Thieves used a stolen credit card to buy a winning $500,000 lottery ticket. Now, the victim urges them to come forward and share the prize.
In a strange turn of events, two thieves who stole a credit card have been urged to come forward.
They used the stolen card to buy a lottery ticket that turned out to be a big winner.
The situation has captured the attention of many people.
Thieves stole a man’s credit card and won $500k in lottery
The incident took place in Toulouse, France, when a man named Jean-David had his backpack stolen.
Inside the backpack was his credit card. The thieves took the card and went to buy lottery tickets.
They ended up purchasing a scratch card that won them €500,000, which is about $523,000.
Jean-David discovered that his card was missing and quickly contacted his bank to block it.
Unfortunately, by that time, the thieves had already bought the winning ticket.
The scratch card was part of a purchase that totaled €52.50 ($55).
Victim asks thieves to come forward and share $500K lottery prize bought with his stolen card
Jean-David has filed a police report about the theft.
However, he is willing to drop the charges if the thieves agree to share the winnings from the lottery ticket.
His lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, mentioned that the two men seemed very excited after winning.
They left the store in such a hurry that they forgot some of their belongings.
Pierre Debuisson, the victim’s lawyer, said: “They were so totally happy that they forgot their cigarettes and their belongings and walked out like crazy people.”
Debuisson stated, “It’s an incredible story, but it’s all true.”
He reached out directly to the thieves, encouraging them to come forward. He assured them that they would not face any serious consequences.
“You risk nothing. We will share with you. And you would be able to change your lives,” he said.
Lottery ticket purchased poses legal challenges.
The lottery ticket has been frozen by the lottery operator, La Francaise des Jeux, while the police investigate the situation.
Jean-David hopes to resolve the matter amicably, but he understands the legal risks involved.
The lottery company may refuse to pay out the winnings because the ticket was purchased with a stolen credit card.
Jean-David expressed concern that the lottery provider might cancel the ticket.
“It’s out of the question they [the lottery provider] cancel it because it was bought with a stolen card.
“Those in possession of it don’t need to worry: our proposal is simple, without my client’s money they wouldn’t have won, without them my client wouldn’t have won. It’s only logical to share it.”
Time is running out
The clock is ticking for the thieves and Jean-David.
The ticket was bought on February 3, which means there is a 30-day window to claim the prize before it expires.
As the deadline approaches, Jean-David is urging the thieves to step forward and make a deal.
If they do not come forward soon, they risk losing the chance to claim the winnings altogether.
The police investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are looking for the two homeless men who purchased the ticket.
Social media reactions
The story has sparked discussions on social media and among local residents.
Many people find it intriguing that a stolen credit card led to a significant lottery win.
There are mixed opinions about whether the thieves should be rewarded for their luck.
While some argue that they should be punished, others point out that sharing the winnings could change their lives for the better.
One user said: They shouldn’t be allowed to SHARE the winnings with the card holder.
The card holder bought the ticket the card holder she keep all the winnings and the Thief should go to jail.
The second user wrote: Nope. My opinion is the thieves go to jail with nothing, and she should get all the winnings.
They never should have stole the credit card to begin with.
The third user commented: They are thieves! Why should they get a share?? The owner of the credit card should get it all!!!
The fourth user added: This happened once UK, the lottery refused to payout to the thieves or the original card owner.
Another user said: The winnings should all go to the cardholder that’s it and for the ones who stole to be able to buy the ticket they should only receive prison time