by Pa Rock
Citizen Journalist
On January 6th a lady who lives in New Hampshire woke up to learn that she had won the grand prize of $560 million in the Powerball Lottery. Not knowing what to do, she did what she felt was logical and prudent - the lady called the New Hampshire Lottery Commission and asked them. An official at the commission told her that step number one was to sign the back of the ticket - which she then did.
The lady did not identify herself at that time and opted instead to give the matter some more thought. She knew that lottery winners were often targets of criminals, con-artists, family beggars, and all manner of miscreants and nuisances. One big lottery winner in Florida had even been murdered for his winnings. As a matter of commonsense and safety, she quickly reasoned that she would have to remain anonymous.
But sadly for this woman, who is now going by the legal moniker of "Jane Doe," she can't remain anonymous. Well, she could have if she had not listened to the person at the lottery commission who told her to sign the back of the ticket.
Jane learned later that she gave up her right to privacy when she signed the back of the ticket, an act she now calls a "huge" mistake.
There are seven states in the nation where lottery winners may keep their identities secret, and six more, including New Hampshire, where the winnings may be claimed by a trust. But in New Hampshire the trust must put the names of its members on the back of the winning ticket. "Okay," Jane thought, after consulting with her new crack legal team, "I'll form a trust." But it was too late. Her name was already signed to the ticket. She asked about whiting it out, but that wasn't allowed - for obvious reasons.
Now Jane and her team are in court asking that she be allowed to be an anonymous winner, a court case that many predict she will lose - just as she is losing $14,000 a day interest on her as yet unclaimed winnings. Some are even suggesting that she is hurting her cause with the court case, because now people will be more curious than ever to learn who the winner is.
A New Hampshire state senator who is sympathetic to Jane's cause has introduced legislation that would allow state lottery winners to remain anonymous, but even if his bill passes, it would have no impact on Jane.
What is currently known about Jane Doe of Merrimack, New Hampshire, is that she is a concerned citizen who has a record of civic involvement in her community. She has stated plans to help local charities and organizations with her new found wealth. Now, however, she may be heading into life as a recluse, constantly on-guard against that legions of crooks, politicians, preachers, distant relatives, friends of friends, investment strategists, and other assorted leaches and grifters and who are sure to be scouring the hills looking for her.
Congratulations, Jane. You won the Powerball!
Citizen Journalist
On January 6th a lady who lives in New Hampshire woke up to learn that she had won the grand prize of $560 million in the Powerball Lottery. Not knowing what to do, she did what she felt was logical and prudent - the lady called the New Hampshire Lottery Commission and asked them. An official at the commission told her that step number one was to sign the back of the ticket - which she then did.
The lady did not identify herself at that time and opted instead to give the matter some more thought. She knew that lottery winners were often targets of criminals, con-artists, family beggars, and all manner of miscreants and nuisances. One big lottery winner in Florida had even been murdered for his winnings. As a matter of commonsense and safety, she quickly reasoned that she would have to remain anonymous.
But sadly for this woman, who is now going by the legal moniker of "Jane Doe," she can't remain anonymous. Well, she could have if she had not listened to the person at the lottery commission who told her to sign the back of the ticket.
Jane learned later that she gave up her right to privacy when she signed the back of the ticket, an act she now calls a "huge" mistake.
There are seven states in the nation where lottery winners may keep their identities secret, and six more, including New Hampshire, where the winnings may be claimed by a trust. But in New Hampshire the trust must put the names of its members on the back of the winning ticket. "Okay," Jane thought, after consulting with her new crack legal team, "I'll form a trust." But it was too late. Her name was already signed to the ticket. She asked about whiting it out, but that wasn't allowed - for obvious reasons.
Now Jane and her team are in court asking that she be allowed to be an anonymous winner, a court case that many predict she will lose - just as she is losing $14,000 a day interest on her as yet unclaimed winnings. Some are even suggesting that she is hurting her cause with the court case, because now people will be more curious than ever to learn who the winner is.
A New Hampshire state senator who is sympathetic to Jane's cause has introduced legislation that would allow state lottery winners to remain anonymous, but even if his bill passes, it would have no impact on Jane.
What is currently known about Jane Doe of Merrimack, New Hampshire, is that she is a concerned citizen who has a record of civic involvement in her community. She has stated plans to help local charities and organizations with her new found wealth. Now, however, she may be heading into life as a recluse, constantly on-guard against that legions of crooks, politicians, preachers, distant relatives, friends of friends, investment strategists, and other assorted leaches and grifters and who are sure to be scouring the hills looking for her.
Congratulations, Jane. You won the Powerball!
1 comment:
In Ks., according to the fine print on back of lottery ticket, waiver requires both filling out form (signing) AND entering 2nd chance drawing. Always read fine print. No cause of action for Detrimental Reliance.
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