Man finds $4.85 million in cookie jar

A US man failed to claim $4.85 million in lottery winnings for three months because the lucky ticket was stuffed away in a cookie jar.

Ricardo Cerezo purchased the winning ticket for a Lotto drawing on February 2. He put it in a rainy day fund, along with 10 other tickets, where it remained unchecked until May.

"I can't believe I had $4.85 million in a cookie jar for over three months," Mr Cerezo told the Geneva Patch.

Mr Cerezo's wife eventually cajoled him into checking the hidden stash of tickets at the local 7-Eleven. The first seven tickets were duds, but the eighth scan prompted a deceptively bland message: "File a claim."

By May 15, Mr Cerezo was back at the 7-Eleven to receive a cheque for $4.85 million from lottery officials.

Mr Cerezo and his wife will use the winnings to pay off the mortgage, help out their children and support a few of their favourite charities.

"It is very important to us that we help others with this money," Mr Cerezo said.

He also had some advice for any lottery players keen to emulate his success.

"Check your old tickets!"