How can an ordinary person forget a Rs 9 crore fortune? Someone just did

A life-changing lottery win worth Rs 9 crore is still unclaimed, leaving many wondering how someone could overlook such a massive sum. The mystery winner purchased the winning ticket at a well-known grocery store, yet months have passed without them stepping forward to claim their prize. According to Powerball rules, winners typically have up to one year to claim their jackpot.

According to The Sun, the winning ticket was bought on December 21, 2024, at a Jewel-Osco store in Melrose Park, Illinois, as per NBC Chicago. While the player still has time, officials urge them to come forward quickly to secure their winnings.

Unclaimed lottery prizes are not uncommon, and this Rs 9 crore ticket is just one of several life-changing sums still waiting for their rightful owners. Another Mega Millions ticket worth $1 million was sold at Tony’s Fresh Market in Illinois, but the winner remains anonymous. Meanwhile, an even larger unclaimed prize of $1.1 million was won from a ticket purchased at Miska’s Liquor store on September 8, 2024. If the winners fail to claim their money within the stipulated time, the funds could be redirected based on state regulations.


There are also smaller jackpots nearing expiration. A Powerball ticket worth $100,000, bought on March 23, 2024, at a Huck’s location in Centralia, has only ten days left before the claim deadline.

The US Sun recently reported another staggering unclaimed lottery win—a $30 million ticket purchased at My Goods Market on Gravenstein Highway in Cotati, California. The winner, if they come forward in time, can choose between a lump sum payment or an annuity plan.

Lump Sum or Annuity? Making the Right Choice

Lottery winners must decide between receiving their money all at once or through annual installments. A lump sum provides immediate access to cash, though it is taxed at a higher rate upfront, with 24% going to federal taxes immediately. Many states also impose additional taxes on winnings. Meanwhile, annuity payments are spread over several years—typically 30—ensuring a steady flow of income but without adjusting for inflation.

The California State Lottery advises winners to visit a Lottery District Office for the fastest claims processing. "The fastest way to claim prizes $600 and over is at a Lottery District Office," the official website states. "Lottery District Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to accept claim forms. No appointments are required. The current processing time for error-free claims is 4 to 6 weeks."

While smaller prizes under $1,000 can be processed on the same day, larger amounts require careful planning. Financial experts often recommend consulting advisors before making a decision on how to handle substantial lottery winnings.

With several multi-million dollar prizes still unclaimed, lottery officials continue to urge players to check their tickets. The clock is ticking, and a forgotten fortune could soon slip away forever.