Mega Millions...

[mjr]

If I ever decided to play the lottery (I don't play it) on a jackpot that big, and actually won, I'd want the lump sum.

The next thing I'd do is change my phone numbers. Then I'd probably quit my job.

[Seshat]

I'd accept it anonymously.

Then I'd shove most of it in term deposits for six months or so, while I calmed down.

[mjr]

I'd accept it anonymously.

Then I'd shove most of it in term deposits for six months or so, while I calmed down.

Great idea. I would also do whatever I could to accept the money anonymously. I wouldn't want people showing up at my doorstep.

"I need $10,000."

"Can you give me $2,500?"

"I need to buy a car. Can you give me $30,000?"

[OfficeSlug]

Great idea. I would also do whatever I could to accept the money anonymously. I wouldn't want people showing up at my doorstep.

My theory, should I win, is: If you're not already in my phone, we're not close enough for me to give/lend you money.

[Geek King]

I'd accept it anonymously.

In most states you can't accept anonymously. As a way to keep things honest, most lotto organizations are required by law to post winners publicly. I guess the original idea was so people could make sure the lotto commission wasn't stacking winners with their buddies, or some such, but the long effect is that every scammer and wanna-be sponge gets to know who got the big money

[Mytical]

My theory, should I win, is: If you're not already in my phone, we're not close enough for me to give/lend you money.

Yep, which is why if I ever won such I would immediately buy a private island, move to England where nobody knows me, or otherwise move and give nobody a forwarding address or phone number. I'd then hire somebody to do my shopping, so that I would have to go out very little. I would also do so in a 'disguise'. Besides that I would live a low key life. A modest house (nothing over $125k), modest car (new, but mid price range..not luxury), and the like. I would start some businesses, but hire 'faces' for the business so that I would be a silent owner .. or even work somewhere in the back so people would think somebody else owned the place.

[Argabarga]

I talked to a family friend once who said a way around that "must disclose" rule is to set up an LLC and accept the winnings for that "business", then, immediately close it. It means the "public" information that goes out will soon be useless to anyone who tries to phone/mail/email you requests for money because their calls/mail returned as useless. True, anyone who really wanted to can still track you down, but, your average freeloader doesn't have that level of gumption, else they wouldn't be freeloaders.

Alternatively, he said he could set up a charity to receive it, and just deflect all requests for money to the "board of directors" for that charity (i.e. him and his lawyer), again, won't stop the freeloaders, but it will provide you with an easier way to get rid of them. "Talk to the board, I have things to do today, sorry".

Now, IANAL, I have no idea if these would work, but, hey, food for thought for all you junior attorneys out there.

[VenomX]

f I ever won a big sum like they get to... I would give money back to the places that have helped me in the past, my family, and then buy an RV and disappear.

[DGoddessChardonnay]

If I ever decided to play the lottery (I don't play it) on a jackpot that big, and actually won, I'd want the lump sum.

The next thing I'd do is change my phone numbers. Then I'd probably quit my job.

That would be me. Take the lump sum so I can only pay out taxes one time, shove it into a savings account and walk out of the Litter Box. Then Mom can go ahead and buy her handicapped accessible van, I can get my truck and have the Toyota completely redone and repainted.

Then hire a real estate agent to help me find a house with a few acres of land outside of town, built a tall fence around it with an electric gate and live quietly with my Mom and brother.