When a stroke of luck turns into a financial nightmare, the consequences can be devastating. A Florida couple recently experienced such a turn of events after winning a $2700 lottery scratcher. Here’s what happened.
The Winning Ticket
Dolly and Dave were overjoyed when their Pick 4 ticket proved to be a winner.
Claiming the Prize
Eager to claim their prize, they headed to the Palm Beach County Lottery Office. Little did they know that their visit would reveal an unexpected and substantial debt owed to the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Things Took a Turn
The couple was informed that Dolly owed up to $11,000 to the DEO, while Dave had a further $400 in debt.
The debt originated from overpaid unemployment benefits, which they were completely unaware of.
The Winnings Were Withheld
Instead of receiving their winnings, the couple’s prize was withheld to cover the outstanding debt.
The Couple Was Shocked
Dolly expressed her shock, stating that she believed anyone who has ever collected unemployment benefits had experienced an overpayment at some point.
She admitted that she had no idea about the debt until she went to cash her winning ticket.
She Wasn’t Paying Attention
As a retired truck driver turned self-employed Uber driver, Dolly had not been closely monitoring her accounts, assuming that she would receive a physical letter if any debts arose.
Feeling Abandoned
Dave echoed her sentiments, highlighting the lack of concern shown by the authorities. He felt that they were handed a letter and dismissed without further assistance or guidance.
This Is Not an Isolated Incident
According to figures obtained from the Florida Lottery by DailyMail, approximately 5,060 lottery winners received debt notifications between January 2022 and January 2023.
Controversial Claims
The majority of these debts were owed to the DEO. The DEO defended its actions, stating that the presence of an overpayment flag does not necessarily mean that an overpayment has occurred.
A Common Phenomenon
Unfortunately, Dolly and Dave’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many other lottery winners find themselves in similar situations when claiming their winnings.
These cases, often referred to as “unusual circumstances,” typically involve the discovery of unknown federal debts related to unemployment or child support payments.
That’s How They Make Their Money
Several social media users shared their thoughts about the incident.
One YouTube user wrote, “No one has been overpaid. It’s a lie by the government to stay from the winners.”
Walmart Employee Terminated After 16 Years As She Exposed Dark Side of Retail Online
Platforms like TikTok have become a popular outlet for users to share behind-the-scenes revelations about various industries, shedding light on their harsh realities. From Domino’s delivery drivers exposing their meager tips to Instacart shoppers calling out fraudulent refund attempts, these revelations can have unintended consequences when higher-ups take notice. Walmart Employee Terminated After 16 Years As She Exposed Dark Side of Retail Online
Die Quickly, Quietly and CHEAPLY: Doctors Expose Dark Truths About Profit-Driven US Healthcare System
A doctor’s video exposing the profit-driven motives of health insurance companies and their alleged disregard for patient well-being goes viral, sparking discussions about the need for healthcare system reform. Die Quickly, Quietly and CHEAPLY: Doctors Expose Dark Truths About Profit-Driven US Healthcare System
Passenger Called Out “Emotional Support Dog” Seated Next to Her Genuine Service Dog on Flight
Remember that time when people were trying to pass off all sorts of creatures as emotional support animals to bring them on airplanes? From peacocks to tortoises, goats to monkeys, and even turkeys, it seemed like anything could be labeled as “emotional support” to justify its presence. Passenger Called Out “Emotional Support Dog” Seated Next to Her Genuine Service Dog on Flighasdt
“It’s Legal Tender!” – Obnoxious Customer Gets EXACTLY What He Demanded From This Cunning Cashier
Confronted by an entitled customer, this quick-thinking cashier makes sure he has a change in attitude. She complies with his requests and without breaking a rule ensures their transaction is anything but convenient. “It’s Legal Tender!” – Obnoxious Customer Gets EXACTLY What He Demanded From This Cunning Cashier
“Not Silenced” – Huge Protests After Judge Orders Newspaper to Destroy Electronic Data Going Against the First Amendment and Freedom of the Press
In a recent decision, a judge has ruled that Kansas authorities must delete all electronic copies of a small newspaper’s files that were made during a police raid on its office and has people questioning the police department’s understanding of the First Amendment. “Not Silenced” – Huge Protests After Judge Orders Newspaper to Destroy Electronic Data Going Against the First Amendment and Freedom of the Press
Another user pointed out that the lotto makes millions a day by selling tickets and even more by taking half the winnings.
The post “No One Has Been Overpaid” Lucky Lottery Win Turns Into Nightmare as Couple’s Winnings Withheld To Cover Unpaid Debts first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Goksi. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source : DailyMail