Woman who won $560m lotto jackpot is suing to try and keep her identity secret

A woman who won $560million on a Powerball ticket is suing for the right to remain anonymous. The newly-minted multimillionaire, who is in New Hampshire, did not realize that signing the winning ticket meant she waived her rights to anonymity.She has since taken legal action against the state’s Lottery Commission, claiming that identifying her could put her at risk of dangers including kidnap. Her lawsuit, which refers to the woman as Jane Doe said: ‘As a lottery jackpot winner, Ms. Doe is now part of a small demographic which has historically been victimized by the unscrupulous with life threatening consequences. The limited public interest in disclosure is far outweighed by Ms. Doe’s interest in remaining anonymous.’



Doe said signing the ticket was a ‘huge mistake’ and is trying to have her own name replaced with that of a trust, according to the New York Times. But despite the efforts to cover it up, her identity looks likely to be revealed anyway, as the New Hampshire Lottery Commission stood firm on plans to name her. Executive director Charlie McIntyre said: ‘The procedures in place for prize claimants are critically important for the security and integrity of the lottery, our players and our games. ‘While we respect this player’s desire to remain anonymous, state statutes and lottery rules clearly dictate protocols. ‘After consulting with the New Hampshire attorney general’s office on this matter, we have been advised that the Lottery must proceed in accordance its rules and by state law in processing this claim like any other.’