Would you be willing to change your name in order to remain anonymous?

Reply #35

maximumfun — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 01:24:36 GMT

OK let me see if I have this plan of attack right.

I live in state A and buy winning ticket in state 3 I get residency in state B change my name in state B move to state C and get new d/l and collect ticket with new name I get residency in state D change my name BACK to my original name in state D move to state E and get new d/l with original name go back to state A and re-get d/l in original state.

wouldnt that take a long time to accomplish all that? 5 different states? or am i mis-und... [ More ]

Reply #34

CDanaT — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:07:28 GMT

I might consider changing mine to John Smith or Mike Williams or John Davis or Joe White

I heard that Coin Toss was considering changing his name to Caitlyn... shoulder shrug Who new

Reply #33

Artist77 — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 22:40:50 GMT

I would change my name to Ms. Mucho Dinero.

Reply #32

LottoLucy — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 05:32:48 GMT

I wouldn't change my name. I would change my address.

I would go rent an apartment in another city within my state, get my driver's license changed, and create plausible deniability. I don't know that too many people would realize I was living someplace else for a while. I could still show up to events that I was invited to. Be seen around town. But just return to my apartment so The state wouldn't think I had committed fraud.

This certainly wouldn't work in a state that requires a winner... [ More ]

Reply #31

RJOh — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:19:48 GMT

If I won a lottery jackpot it would be easier to change my address instead. Moving to a gated neighborhood where panhandlers and beggars aren't allowed would solve the problem.

Reply #30

HoLeeKau — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:42:18 GMT

For those whose only problem with a name change is the publishing requirement, just rent a cheap apartment in an adjoining state, or in a state where it's easy and cheap to fly to and back in a few hours. Visit every few weeks until residency requirements are met. (I've heard some states have no time requirements, just have an apartment and utility bills in your name. I haven't checked that claim out for myself.) Then publish in a newspaper in that state, change your name to something very commo... [ More ]

Reply #29

dognabit — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:53:26 GMT

I'm fairly happy with my name John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt.

Reply #28

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:34:15 GMT

..

If the jackpot was under $100,000,000? I'd follow my own advice - to a point. I'd do the legal name change, redeem the ticket via registered mail under my new name, then change my name back to my current name afterward. But, I'm retired now (grin) and nobody knows about my personal finances except me, my bankers, and the I.R.S. So, I'd have no need to erect any kind of financial planner facade.

Regardless of the jackpot amount and once the money is in my hands, I'd first buy, accessoriz... [ More ]

Reply #27

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:30:01 GMT

Apples...yeah, there is more...

Final Words

Lottery winner horror stories not only involve how winners mismanaged their anonymity but also how their money was mismanaged - sometimes by others. That's why I recommended that you take training to be your own financial planner instead of seeking out and hiring one. Remember Bernard Madoff? A number of wealthy and influential persons (like Steven Spielberg) trusted Madoff with their money - only to see it vanish in the wind. Even banks like HSB... [ More ]

Reply #26

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:22:30 GMT

How about these further Apples....

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT !!!

Try to keep your wallet or purse shut as well ... at least for the near-term future. Most money experts, at this point, would advise you to seek out and hire a financial planner. But not me. Why seek out and hire a financial planner when you can BE one? Many colleges and universities like Boston University in Massachusetts or Pepperdine University in California offer self-paced financial planning courses you can take online in the... [ More ]

Reply #25

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:16:12 GMT

From the Article Redd.

Many lawyers say that one of the first people winners hear from are former wives or former husbands. They will either ask you for money upfront or suggest that it might be a good time to renegotiate their divorce settlement. And, lawyers would know about that. Faced with the prospect of such wealth, many lawyers would be willing to take your ex's case on contingency, hoping to carve out a piece of your jackpot pie for themselves. Your bank accounts can be frozen for mon... [ More ]

Reply #24

Redd55 — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:12:37 GMT

The best way would be to change the laws. However, good luck getting the state legislature on your side. They benefit from the lottery and the lottery benefits from the free publicity of people having their names published. I think the only way they wd change is if someone who won a jackpot was murdered because of it. That seems to happen in FL and MI. I havent heard of it happening in CA....yet.

Reply #23

Coin Toss — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:06:52 GMT

Tough one noise-gate. Lots of reasons not to have been pointed out.

I'll say it one more time, how about a Jackpot Winners Protection Program?

Just like witness protection but for jackpot winners. Someone or several people else go to accept the check, handles all attempted correspondence, etc....

Reply #22

Redd55 — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:00:29 GMT

And I'm discussing the fact that it is a silly idea.

Reply #21

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 02:51:39 GMT

Redd- it's a discussion only a discussion. I did not say l was going to change my name, l happen to like my name.The topic was taken from an article l read and l am simply expanding on the idea of what if ..

Reply #20

Redd55 — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 02:34:26 GMT

I suggest you check the requirements of changing your name. There is paper work plus you must publish your intent to change your name in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for 4 weeks in a row in a newspaper approved by the court. After submitting proof that this is done, you get a court date. After you appear, the judge will make the decision. And you want to do this twice???? Please... Again, your name change(s) will be published and obviously easy to find in any computer search.

Reply #19

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 02:29:08 GMT

Partly True DC- Your Family friends wouldn't know you changed your name because it is for a short duration. They can continue to call you Kenny or whatever, in fact the name change would be known only by You the people processing your application. It's Private- no one other than yourself has to know. If someone sees a name change that is yours you could simply say I seriously doubt l am the only one with that name, besides who cares what people do with their names, it's probably some nut case wh... [ More ]

Reply #18

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 02:14:17 GMT

Yes California does require a name, and you going to give them one..the New One. The Town thingie is of little value. One could live in Lodi and purchase your winning ticket in Pleasanton.That is why l am convinced that some of the tickets that go unclaimed are from folks from out of State or Truckers simply passing through, they go in to this store pick up a six pack, some cigarettes and get a ticket or two.They forget about it once they see the Mrs the kids. Next thing you know,the Mrs throws

Reply #17

Redd55 — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 01:12:19 GMT

Some states, California being one of them, require the winner's name and town be published.

Reply #16

CDanaT — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 01:07:45 GMT

No need for a name change...Hook up the trust with the Atty and have him/her as the spokesperson and collector, get a mailing address at a campground, new cell # and email....destination ?? someplace in the USA.

Reply #15

Funtimz — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 00:43:57 GMT

I dont think I would. Because your picture would be out there, so not sure what a name change would do. I'd rather just buy a new car and take an extra long road trip.

Reply #14

SkyLine69 — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 21:29:01 GMT

I would not and have not changed my name. Instead set up a Trust BEFORE you claim your prize. Sign the back of your ticket and put it in. SAFE place then go see a lawyer. No one will ever know unless yo choose to tell them

Reply #13

maximumfun — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 20:59:53 GMT

From Raven62: In a situation where the legal identity of the person is disguised, the person is using a pseudonym, which would be considered to be using pseudonymity not anonymity .

Love it

Reply #12

Sorrento — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 15:56:38 GMT

I think the above situation of the winner going on an extended vacation is the better plan. Much easier than changing your name. Head overseas for 3 months and have a good long think about what you're going to do with the money, away from pestering by relatives you can't stand and wouldn't spit on if they were on fire, casual acquaintances who suddenly claim close friendship, and every other beggar crawling out of the woodwork. Then live in a gated community when you come home.

Reply #11

MaximumMillions — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 15:46:08 GMT

That's what a lot of the chinese lottery winners do.

I would be having fun with it, unless they said no gorilla costume could be worn.

Would I change my name? Yes, but in Germany it's up to the registry office personnel, and short of your parents abusing you or your name being Hitler it's very hard to get them to do it.

And don't you have to post notice in many US states? That would defeat the purpose if you had to buy an ad in the newspaper.

Reply #10

Raven62 — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:46:49 GMT

In a situation where the legal identity of the person is disguised, the person is using a pseudonym, which would be considered to be using pseudonymity not anonymity .

Reply #9

Saylorgirl — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:45:45 GMT

No, I would not change my name.

Reply #8

bigbear29 — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:31:12 GMT

No, it would be easier to just move to a gated community and try to be as normal/average person as possible.

meaning:

don't take the very, very very expensive car to the grocery store. try to look like an average person (someone who has not won/made/born into millions)

If you have ever lived in a middle to upper class neighborhood, have you ever notice who was a millionaire and who was not, say in a grocery store?

I have lived in San Diego (4s ranch community which is on that... [ More ]

Reply #7

noise-gate — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:26:36 GMT

Some of the advice is showing up to claim your prize in a Gorilla Suit...go figure.

Reply #6

noise-gate — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 13:59:32 GMT

This topic was based on information l read from a site called lucky You- advice for instant millionaires . I wondered at the time how many would find it doable or not

Reply #5

Redd55 — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 13:36:21 GMT

Wouldnt work. Why not just enjoy your new imaginary wealth and stop worrying?

I read about a winner from SoCal who waited a decent interval and then his lawyer drove him up to an out of the way Lotto office in NoCal to claim the prize. Then he and his wife hopped a plane for an extended vacation.

Who you hiding from, by the way

Reply #4

destinycreation — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 12:45:27 GMT

People could always figure out who the winner running scared is, b/c you can't convince friends/family to start calling you by a different name. Someone in your social circle would eventually out you, reveal your real identity, put two and two together, figure out that you're up to something, and keep digging until they eventually figure out that you're trying to claim lottery money anonymously , via a new name .

Reply #3

maximumfun — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:24:23 GMT

Would I change my name... Jane Smith or Mary Martin or Susan Brown... to something really unique... Anna Williams!

Then I would need to change my SS card, Drivers Licence, Passport, all the utilities ... that sounds like alot of attention being drawn to my having my name changed... oh and then there are the ID cards for work... and security clearances...

and to next change BACK to my given/married name... wouldnt that draw attention to the old-new winning name? although i suppose one coul... [ More ]

Reply #2

ThatScaryChick — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:22:34 GMT

I don't know. Odds are I would probably just keep my last name, but I won't say never because who knows what would happen after winning a big jackpot. I could take my mothers maiden name which is a really common last name to help hide my identity.

Reply #1

zinniagirl — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 03:50:42 GMT

Am on the fence with this one, since changing your name legslly requires you to post an announcement in the newspaper that you are changing your name to.....

So that would defeat the puprpose.

Would you be willing to change your name in order to remain anonymous?

noise-gate — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 03:43:52 GMT

Whether for a short while or not?

If so: Would you consider it a smart move to do so before you claim your jackpot winnings and perhaps after the press has gone on this wild exhaustive goose chase looking for _____________ you take back your Old name?

l read where it has been done before- however would you consider it an option or not in your case, particularly in a State that absolutely prohibits anonymity for Lottery Jackpot Winners?

Personally: Not sure. How about you?

*** Have a