Lottery winner wins $1,200 prize but still can’t claim it a year later due to a simple mistake – how to avoid the same problem

A LOTTERY winner spent a year trying to claim his big prize after forgetting important information.

Rirong Zhou won $1,186 in the Ontario Lottery Game (OLG), but couldn’t claim it because he couldn’t remember where he bought it.

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“I tried emailing them many times. I called and they said it was on its way, but no one sent me the check,” Zhou said. TVC.

It took months for Zhou to realize he was a lottery winner, after initially purchasing his ticket in April 2023.

When he realized he was the lucky winner, he could no longer remember where he made the purchase.

OLG released a statement to the publication, explaining that it needs a certain amount of information to verify the winner.

“The only information we do not have is the name of the person who purchased the ticket, especially if they purchased it from an authorized lottery outlet,” said a spokesperson.

“If a customer purchases a ticket on OLG.ca, it will be registered in our system and we will notify them directly when they win a prize.”

“When a winning ticket worth $1,000 or more is presented for claim, the OLG Prize Center is required to determine the rightful ownership of that ticket.

“As part of the standard prize claim review process, claimants are asked a series of questions to determine ticket ownership, such as ‘where did you purchase the ticket?’, ‘when did you purchase the ticket?’ or ‘Did you purchase any other lottery products such as ENCORE or another game at the same time?'”

They revealed that the process could take longer if they do not receive adequate information or if questions cannot be answered.

It is common for lottery players to have to confirm their identities before claiming the prize.

Future winners can avoid this problem by keeping their receipts, which often contain the store details, as well as the date and time the ticket was purchased.

Zhou’s case managed to receive more attention after CTV contacted OLG on his behalf.

The lottery confirmed that it has decided to process your check, after a year of waiting.

‘A COMFORTABLE LIFE’

Zhou was not the only lottery player who encountered some problems after playing the lottery.

A group of jackpot winners won an $842 million Powerball, however, a specific clause means they would lose more than half their money before they even touched it.

Top US Lottery Winners

Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.

• Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, November 8, 2022, in California.
• Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, October 11, 2023, California.
• Unknown Winner – $1.602 Billion, Mega Millions, August 8, 2023, Florida.
• Marvin and Mae Acosta of Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson of Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt of Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, January 13, 2016.
• Unknown Winner – $1.537 Billion, Mega Millions, October 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
• Winner unknown – he sued his child’s mother to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, January 13, 2023, from Maine.
• Unknown Winner – $1.337 Billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
• Cheng and Duanpen Saephan and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
• Yanira Álvarez – $1.08 billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
• Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 Billion, Mega Millions, January 22, 2021, from Michigan.
• Winner unknown – $842.4 million Powerball, January 1, 2024, from Michigan.

The trio chose to receive their money in a lump sum, which is often taxed as income.

Before the jackpot reached their hands, the group lost 24% in federal taxes and 4.25% in state taxes, leaving them with just $305 million.

However, the winners, who call themselves The Breakfast Club, weren’t too bothered by their defeat, according to Michigan Lottery Connection.

“This award will positively affect our family for generations to come,” said a club member.

“Until now, we have led a comfortable life and planned to retire someday.

“Now, we are not financially tied to a specific calendar. The world – and our opportunities – have opened up in incredible ways.