No one has claimed the winning jackpot yet.l
If you purchased a Mega-Millions Jackpot ticket last week, Maryland Lottery officials say don't throw it away. That's because no one has come forward to claim the prize since the winning numbers were announced last Friday. "We have not heard from anyone to indicate that they have the ticket. We haven't heard from anyone who claims they're representing the winner," says Lottery Director Stephen Martino.
He says double check your ticket to see if the numbers make you a winner. "If you are the winner, sign the back of your ticket," he says. "Safeguard it. And then if you are the winner of this jackpot, it would be prudent to consult with your attorney, a financial advisor, and then come in at a time that works for you."
Since the winning numbers were announced last Friday and that the ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven Store in Balimore County, there have been rumors swirling as to who may have the ticket. Mirland Wilson of Baltimore, has said that she may have the ticket, and it's been put in a safe place at the McDonald's Restaurant where she works. But she has not produced it.
Michael Dronet of Glen Burnie thought he had it, but learned that he had been tricked by a bogus ticket made by a friend.
"this is a clearly an unusual case, and there have been no shortage of rumors and speculation," says Martino. "It's not our job to traffic in conjecture and the rumor of the day at the Lottery. Ultimately, the winner is going to bring the winning ticket in. We're confident of that. And when they do, we'll let everybody know, and try to tell as much of their story as possible."
The winner has until September 28th to claim the prize.
Winning tickets were also drawn in Illinois and Kansas, but so far no one in either of those states has come forward, claiming to be the winner.
The total jackpot is $656-million, and each of the winners will split the prize three ways.
The winning numbers announced last week are 2-4-23-38-46, and the Mega Ball is 23.
