Call Claiming To Be Powerball Winner Was Hoax

Monday, February 20, 2006 posted 11:46 AM EST

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Lottery said Monday morning that a call to the Lincoln convenience store that sold the winning Powerball ticket was a hoax.

The lottery's Tom Johnson told KETV NewsWatch 7 that someone called the U-Stop store Monday morning claiming to be the winner. Johnson said the call was traced back to a Denver radio station, which was apparently making the call as a prank.

The U-Stop store, at 110th and O streets, has never been so busy, or surprised.

Employee Stacey Carey said she couldn't believe the news when she came into work

"The chance of someone buying it in Lincoln, I thought was pretty rare, and I made the comment to somebody I doubt anybody would buy it or win the ticket," Carey said.

The chances of winning the $365 million ticket were one in 146 million people.

Others weren't as surprised, like Lincoln resident Kathy Abbott.

"I had a feeling last night somebody was going to win the Powerball," Abbott said. "I was standing in the middle of the room and said, 'Somebody's going to win this tonight.'"

Tom Johnson, who works with the Nebraska lottery, said Sunday the win could be a dream come true for the person or group that won.

Johnson even had advice for the winner(s).

"Take time for yourself," Johnson said. "Sit back and relax because this is going to be a life changing experience."

"It's a lot for somebody," Carey said. "I just hope they have the sense of how to spend it, and not be crazy."

According to the lottery rules, the store that sold the winning ticket receives $50,000.

If the winner chooses a cash payout, they would get $177 million after taxes.

If he or she chooses a 30-year payment plan, they would receive the entire amount in annual installments.

Across the country, 39 people bought tickets that matched the first five numbers, including two sold in Iowa.

Related Links
	Nebraska Lottery Results
	Search Past Nebraska Lottery Winning Numbers