Lotto office flooded by claims for $12.5M prize

Last Updated: Thursday, September 30, 2010 | 2:14 PM ET

The Canadian Press

Lotto officials say they have been flooded by calls from people claiming they are the rightful owners of a $12.5-million jackpot that police say was stolen. (Canadian Press)

Ontario lottery officials say they're being inundated with callers claiming ownership of an allegedly stolen $12.5-million jackpot.

Eighty-seven people called soon after police and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. announced Wednesday that they're searching for the "rightful" winner of the ticket.

Police accuse a Burlington convenience store manager, his sister and father of stealing the ticket in 2003.

An OLG spokesman said they're asking the callers detailed questions about their ticket purchasing habits.

Tony Bitonti said 20 cases claiming ownership of the ticket have met the criteria and have been forwarded to provincial police for further investigation. Twenty-seven more cases have been ruled out.

OLG staff are still attempting to call back the remaining claimants and expect more to come. The spokesman said staff normally take about four calls per day regarding big lottery claims.

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