A California Lottery ticket sold in San Diego nearly six months ago has yet to be claimed, and now the holder of the ticket has less than one week left to collect the prize.
California Lottery officials say the lucky MEGA Millions ticket at the center of this suspense is worth $170,827. It was sold on September 14, 2012, at the Escape Snack Bar located at 3360 32nd Street Naval Base.
The ticket successfully matched five of the six numbers in the MEGA Millions drawing – 40, 21, 51, 16 and 17 – missing only the Mega number of 20.
Since that September draw, Lottery officials haven’t heard a peep from the mystery winner, who likely has no idea they have a ticket worth more than $170,000.
Now, the days left to claim that prize are numbered.
Based on official CA Lottery rules, winners have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim prizes. That means this particular winning ticket will expire at the close of business on March 13, 2013.
If the winner doesn’t come forward by then, Lottery officials say the unclaimed funds will be transferred to California schools.
The nearest Lottery District Office to where this ticket was sold is located at 5656 Ruffin Road in San Diego. The phone number for that office is (858) 492-1700.
Lotto officials urge anyone who lives or works in the area where this ticket was sold to search through their possessions and old tickets, just in case, to avoid missing out on some serious cash.
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