14 March 2023 , 16:21
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A woman was stunned to realise what she thought was a humble scratchcard win of $100 was actually the life-changing prize of $100,000 (£82,400).
Veronica Cruz, a restaurant worker from Des Moines, Iowa, US, was in for a big surprise when she won the 15th top prize on a Super 20s scratchcard.
She purchased the card from a 24/7 convenience store after a night shift and played it when she got home.
Initially, she thought she had only won $100 (£82), but soon realised that she had won 1,000 times that amount, a whopping $100,000 (£82,000).
Veronica woke up her entire household to celebrate in the middle of the night, calling anyone she thought would answer the phone at 3.30am local time (8.30am GMT).
Woman was 'adamant' she would win top lottery prize - then pockets $200,000
She initially thought she had scooped just $100 (£82), but then realised what had actually happened (Jam Press)“I woke up all my kids and celebrated with them,” she said. “It was a real adrenaline rush. I called anyone that I thought would answer the phone at 3.30am and just celebrated with everyone else the next day.”
She added: “Even when I called my mom this morning and told her I had been emotional, she goes 'Why? Because it wasn't real?' I said 'It is real, it's hitting me now!’”
The following day, she continued to celebrate with her loved ones.
Even though her mother asked if the win was real, Veronica confirmed that it was indeed hitting her now.
Veronica purchased the ticket at Casey's convenience store in Des Moines (Jam Press)When claiming her prize at the Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive City, Veronica stated that she and her fiancé have not yet decided what they will do with their unexpected windfall.
She believes that this win will enable her family to do things that they were previously unable to do and make their lives better.
She added: “Stuff like this doesn't happen in our family, so it's nice. I know this is going to be just something to make our life better and feel free to do things that we weren't able to do before.”
Veronica purchased the winning ticket at Casey's convenience store in Des Moines.