I process major lottery wins — I've seen everything from winning tickets in the laundry to people who almost claimed too late. Also, a giant snake.

• Andy Carter processes millions of dollars in major lottery wins — and has seen some close calls.
• Some people almost missed out on a fortune by forgetting about their tickets.
• Another person accidentally put his winning ticket in the laundry.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andy Carter, who advises lottery winners for Camelot, the operator of the UK's National Lottery. His role is to process the prize money for major winners and ensure their ongoing welfare.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

My job is a real privilege because you get involved with someone at a stage of their life that they will never, ever forget.