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oate

United States
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October 22, 2018
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Feb 6, 2019, 12:38 am

If you lived in a state where you could collect without your name made public, and you never wanted your extended family to find out you won a big jackpot, what measures would you take to hide the fact?

I heard a story where a person's attempt to hide a big lottery win backfired. He started acting very odd and pretended to be poor, so at first his family thought he was involved in a cult that was taking his money or that he had lost his job and was suffering from depression. It was concerning enough that they hired a PI. When they learned it was an act, they wondered if he had won the lottery so they investigated more. The names of claiming trusts were public record and one they found had a very particular name that clued them in (the name of his dog, lol). I think there were other clues involving land purchases, but I don't know all the details.

Assuming the story is true, I guess there are some lessons here: don't drastically change your behavior and pick a very random or generic name for your trust if the name is public record. What else could a person do? Or do you think that a highly motivated person could figure it out despite your best efforts to hide it?

Only my hairdresser knows for sure.
music*

Fresno, California
United States
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August 2, 2014
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Feb 6, 2019, 12:53 am

I would move out of the Country. Possibly to South America.

"We are all in this together!"
JAMORA

NC
United States
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February 28, 2015
4,123 Posts
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Feb 6, 2019, 12:53 am

Quote: Originally posted by oate on Feb 6, 2019
If you lived in a state where you could collect without your name made public, and you never wanted your extended family to find out you won a big jackpot, what measures would you take to hide the fact?

I heard a story where a person's attempt to hide a big lottery win backfired. He started acting very odd and pretended to be poor, so at first his family thought he was involved in a cult that was taking his money or that he had lost his job and was suffering from depression. It was concerning enough that they hired a PI. When they learned it was an act, they wondered if he had won the lottery so they investigated more. The names of claiming trusts were public record and one they found had a very particular name that clued them in (the name of his dog, lol). I think there were other clues involving land purchases, but I don't know all the details.

Assuming the story is true, I guess there are some lessons here: don't drastically change your behavior and pick a very random or generic name for your trust if the name is public record. What else could a person do? Or do you think that a highly motivated person could figure it out despite your best efforts to hide it?

Why live with people you don't trust or care enough about to share the news or the wealth?

"Don't waste time, it's the stuff life's made of..."

VTs are like looking for a sewing kit in a haystack instead of looking for the needle.
zephbe

South Carolina
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July 15, 2009
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Feb 6, 2019, 11:08 am

His extended family sure sounds nosy. If his immediate family wasn't concerned, the others needed to mind their own business. Hiring a PI? Wow.

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
Big Joey

United States
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August 27, 2018
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Feb 6, 2019, 11:30 am

Quote: Originally posted by zephbe on Feb 6, 2019
His extended family sure sounds nosy. If his immediate family wasn't concerned, the others needed to mind their own business. Hiring a PI? Wow.

Like the song "Mother In Law" by the late, great Ernie K Doe.
Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
United States
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January 17, 2006
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Feb 6, 2019, 11:58 am

Better to just stay the same, no high end cars, mansions, bling, etc....

The more you 'flash', the sooner you'll blow the cash.......or be found out.

Those who run the lotteries love it when players look for consistency in something that's designed not to have any. So many systems, so many theories, so few jackpot winners.

There is one and only one 'proven' system, and that is to book the action. No matter the game, let the players pick their own losers.
oate

United States
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October 22, 2018
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Feb 6, 2019, 12:27 pm

Quote: Originally posted by JAMORA on Feb 6, 2019
Why live with people you don't trust or care enough about to share the news or the wealth?

He wasn't hiding from immediate family living in the home with him. (He may have even lived alone.) He was trying to deceive relatives living in the same city as he did. I don't know how old the guy was or how much he won, but the idea of acting poor to throw people off is hilarious. Too bad his extended family was so nosy.

Only my hairdresser knows for sure.
jjtheprince14

United States
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March 12, 2017
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Feb 6, 2019, 3:50 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Feb 6, 2019
Better to just stay the same, no high end cars, mansions, bling, etc....

The more you 'flash', the sooner you'll blow the cash.......or be found out.

Smart thinking! A brand new Honda Civic and a $300K home would do me just fine.
Stack47

Kentucky
United States
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February 14, 2006
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Feb 6, 2019, 4:00 pm

Quote: Originally posted by jjtheprince14 on Feb 6, 2019
Smart thinking! A brand new Honda Civic and a $300K home would do me just fine.

People have different preferences in rides and homes, but what is point of playing for over $100 million or even $10 million after taxes if you can't spend your windfall for fear cousin Eddie will knock at the door?
eddessaknight

LAS VEGAS
United States
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November 22, 2006
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Feb 6, 2019, 4:14 pm

Amen Stack

The universal trick is to develop balance in our lives; i.e, not too sad, not not happy and not too over reactive - stay centered so we are not at the mercy of being constantly being pushed or pulled by extreme external forces
Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
United States
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January 17, 2006
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Feb 6, 2019, 7:11 pm

The joy people get from material things is fleeting.

Think Maslow's Triangle

Those who run the lotteries love it when players look for consistency in something that's designed not to have any. So many systems, so many theories, so few jackpot winners.

There is one and only one 'proven' system, and that is to book the action. No matter the game, let the players pick their own losers.
Artist77

United States
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January 16, 2012
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Feb 7, 2019, 6:32 am

If you live in a larger city or very near one, it is easier to hide wealth. I pay no attention to the new cars of neighbors or relatives or how much they make. I have had only 2 unrelated people try to fish for my income in years and I turn it around by asking if they are having financial issues and will let them know of job openings if they let me know what job that need. They quickly say they are employed and act shocked, then I ask if they are really ok? I say it is ok to need a job and keep looking. Lol They turn and run quickly.
CDanaT

Central TN
United States
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January 4, 2012
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Feb 7, 2019, 7:33 am

Guess that would depend on just how close knit you are with family. Of course the spouse would know but telling others ? I am a bit more of the "silence is golden, just smile" type when it comes to large sums of money.

Si vis pacem, para bellum.
rcbbuckeye

100

Texas
United States
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October 23, 2007
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Feb 7, 2019, 8:58 am

Wife and I aren't in touch with any family except our children. I have a brother in another state and we might talk once a year. We all have our separate lives now.

I've never really been too concerned about going out of my way keeping a win secret. Don't have any close friends or family, and am happy with that. That doesn't mean I would broadcast it, just be smart.

CAN'T WIN IF YOU'RE NOT IN

A DOLLAR AND A DREAM (OR $2)
CDanaT

Central TN
United States
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January 4, 2012
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Feb 7, 2019, 11:04 am

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/these-lottery-winners-won-fortunes-and-blew-them/ss-BBSnEIq?ocid=spartandhp#image=7

This link wouldn't help in keeping family out of the loop

Si vis pacem, para bellum.