So, I as walking to my bus stop last night and I for some reason always pick up scratch-offs off the ground. I found a winning $10 one a few years ago, that led me to do this. So last night saw one kinda wet and it was a $20 one and I go and pick it up. And it was a winner (down playing for effect) so I figure they already paid it out. Walk to the store to already get the bad news and instead of the "already paid" I get something I never expected. I knew the prize amount but figured they wanted to just keep the ticket...

Be careful with your tickets, if you win stash them somewhere safe if you can't cash it right away.

"Winner $500 please see retailer"