Formerly Homeless California Woman Wins $5 Million On A Scratch-Off Ticket During An Oil Change

Person scratching off a lotto ticket
via Shutterstock

Sometimes lady luck can strike in the most ordinary places. According to the California Lottory, one formerly homeless California woman lucked into a life-changing fortune during a routine oil change. 

Earlier this year, Lucia Forseth bought a $20 California Lottery Scratchers ticket while getting an oil change at a Walmart Supercenter outside Oakland, in Contra Costa County. 

Forseth told the California Lottery that she picked a ticket at random: 

“I only bought one ticket. I closed my eyes and picked that one, and it won. I first thought I’d won a free ticket, but I checked, and it said I won $5 million.”

Forseth’s good fortune couldn’t be more fortuitous. She told the California Lottery that she was homeless just six years ago. In addition to hitting pay dirt on a lotto ticket, Forseth’s year is shaping up to be one for the record books: 

“Six years ago, I was homeless. This year I am getting married, getting my associate degree, and won $5 million. You never think you have a chance to win it. It is just random. Being homeless just six years ago, I never thought it would happen to someone like me.”

She told the California Lottery she plans to buy a new house and invest the money. Smart! 

In a statement on Wednesday, California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker said, “The California Lottery’s sole mission is to raise additional funding for public education, and it’s only possible with our players’ support. Hearing a success story like this showcases the positive impact our games have on winners and schools alike.”

So much for worrying about being nickel and dimed on an oil change.

What wonderful change of fortune! 

Related: California Man Wins $5 Million Jackpot With An Unusual Lotto Scratch-Off Strategy

Author
B. Carlisle

Contributing editor at Wealth Gang. An entrepreneur at heart, he's passionate about meaningful ways to leverage technology and social media for business opportunities and side hustles.