An undocumented immigrant in California claims her uncle disappeared with a $2 million scratch-off lottery prize after she entrusted him to cash the ticket, fearing that claiming it herself could lead to deportation. The woman, identified as Ruby Reyes, purchased the $20 ticket in Santa Rosa in late 2024.
Reyes told N+Univision 14 that after scratching off the winning numbers, she gave the ticket to her uncle, believing he would redeem it and give her the winnings. She stated that her uncle, whose name was not revealed, possessed legal resident paperwork and was supposed to return the money to her. According to records, the uncle received a post-tax check amounting to $1,520,004.08.
Reyes has reportedly initiated legal action and has been attempting to contact her uncle in hopes he will reconsider returning the prize money. She expressed that winning the lottery was a dream that would have improved the future for herself and her children, and that she possesses sufficient evidence to support her claim.
While Reyes cited fears of deportation as the reason for not claiming the prize herself, the California State Lottery does not bar undocumented immigrants from claiming winning tickets, though they are subject to federal and state taxes. The New York Post reached out to Reyes and the California State Lottery for comment.