In so much trouble

Lowlifeloser

Hi

New on here. First dont please dont judge me im ashamed to death of what i have done and feel the lowest i have ever felt.

Basically on universal with my gf we both work full time. I have had a gambling issue for a while now. Although not gambled in 4 months. So in January i sold my car for 7k and withdrew it all and spent it in bookies and going to races over a 2 week period.

I cancelled my bank account stupidly.

Now univerdal credit wants statements from this account.

Im i going to go to prison. I am fearing the worst.

Exodi

You're not going to go to prison, as you say, you are fearing the worst.

The reason UC asks periodically for statements is mainly to check for undisclosed income that may reduce your entitlement (e.g. you got a well paying job you 'forgot' to mention) or for undisclosed savings (e.g. you had an inheritance or won the lottery).

It's hard to see that you fall into either of these (though I guess technically you should have reported a change after selling the car when your savings went above £6k - though this is slap on the wrist territory rather than prison time)!

It's not illegal to gamble on UC, it's not even against the rules.

born_again

Banks can provide statements from closed accounts. So contact bank & ask for copies.

Lowlifeloser

thanks for the comment mate.

I cancelled a bank account what makes it even worse. Im ashamed mate.

Exodi

You're at a tipping point - have you since taken steps to address the gambling?

Rock bottom is where people are best positioned to make the positive changes they need.

E.g. GAMSTOP, excluding/deleting accounts with bookmakers, etc.

If you haven't unilaterally made the decision to take any steps like the above, I fear history is doomed to repeat itself.

£7k can be re-saved, an untreated gambling addiction on the other hand wrecks lives.

No judgement here by the way, we all have our vices…

Lowlifeloser

thank you for that mate. Im going to try it

A feel its under control now. But i will take the advise and seek help.

Im just so low mate, the guilt what i have done and the fear of going to court over this.

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82076615#Comment_82076615

You have already been told that wont be happening. You went a grand over the limit for maybe a couple of days.

Lowlifeloser

no mate my gf already had 5k in savings.

JadedAngel88

What are your assessment dates, mine is say between the 19th and 20th and paid on 26th. So if you sold the car and spent that money in your assessment times then it's not going to affect your UC or land you in court or prison or whatever. It's the balance on the last day of your assessment, so if you just had gf 5k then you will be fine.

FrugaiMacDugal

Was the car sale a cash deal,so won't be on statements?

Lowlifeloser

hi i sold my car via bank transfer.
i withdrew it all and spent 80% gambling, mainly at the races because im in alot of of debt and trying get out the situation im in.

I owe money to ma bank via old loan and have a payment arrangement with them. I impulsively cancelled my bank account so they could not see the transactions.

My gut feeling is i am in whole world of trouble and having many sleepless nights over this.