A schoolteacher from Radford, Nottingham, experienced a whirlwind of emotions when what seemed like a dream come true turned into a bitter disappointment. Loretta Buchanan believed she had won a luxury $2.6 million (£2 million) home in a lottery contest, only to discover that a technicality left her with a mere $6,600 (£5,000) instead.
A Win That Wasn’t
Buchanan entered the “Win My Home” contest, excited by the prospect of upgrading her life from her cramped council flat. She was declared the winner in a video posted on the now-defunct contest website, sparking celebrations and congratulations from friends and family. But when it came time to hand over the keys to the mansion, the organizers backtracked.
Instead of a luxury house, Buchanan was told she would only receive $6,600 as a “goodwill gesture.” Speaking from her flat, she shared her heartbreak with MailOnline:
“I was promised a new home, but I got the booby prize.”
The Loophole That Ruined the Dream
The contest’s terms and conditions contained a crucial clause: if ticket sales failed to generate at least $3.3 million (£2.5 million) in net proceeds, the winner would only receive 50% of the earnings. Organizers claimed they spent nearly $267,000 (£200,000) on marketing and didn’t sell enough tickets to meet the threshold.
This left Buchanan, who thought she’d won fair and square, with a fraction of the mansion’s value. Emails reviewed by Nottinghamshire Live revealed the competition’s struggles to break even.
A Tarnished Celebration
After receiving the life-changing news, Buchanan said two people visited her home, congratulated her, and even recorded her reaction. But the excitement was short-lived. When she asked for the keys to her new house, the organizers clarified she hadn’t won the property and would only get the monetary compensation.
“I need everyone to stop saying congratulations,” Buchanan told local media. “It’s not that I’m not grateful for the £5,000, but I didn’t win what I was promised.”
Friends and strangers alike assumed she was lying when she explained the situation.
A Complicated Backstory
The mystery deepened when MailOnline uncovered ties between the contest organizers and Elliott Andrew, the owner of the mansion. Andrew denied involvement, claiming he had no agreement with the competition. However, MailOnline found that Andrew’s partner, Yevheniia Levytska, was the sole director of “Win My Home.”
Levytska reportedly arrived at Buchanan’s home in a Tesla to break the bad news, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the contest.
Pursuing Justice
Devastated by her experience, Buchanan is considering legal action against the company. Speaking to MailOnline, she called for an investigation:
“The competition is a scandal and should be investigated, and I am now looking to see what rights I have with the Financial Ombudsman.”
Buchanan warned others about the risks of entering similar competitions, hoping to spare others the heartbreak she endured.
A Cautionary Tale for Contest Participants
Buchanan’s story serves as a stark reminder to carefully review the terms of contests and lotteries. What seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ended in frustration and loss, proving that even the most exciting wins can have strings attached.
What’s Your Take?
What do you think about Loretta Buchanan’s experience? Have you ever entered a contest like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to read the fine print before entering any lottery!
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