matching. So i called the lottery inquiring if i could do that. I was told it is not recommended. Only the original ticket is acceptable as they do not honor copies or any ticket that has been blemished in any way. I was told there have been cases where people marked their tickets and those tickets were not honored for various reasons mostly d... [ More ]

Reply #9

Candlelight777 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:36:27 GMT

Actually, i believe that may be a myth in most cases and it makes sense why that may be when i think about the way the lottery explained it to me recently. I have been asking some questions and if i was you, i would thoroughly look into this for your particular state lottery. The way it was explained to me was once you present your ticket and the process of verifying is complete, a whole new process of legal claim forms are presented which addresses things like the handling of proceeds going for... [ More ]

Reply #8

Shelby Mustang — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 01:52:43 GMT

You know I used to sign them as a show of confidence before the draw, you know like saying and believing I got the win before the draw. now i never won a dime by doing this but I was trying methods like in the secret . beliveing in it before it happens

Reply #7

ttech10 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:31:51 GMT

Nope. The fingerprint idea is interesting, though.

Reason I don't sign is because I'd claim via a trust and from what I've read, if your name is on the back, that's the winner they'll announce (instead of something like LDIF Trust). I do make a copy of the ticket though, which is easy enough since I only have to do that once a month.

Reply #6

jrosina — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 20:31:27 GMT

Don't want to join the group of forgetful winning ticket owners, with new owners

Reply #5

Candlelight777 — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:47:17 GMT

Thank you very much for welcoming me!!

For me the goal is to sign my tickets after purchase. Soo many things can happen to your ticket from the time of purchase to the drawing...and your ticket just might end up being the lucky ticket. Once you sign that ticket you are, in the eyes of the lottery, the rightful owner and no one else can take claim to that ticket. Had a lottery official once explain this to me and how soo many don't realize this until it happens to them

Reply #4

helpmewin — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:40:48 GMT

Good idea!!

I forgot also i copy them sometimes when i Win.

Reply #3

sully16 — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:37:10 GMT

I sign for Jackpot games, I also take all 4 corners and pinch them between my thumb and finger, don't mind having my fingerprints all over a ticket...

I have heard many stories and fradulent claims, causing many headaches for the real winners, I always pay attention to where I buy them and around what time.

Welcome to Lottery Post Candlelight777, hope you win big.

Reply #2

helpmewin — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:36:54 GMT

by the way Welcome Candlelight777

Reply #1

helpmewin — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:34:10 GMT

i try to sign them before cashing them @the store sometimes mailing them in is easier for me

Do you sign your tickets?

Candlelight777 — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:12:00 GMT

If the JP is at a record high i do, but i admit when it's not... i get lazy

We read soo many articles about lost or stolen tickets and it's always a reminder that stuff does happen. For many of us our tickets will never end up lost or stolen, but it could happen and there are enough stories to prove it does. While the best protection against most of these types of situations is right there on the back of our tickets, why is such a simple, yet important thing soo over looked by players? We ta... [ More ]