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Original poster

To share or not to share Secret Santa Scratchcard Winnings

481 replies

WoolieLiberal · 23/12/2020 11:23

I was given a National Lottery Scratchcard as a Secret Santa gift. I thought this was a bit naff until I realised it was a winner.

I won a (low end) four figure sum. I got excited and told my colleagues.

Since then, the person who gave it to me sent me a message suggesting (in a lighthearted way) that I might want to give her half. I replied with a laugh emoji as I thought she was joking, but she has since messaged me to ask if I have decided whether I am going to do so or not!

I’ve also been asked by three other colleagues if I could “lend” them “small“ (three Figure) amounts “to help with Christmas”.

DH says I was daft to have told anyone, but it’s done now and is none of anyone else’s business. He says I should treat myself for a Change.

I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t won anything because if I respond to all requests I’ll have virtually nothing left, and if I don’t, then I’ll be thought badly of and stingy.

There’s a woman at work who works part time and is married to a very wealthy businessman (the job is more of a hobby/something to do) and they’re always jetting off on holidays to far flung destinations, having meals out, nice cars and jewellery etc. No one has ever (to my knowledge) asked her to share her wealth.

If I knew a colleague was genuinely struggling I would help but this feels like vultures are circling. DH, DD’s and I are not wealthy by any stretch but “managing”.

Thoughts welcome!!

OP posts:
DonLewis · 23/12/2020 11:24

I'd give the person who gave you the card a hundred quid. Because it's Christmas and it's nice to be nice. But everyone else can do one! Cheeky bastards!

paniquer · 23/12/2020 11:24

No is a complete sentence.

Pantheon · 23/12/2020 11:24

I think it's yours to do what you want with!

AaronPurr · 23/12/2020 11:25

Have you actually claimed the money? My first thought would be it was a joke winning card.

Thehop · 23/12/2020 11:25

Tell them you were kidding and it wasn’t a winner?

Tell them you’re in debt to family and they’ll be angry if you don’t use it to clear it?

OmarListening · 23/12/2020 11:25

If it's in the thousands I'd give the buyer a few hundred but nobody else.

Subeccoo · 23/12/2020 11:25

The other colleagues are bang out of order and should be a no.
The colleague who gifted it, well, it's a stupid present if you're gonna get all grabby over it!! It's the risk you take. They shouldn't get anything, you should enjoy it all.
If nothing had been said then I may have offered 100 quid as a thank you, but you've told them how much it is now.
I say keep it all!

Stepintochristmas · 23/12/2020 11:27

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

GQKP · 23/12/2020 11:28

I'd never have told them !

But it is yours and your work 'mates' are cheeky fuckers.

OrigamiOwl · 23/12/2020 11:28

In hindsight keeping quite about it would have been the best idea.

But I'd respond to all the requests to "help with Christmas" by saying you've had several requests and if you did this then you wouldn't be left with anything at all, so in the interests of fairness you won't be lending anyone money.
If people keep pushing explain that it feels like the vultures are circling and you're disappointed that no one seems to be able to be happy for you without thinking of what they can get for themselves.

FinallyFluid · 23/12/2020 11:28

I would buy a pair of slippers with your winnings and give the person who gave it to you, one of them and you keep the other, it is the same concept.

IamTomHanks · 23/12/2020 11:29

Keep it for yourself. Cheeky Fuckers all of them. I mean a scratch card is a pretty shitty gift, especially as you usually don't expect the person to win, to ask for some of the winnings is just ridiculous.

HollowTalk · 23/12/2020 11:30

Tbh I wouldn't give her anything simply because she asked. If she hadn't asked, I would have. She seems to think that's her ticket, really. That wouldn't apply to any of the other presents, so why should it to yours?

And don't give any to anyone else, either! They haven't shared their presents, have they?

2020iscancelled · 23/12/2020 11:31

Yes I’d definitely give the buyer a little something- but ultimately it’s your money.

The other ones are CF’s, if you don’t feel comfortable with giving them a firm “feck off” then perhaps suggest that you are using the money to help an elderly relative / struggling friend etc. A simple “oh the winnings? That’s all earmarked for my auntie Sue who needs a new stair lift” - then I’d make a donation to a chosen charity and keep the rest for my own treat.

Winnings are winnings - the universe wanted you to have this money. Don’t bloody give it away to anyone with their grubby paw outstretched. Cheeky sods

myusernamewastakenbyme · 23/12/2020 11:32

Oh god Op do not 'lend' any of your colleagues any of your winnings...you will not be paid back and they will think you are tight for asking for it back.
As for the colleague who bought you the ticket....i may have given her a token amount but not now shes messaging you asking for it.

TenThousandSpoons · 23/12/2020 11:32

Is it definitely genuine? My first thought is it’s a prank - you can buy fake winning scratch cards. Colleague is asking if you’ll share it before telling you it’s fake.

FeeBeeBooh · 23/12/2020 11:32

After seeing so-called pranks on the internet with fake winning scratch cards, I'd double check it's genuine.

The people asking might all be in on the "gag"

2020iscancelled · 23/12/2020 11:33

@FinallyFluid GrinGrinGrin

GregoryRowling · 23/12/2020 11:33

Are you sure it’s real? Have you actually claimed the win? You can buy joke scratch cards that make it look like you’ve won. Maybe your colleagues know that and are teasing you! Feels more likely than them asking to borrow money. I can’t imagine ever being in that position with a colleague

LEELULUMPKIN · 23/12/2020 11:35

I too would give the person who bought it something.

It's a nice thing to do.

The others can piss off.

Congrats OP. I've got my DH a couple of scratch offs for his stocking can you please send lucky thoughts my way as I am hoping one of them is a winner!

ByersRd · 23/12/2020 11:36

Oh dear, bit of a mess. Moral of the story, don't ever buy a scratch card as a SS.

( if it is genuine, a win is the risk the giver takes).

HaHaVeryBunny · 23/12/2020 11:37

Depending on how much it was, 1k.
l'd definitely give her a few quid but not half.

Nowisthemonthofmaying · 23/12/2020 11:37

Definitely don't give anyone anything! You really shouldn't have said anything but too late now.

If you want to get out of it without bad feeling just say you already donated it all to charity so you can't help

MoiraNotRuby · 23/12/2020 11:37

Say you are going to give it all to RSPB in memory of your first pet, a budgie that saw you through some really tough times. (Or something else a bit far fetched)

Then if its a prank they'll have to tell you.

And if its not a prank just keep it Wink

LEELULUMPKIN · 23/12/2020 11:41

As an aside, if it is a joke one that is a REALLY shitty trick to play on anyone.

Especially this year.