To avoid dual claims on the ownership of a winning lottery ticket, it is wise to write one's name and one's identification document number (IC, passport or work permit) on the back of the lottery ticket at the point of purchase, to stake one's claim as the rightful owner ("Maid who won $2.3m lottery accused of stealing ticket"; last Saturday).

If a winning ticket is stolen or lost, the rightful owner can be easily identified in a dispute.

Chin Kee Thou