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LottoMomma

Michigan
United States
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November 4, 2010
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Mar 19, 2015, 2:03 am

Hello Fellow Posters..

I have a scratch off ticket from out of state that is a significant win. Only I can't go to the state to cash it.. cost prohibitive, so you know it's not that big but worth cashing! I understand I can mail it in. But, I am unsure whether to insure it. The lottery office says to send it certified with signature confirmation, which would also include tracking. Make copies of the ticket and the DL and send in with their form which includes SS# info, etc.

They say they get tickets in the mail everyday but the couple of gals I talked to cannot say that they recall if they are insured or not, because a mail person for the lottery place goes to the PO to collect the mail and signs for any there, since the tickets get sent to a PO box as opposed to the physical address if you were to go there.

Gonna cost alot to insure and send.. versus just $5 to send certified mail. Do you think I have to worry about insuring when dealing with the PO? Do you think anyone steals envelopes that say they are going to the lottery commission? LOL

Sad things is, I don't know how much I trust their insurance policy. I insured and sent a bracelet once and they lost it and I never did get reimbursed even though I had a receipt and that was only $20. They would certainly squawk at something bigger I am sure.

And I read somewhere that Fed EX does not insure documents being sent? Not sure if PO has same policy and don't want to go looking for trouble or raising a flag to the ticket in the envelope by asking? Does making copies of it still help me in still getting paid.. since pic is of actual ticket with bar code.. ticket/game number etc.?

Any thoughts would be most helpful.. I a kinda in a quandry. For sake of worry I am thinking of just insuring to be safe.. but curious if anyone has been in this position before. I know I am probably being paranoid.

Need some input.

Thanks

LM
zephbe

South Carolina
United States
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July 15, 2009
980 Posts
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Mar 19, 2015, 6:41 am

Hi LM, I've sent tickets to two other states by certified mail-no insurance--and didn't have a problem. Congrats on your win.

Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.-Rocky Balboa

“Don’t let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of going after yours.” – Zig Ziglar
Saylorgirl

Indiana
United States
Member #129,217
June 13, 2012
595 Posts
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Mar 19, 2015, 7:10 am

I won on a scratch off last year in Florida. I mailed it certified and I had a check back in the mail about three weeks later. Congratulations!
maringoman

Massachusetts
United States
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April 14, 2006
2,747 Posts
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Mar 19, 2015, 11:36 am

I won $100 from PA Lottery. Mailed it using regular mail and got a check a few weeks later. It cost me 44¢ only.

That money's gone fo ever
cbr$

Cordova,Al.
United States
Member #104,476
January 15, 2011
11,420 Posts
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Mar 19, 2015, 11:52 am

If you go to that state web site. follow their rule to the letter, I have return lottery ticket by mail before include scratch tickets. GA. asked for your own copy, copy of DL, and want you to sent it by certified mail. It depend on the state, what real need to get them cash your check come back in hardly no time at all. Right now I have some winners scratch off tickets that need to go back to S.Carolina. Hopefully they to will be quick as well in sending the check. Congratulation on your win.
destinycreation

South Carolina
United States
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July 9, 2005
1,842 Posts
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Mar 19, 2015, 12:13 pm

Quote: Originally posted by LottoMomma on Mar 19, 2015
Hello Fellow Posters..

I have a scratch off ticket from out of state that is a significant win. Only I can't go to the state to cash it.. cost prohibitive, so you know it's not that big but worth cashing! I understand I can mail it in. But, I am unsure whether to insure it. The lottery office says to send it certified with signature confirmation, which would also include tracking. Make copies of the ticket and the DL and send in with their form which includes SS# info, etc.

They say they get tickets in the mail everyday but the couple of gals I talked to cannot say that they recall if they are insured or not, because a mail person for the lottery place goes to the PO to collect the mail and signs for any there, since the tickets get sent to a PO box as opposed to the physical address if you were to go there.

Gonna cost alot to insure and send.. versus just $5 to send certified mail. Do you think I have to worry about insuring when dealing with the PO? Do you think anyone steals envelopes that say they are going to the lottery commission? LOL

Sad things is, I don't know how much I trust their insurance policy. I insured and sent a bracelet once and they lost it and I never did get reimbursed even though I had a receipt and that was only $20. They would certainly squawk at something bigger I am sure.

And I read somewhere that Fed EX does not insure documents being sent? Not sure if PO has same policy and don't want to go looking for trouble or raising a flag to the ticket in the envelope by asking? Does making copies of it still help me in still getting paid.. since pic is of actual ticket with bar code.. ticket/game number etc.?

Any thoughts would be most helpful.. I a kinda in a quandry. For sake of worry I am thinking of just insuring to be safe.. but curious if anyone has been in this position before. I know I am probably being paranoid.

Need some input.

Thanks

LM

Just Curious, you're from Michigan, what state is the winning scratch off ticket from ???
Think

Marquette, MI
United States
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August 20, 2005
1,430 Posts
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Mar 19, 2015, 3:46 pm

I had a $7 PB winner from a Powerball run to Indiana once and I mailed it in. They sent me a check in first class mail but they did NOT seal the
envelope.

Knowing the Indiana lottery they probably did that so the check had a better chance of either getting lost or getting torn up in the postal equipment. ( I am sure you know the famous story about the Indiana Lottery and the scratcher win ).
LottoMomma

Michigan
United States
Member #100,019
November 4, 2010
176 Posts
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Mar 20, 2015, 4:19 am

Quote: Originally posted by Think on Mar 19, 2015
I had a $7 PB winner from a Powerball run to Indiana once and I mailed it in. They sent me a check in first class mail but they did NOT seal the
envelope.

Knowing the Indiana lottery they probably did that so the check had a better chance of either getting lost or getting torn up in the postal equipment. ( I am sure you know the famous story about the Indiana Lottery and the scratcher win ).

Thanks everyone for taking the time to post responses to my question. You make me feel much better about sending my ticket in. I will of course send it certified.

But, no I don't know the FAMOUS story about the IN lottery and the scratcher win. Should I hear this story before I mail my ticket? Enlighten me Think! LOL

And thanks for the congrats...

LM
Think

Marquette, MI
United States
Member #20,540
August 20, 2005
1,430 Posts
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Mar 20, 2015, 6:24 pm

Quote: Originally posted by LottoMomma on Mar 20, 2015
Thanks everyone for taking the time to post responses to my question. You make me feel much better about sending my ticket in. I will of course send it certified.

But, no I don't know the FAMOUS story about the IN lottery and the scratcher win. Should I hear this story before I mail my ticket? Enlighten me Think! LOL

And thanks for the congrats...

LM

No, it was just a comment on Indiana lottery security.

Somebody with their security told a buddy where to buy a winning scratcher and the guy bought it and won but word got out about the inside job.

Todd posted it in the news when it happened and it has been discussed numerous times on the forums.
LottoMomma

Michigan
United States
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November 4, 2010
176 Posts
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Mar 22, 2015, 5:10 am

Well, interesting thing I found out. You CAN'T insure lottery tickets you send through the mail with the postal service. If you read under their fine print it is one of the many exception items along with sweepstakes, raffle tickets and the like.. live animals that die including baby chicks and bees and such.

So, you just have to rely on the good graces of the mail system of it arriving safe and sound. Probably best way to go is priority mail if there is any doubt and especially if any kind of distance is involved just for good measure and if you want to be able to sleep at night.

Well, just the update. I'll keep you posted once I know it has arrived safe and sound as it is being tracked as well!

LM
IPlayWeekly

Columbus, Ohio
United States
Member #128,898
June 5, 2012
599 Posts
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Mar 22, 2015, 8:42 am

Congrats on the hit... Do you know anyone in the state? Will you be in the state again before the ticket expires? If not, I'd say FedEx and track it.
Litebets27

Maryland
United States
Member #10,465
January 14, 2005
6,375 Posts
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Mar 22, 2015, 9:03 am

I have used snail mail to request a payout on lottery wins and I believe I only had a problem getting back a $2.00 win from one State. It was not worth an additional stamp to inquire about it.

Feeling, PRICELESS!!!

Come on Jackpot!!!
LottoMomma

Michigan
United States
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November 4, 2010
176 Posts
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Apr 1, 2015, 11:19 pm

Well, I think I told you all I ended up sending it flat rate letter with both signature and receipt confirmation. This way I was able to see who actually signed for it and what day. And by sending it flat rate it was in there in two days..

All went without a hitch. I had the check within the week. Sweet!

But, just so you all know.. doesn't pay to insure a scratch off.. least with postal service or fed ex, since they will not pay off on it if lost or stolen.

Just have to be thankful for honest postal workers! LOL

LM
LottoMomma

Michigan
United States
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November 4, 2010
176 Posts
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Apr 1, 2015, 11:20 pm

I was on vacation in AZ at the time.

LM
dallascowboyfan

Oklahoma
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November 12, 2009
6,374 Posts
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Apr 2, 2015, 11:17 am

Congratulation on your win.

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