[sodpoodle]

I thought the first action was the IRS and State tax agencies contact the winner so that taxes are paid before the winner gets paid the net proceeds.

Your SS#, tax returns, income, bank accounts and other financial information is protected and confidential. A large monetary prize should be protected from all the usual suspects too.

[Stanwood_Dave]

"SS#, tax returns, income, bank accounts and other financial information is protected and confidential."

Surely you jest!!!!

Nothing is confidential that has a SS# (Social Security Number.) It's just a matter of how good or connected {ex-police etc., private eye, BILL COLLECTOR}, or what part of the government you are.