So You’ve Won the Mega Millions Jackpot. Now What?

As the Mega Millions jackpot keeps getting bigger the question of what to do if you win may cross your mind.

Friday night's jackpot in the multi-state game has an annuity value of $515 million ($346.3 million cash) after going without being won since February 16. If the numbers drawn match the numbers on your ticket the first thing to do is to sign your ticket, take a picture of the front and back and put it in a safety deposit box or someplace safe, according to certified planner Lou Scatigna, also known as the Financial Physician who has been seen on Fox News, CNBC and CNN.

The second thing to do is to stay quiet.

"You can't let people know your fortune. A lot of times you'll see people on TV three days after they win. That's probably the biggest mistake you can make because you're not mentally prepared for the onslaught of press you're going to get as well as people who want to take advantage of your fortune," Scatigna said.

The spotlight will also bring unwanted calls from financial advisors, people looking for investors in their business, stockbrokers and lawyers all looking for your money.

"The key here is to surround yourself with a great accountant, a great financial planner and a great lawyer that have experience with things like this to make sure you're counseled properly and you don't do anything without vetting it through your personal committee," Scatigna said.

The winning numbers will be drawn Friday night at 11 p.m.

Lou Scatigna hosts "The Financial Physician" program on WOBM-AM in Toms River, NJ which like Seacoast Current is owned by Townsquare Media.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH