A trip to the gas station takes a lucky turn for one man who becomes an accidental millionaire. The winning ticket was from Tyrrell County. Upon checking his ticket, he found his numbers matched the draw, despite the odds being 1 in 11.6 million.
Big Win Announced at Home
Initially unaware of his good fortune, it was the man's wife and son who informed him of the life-changing news. Imagine his surprise when he verified his ticket only to realize that he was, in fact, the lucky winner.
The Next Steps
The man and his wife, still in disbelief, took pictures of their winning ticket, contemplating their next move. It is always a great idea to document your winning ticket as a precautionary measure.
Claiming the Winnings
Our lucky winner made his way to the lottery headquarters in Raleigh to claim his winnings. He opted for the lump sum payout and after federal and state tax withholdings, he walked away with a cool ,501. That's a hefty sum for a quick stop at the gas station!
General Suggestions for Lottery Winners
Now, if you happen to find yourself in the same incredible position, it's worth noting some general advice for lottery winners:
- Sign your ticket
- Secure your ticket
- Present your signed ticket and photo ID at the lottery office
- Be prepared to answer follow-up questions about the origin of your ticket
- Keep your ticket in a secure place until you claim your winnings
- Hiring a lawyer can be beneficial, yet be sure to avoid scams. Always do your research to ensure you're working with a legitimate professional – legitimate lawyers won't ask for a percentage of your winnings for their representation.