Company Sweepstake

[Lorrie]

I took part in a sweepstake for the World Cup, and was fortunate enough to pick Italy.
I left the company just before the final game, and while chatting with my manager said that if I won then I'd contact him to arrange collecting my winnings or he could send me a cheque, which he agreed to.

After Italy won, I emailed my manager, who had gone on holiday for 2 weeks. When he returned I emailed him 3 or 4 times asking to arrange to pick up my winnings (I really could have done with them as I paid emergency tax at my new job!) and was eventually told that the team had decided to give my winnings to the runner up, who brought everyone a drink. When I paid into the sweepstake it was on the understanding that the winner took all, and there was no mention of me forfeiting my winnings if I left, infact my manager said that he would get the winnings to me � a conversation he now denys took place!?!

What I want to know is has he/have they committed theft or something? It isn't a huge amount of money, but it was money I was entitled to which they spent without my permission. I probably wouldn't have bothered normally, but this is the 2nd time someone from that company has taken money that belonged to me under false pretences, and I'm not happy that I've been conned yet again! (Should have learnt after the first time!)

[Trillipse]

approximately how much are we talking about here, and what was the first amount and circumstances?

[punkypink]

Can't believe people are so dishonest, its probably not illegal, but certainly immoral!!

I personally would write to them giving them 28 days to return your money.

You've learnt this time............... better late than never

[Lorrie]

The amount staked was �1, and the winnings are �36 - I know it's not a huge amount of money, but it's still my money, and I really think I should stand by trying to get it back as it's not the first time I've had money 'taken' by a member of staff from that company.

[gavinbecky]

In principle you were conned but unless you signed anything like an undertaking or contract of any kind though it would be hard to prove you were even a part of the sweepstake. Even the small claims courts would need proof that the debt was owed.

Ultimately you will have to put it down to experience and move on, or you will be beating yourself up over it indefinately.