I know one common topic on Lottery Post is discussing checking your numbers online and in the paper first before going to a store. This is not only because of a possible mistake, but also in case a clerk is dishonest. However, I'd like to share what happened to me about 20 minutes ago.
It's very cold & windy (for South Florida) so I put on my 25 year old ski parka (still looks great) and went to 7-11. On Sat night I won $5.00 getting 3/6 in Lotto and 2 Free Tickets getting 2/5 in Fantasy5. I wanted to use them tonight.
I waited in line and handed my winning tickets to the young man behind the counter. I said "I won $5 and 2 Free Tickets" and he went to the lottery machine. He took my cards and came back with my new tickets. I'm usually very polite, but I wanted to look at them & didn't move, even though 2 people were in back of me. (He was able to wait on them anyway.) I counted 1,2,3,4 Lotto and 1 Fantasy5 and 1 Free Ticket. He said "that's what you won." I said "No, I won 2 free draws, I'm positive." He looked through his pile of validation slips and mixed in was one Fantasy5 quick pick which said "Free" on it. When I got home I checked the time on the ticket and it was printed in-between the others, so it's mine.
I am sure this was an honest mistake by someone who was working alone and just wasn't paying attention. However, never walk out without making sure you have the correct change, the correct tickets and, as always, write down what you won before you go to a retailer. This might seem petty, but what if that free ticket wins $200,000 tonight? (fingers crossed)