Given wrong details to the train officer-URGENT

[lovelycat11]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to post on here to say I understand that I obviously made a very silly mistake and deeply regret it. I am also feeling very guilty at the moment hence this post. Yesterday I was travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly intending to get off at a different stop however it was announced that it was being missed so consequently had to get off at the next stop. I did not realize but last night my friend had purchased a ticket incorrectly clicking on the 16-17 saver option when purchasing the ticket on trainline rather than the 16-25 railcard which i did have. When we got to the people scanning the tickets he asked me to produce my railcard which I did not have on me at the time. He asked for my details and I panicked giving the wrong name and an address which I am due to move into next year, he also recorded my date of birth incorrectly. I initially offered to pay any sort of fine however it was stated to me that that was not an option. I was issued a piece of paper however I lost this on the bus presumably having my reference number on it. I am unsure of how to proceed as I feel very guilty and even went back to the station an hour later with my correct railcard and contact details and was willing to accept my fault and hopefully change the name on whatever was issued to me but was told by staff there was nothing they could do as I didn’t have the reference number to change anything. Later today I was reading some of the threads and became increasingly worried about how this would end as I am willing to accept what I did was wrong but would much rather not end up with a criminal record and ended up calling northern to check if the request had been put through hoping to correct the incorrect address and name but they stated nothing was under the address given. What should I do next? Should I email them immediately saying I’ve given them the wrong details and state I’m very sorry or just wait for a letter to be sent to the address?

Any help is appreciated

 

[jfollows]

Well, they’re going to send a letter to the name and address you gave, so what then? Will it get forwarded to you?

 

[lovelycat11]

I don't know in all honesty. I would probably end up trying to correct the details then going ahead with whatever they advise ?

 

[SuspectUsual]

Can you remember which train company’s people it was that you spoke to? Northern probably?

 

[lovelycat11]

Can you remember which train company’s people it was that you spoke to? Northern probably?

Yes it was northern.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

Well, they’re going to send a letter to the name and address you gave, so what then? Will it get forwarded to you?

Sorry didn’t reply correctly but yes I can go and get the mail from the house.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==

Hi guys I’ve had some messages and I’ve decided that the best thing to do would be to visit the house and ask for any mail under the name I gave be forwarded to me. If there is a payment amount given I will obviously immediately pay this however I think I have to leave some time for the letter to actually arrive.

 

[jfollows]

The letter will probably ask for you to put your side of the story, so you can then explain yourself and apologise, and ask for a settlement based on unpaid fees plus their investigation costs. But if you want to post it here when you get it, people here can advise, and it will probably take several weeks to arrive.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to post on here to say I understand that I obviously made a very silly mistake and deeply regret it. I am also feeling very guilty at the moment hence this post. Yesterday I was travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly intending to get off at a different stop however it was announced that it was being missed so consequently had to get off at the next stop. I did not realize but last night my friend had purchased a ticket incorrectly clicking on the 16-17 saver option when purchasing the ticket on trainline rather than the 16-25 railcard which i did have. When we got to the people scanning the tickets he asked me to produce my railcard which I did not have on me at the time. He asked for my details and I panicked giving the wrong name and an address which I am due to move into next year, he also recorded my date of birth incorrectly. I initially offered to pay any sort of fine however it was stated to me that that was not an option. I was issued a piece of paper however I lost this on the bus presumably having my reference number on it. I am unsure of how to proceed as I feel very guilty and even went back to the station an hour later with my correct railcard and contact details and was willing to accept my fault and hopefully change the name on whatever was issued to me but was told by staff there was nothing they could do as I didn’t have the reference number to change anything. Later today I was reading some of the threads and became increasingly worried about how this would end as I am willing to accept what I did was wrong but would much rather not end up with a criminal record and ended up calling northern to check if the request had been put through explaining if given the incorrect address but they stated nothing was under the address given. What should I do next? Should I email them immediately saying I’ve given them the wrong details and state I’m very sorry or just wait for a letter to be sent to the address?

Any help is appreciated

The most important thing is that you get this letter - that is vital - as without a reply to it and engagement with them then prosecution results - potentially in the name of the person you gave.

However, what will happen is that prosecution will go ahead in the absence of that named individual, a guilty verdict will ensue, a court fine will be issued, and if it's not paid it will eventually get handed over to bailiffs - which will turn up the address you say you will be moving into in due course.... This is something I would suggest you really need to avoid. Courts are good at getting money, and if it takes them more time and trouble to get it then they take way more money than resolving it quickly and efficiently before it gets to that stage.

 

[lovelycat11]

I really don’t wish to end up with a criminal record however I do understand what I did was really wrong just in the moment I panicked as I didn’t have enough money to pay the fine on the spot if that is what he was going to ask me. Should I just bite the bullet now and send them my correct details now or would that further complicate the situation ?

 

[jfollows]

Unless you know your reference number - and I believe you don't from your original post - and given that you're now going to receive the letter in due course which will have the reference number on it, I'd suggest waiting until you receive the letter with the wrong name, and reply to it then.

The problem is that if you write to Northern without having the reference number they're possibly not going to want to or be bothered or able to match it up with your original case.

In general we advise waiting for their letter.

They won't hold the incorrect name against you significantly if you correct your error at the first opportunity.

 

[WesternLancer]

Unless you know your reference number - and I believe you don't from your original post - and given that you're now going to receive the letter in due course which will have the reference number on it, I'd suggest waiting until you receive the letter with the wrong name, and reply to it then.

The problem is that if you write to Northern without having the reference number they're possibly not going to want to or be bothered or able to match it up with your original case.

In general we advise waiting for their letter.

They won't hold the incorrect name against you significantly if you correct your error at the first opportunity.

I agree with this - so long as @lovelycat11 can get the letter and get it promptly as a reply will need to be sent probably in a 14 to 21 day timescale from the date on the letter (not the date OP gets hold of it of course)

 

[lovelycat11]

I went to the address and informed them of a letter coming and told them to contact me when anything does arrive. I just wanted to know if there was any examples of the consequences of giving the false details and then later owning up which I am still happy to do as even keeping up with lie as of right now is definitely worrying me. I was also wondering what an out of court settlement could possibly amount to seeing as I am a student and would have to start saving pretty soon .
Thx

 

[Cuthbert]

I went to the address and informed them of a letter coming and told them to contact me when anything does arrive. I just wanted to know if there was any examples of the consequences of giving the false details and then later owning up which I am still happy to do as even keeping up with lie as of right now is definitely worrying me. I was also wondering what an out of court settlement could possibly amount to seeing as I am a student and would have to start saving pretty soon .
Thx

They deal with cases like this a lot. People fluster or make mistakes and even make an address up.
As long as you follow the advice on this forum you have a decent chance of an out of court settlement.

You can search this forums for others that have done the same without getting to go to court.
Any letters you get post on here with personal details and case reference redacted.

 

[jfollows]

I went to the address and informed them of a letter coming and told them to contact me when anything does arrive. I just wanted to know if there was any examples of the consequences of giving the false details and then later owning up which I am still happy to do as even keeping up with lie as of right now is definitely worrying me. I was also wondering what an out of court settlement could possibly amount to seeing as I am a student and would have to start saving pretty soon .
Thx

Liverpool-Manchester single £19:20 plus ~£150 admin costs if this was an isolated event, I think you said it was.

 

[lovelycat11]

@jfollows yes this was the first time I’d been travelling on a ticket with the wrong railcard. I don’t know if that helps anything but if they look back at my purchase history they would’ve seen my use of my valid 16-25 railcard. Obviously giving them the incorrect details does slightly butcher the attempts to make the situation seem more moral.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==

They deal with cases like this a lot. People fluster or make mistakes and even make an address up.
As long as you follow the advice on this forum you have a decent chance of an out of court settlement.

You can search this forums for others that have done the same without getting to go to court.
Any letters you get post on here with personal details and case reference redacted.

Does anyone know any examples of where this has been resolved outside of court ?

 

[Cuthbert]

@jfollows yes this was the first time I’d been travelling on a ticket with the wrong railcard. I don’t know if that helps anything but if they look back at my purchase history they would’ve seen my use of my valid 16-25 railcard. Obviously giving them the incorrect details does slightly butcher the attempts to make the situation seem more moral.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==


Does anyone know any examples of where this has been resolved outside of court ?

Read any of the posts here.

You will see outcomes from replies normally the last ones try a page or two.

 

[lovelycat11]

They deal with cases like this a lot. People fluster or make mistakes and even make an address up.
As long as you follow the advice on this forum you have a decent chance of an out of court settlement.

You can search this forums for others that have done the same without getting to go to court.
Any letters you get post on here with personal details and case reference redacted.

I also just wanted to clarify that even though I claimed to not have my railcard on me at the time I did pull it out and show him I had a valid 16-25 railcard when he asked but he didn’t check my name on it however in terms of giving the wrong name it was someone who previously lived at the address and I clicked on their name in a state of panic after not seeing my name on the drop down option as I am due to start tenancy at that house in approximately 3/4 months. I don’t know if that makes my situation worse I just feel very guilty about it and am worried about the outcome of the situation.

 

[lovelycat11]

Hi everyone, I haven’t received any news of the letter just yet however I decided to call up northern and provide them with my correct details and they told me to write an email providing my correct details and attach proof. I was wondering whether with that email I should explain my situation and request an out of court settlement if that would be possible ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==

Unless you know your reference number - and I believe you don't from your original post - and given that you're now going to receive the letter in due course which will have the reference number on it, I'd suggest waiting until you receive the letter with the wrong name, and reply to it then.

The problem is that if you write to Northern without having the reference number they're possibly not going to want to or be bothered or able to match it up with your original case.

In general we advise waiting for their letter.

They won't hold the incorrect name against you significantly if you correct your error at the first opportunity.

I have not received my letter but now have a reference number to correspond with northern.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==

Dear Sir/ Madam

I refer to the matter with reference number XXXXXXXXXXXX

My corrected details are as follows

Name: XXXXXXX
DOB: XXXXXXXX
Address: XXXXXXXXX

On 18/03/2025 I was bought a ticket by my friend who I went to visit in Liverpool and she had mistakenly clicked on the 16-17 rail card option rather than the 16-25 railcard option. I was travelling from Liverpool Lime street to Manchester Piccadilly and was asked at the gates by officers to produce the 16-17 railcard which I did not have on me as the ticket that she had incorrectly bought didn’t not have the correct railcard discount. The officer pulled me to the side and issued me a ticket stating that I was not being fined on the spot but would receive a letter in the post stating the outcome of this query. In a lapse of judgement I incorrectly gave some of my details and was asked to provide a conformation of my ID within this email with evidence of my correct railcard in this email.

I sincerely apologise for this serious oversight and take full responsibility for my mistake. It was never my intention to travel without a valid ticket or to avoid paying the correct fare. I fully understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that my tickets is valid when travelling on a discounted ticket, and I am sorry for my mistake. I deeply regret any ,inconvenience loss of revenue that has occurred and I am keen to correct that and hopefully settle this matter accordingly.

Yours faithfully,
XXXXXXXXX

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hi everyone, I haven’t received any news of the letter just yet however I decided to call up northern and provide them with my correct details and they told me to write an email providing my correct details and attach proof. I was wondering whether withing that email I should explain my situation and request an out of court settlement if that would be possible ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==


I have not received my letter but now have a reference number to correspond with northern.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==

Dear Sir/ Madam

I refer to the matter with reference number XXXXXXXXXXXX

My corrected details are as follows

Name: XXXXXXX
DOB: XXXXXXXX
Address: XXXXXXXXX

On 18/04/2025 I was bought a ticket by my friend who I went to visit in Liverpool and she had mistakenly clicked on the 16-17 rail card option rather than the 16-25 railcard option. I was travelling from Liverpool Lime street to Manchester Piccadilly and was asked at the gates by officers to produce the 16-17 railcard which I did not have on me as the ticket that she had incorrectly bought didn’t not have the correct railcard discount. The officer pulled me to the side and issued me a ticket stating that I was not being fined on the spot but would receive a letter in the post stating the outcome of this query. In a lapse of judgement I incorrectly gave some of my details and was asked to provide a conformation of my ID within this email with evidence of my correct railcard in this email.

I sincerely apologise for this serious oversight and take full responsibility for my mistake. It was never my intention to travel without a valid ticket or to avoid paying the correct fare. I fully understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that my tickets is valid when travelling on a discounted ticket, and I am sorry for my mistake. I deeply regret any ,inconvenience loss of revenue that has occurred and I am keen to correct that and hopefully settle this matter accordingly.

Yours faithfully,
XXXXXXXXX

It probably won't do any harm to send this - but for the moment Northern are only asking for your real address and proof of it. So it won't do any harm just to send that.

 

[lovelycat11]

It probably won't do any harm to send this - but for the moment Northern are only asking for your real address and proof of it. So it won't do any harm just to send that.

Okay thanks very much should I just shorten it then also I was just wondering what your opinions on the outcome on the case would be

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Okay thanks very much should I just shorten it then also I was just wondering what your opinions on the outcome on the case would be

I'd go for shortening if: it would help the railway find the right case if you can give them the time (as accurately as you can) when they talked to you, and if you can remember it the false address you gave.

In my view, it's most likely that the railway will allow you to settle this out of court by paying the train fare you should have paid and an admin fee of maybe £150. This will be cheaper than what the court would charge, but to get Northern to offer that you need to now cooperate with them.

 

[notmyrealname]

OP, in your first sentence you say you were bought a ticket on 18/04/2025. I'm guessing it's a typo.

 

[lovelycat11]

I'd go for shortening if: it would help the railway find the right case if you can give them the time (as accurately as you can) when they talked to you, and if you can remember it the false address you gave.

In my view, it's most likely that the railway will allow you to settle this out of court by paying the train fare you should have paid and an admin fee of maybe £150. This will be cheaper than what the court would charge, but to get Northern to offer that you need to now cooperate with them.

I ended up sending it before I had seen the replied however I had called them earlier today and stated the changing details and the woman I spoke to said she was going to make a note of it in the system and change the details. I also received an automated email in my inbox so I’m presuming that the details in the case was matched up.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==

I ended up sending it before I had seen the replied however I had called them earlier today and stated the changing details and the woman I spoke to said she was going to make a note of it in the system and change the details. I also received an automated email in my inbox so I’m presuming that the details in the case was matched up.

It was also my right address just incorrect name and date of birth

OP, in your first sentence you say you were bought a ticket on 18/04/2025. I'm guessing it's a typo.

Thanks for pointing that out !

I’ve gone back home for Easter so I am slightly worried that I won’t be able to access the mail I receive for around a month now, do I inform them of this ?

 

[WesternLancer]

I ended up sending it before I had seen the replied however I had called them earlier today and stated the changing details and the woman I spoke to said she was going to make a note of it in the system and change the details. I also received an automated email in my inbox so I’m presuming that the details in the case was matched up.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==


It was also my right address just incorrect name and date of birth



Thanks for pointing that out !

I’ve gone back home for Easter so I am slightly worried that I won’t be able to access the mail I receive for around a month now, do I inform them of this ?

I think you need a plan to get your post or check it. I fear they won’t have a seperate system to give people more time who’ve gone away from their accommodation for a month.

Have a look at Royal Mail post redirect service on their website to see if that might work for you.

 

[lovelycat11]

I think you need a plan to get your post or check it. I fear they won’t have a seperate system to give people more time who’ve gone away from their accommodation for a month.

Have a look at Royal Mail post redirect service on their website to see if that might work for you.

thanks very much for the advice!

I called them up today just to query about whether they had received my email about the change in details and to tell them that any post that would be sent I wouldn’t be able to access for around three weeks and was told by the operator that my email I sent on Wednesday was still in their inbox and he had noted to the investigator not to send any posts until the 29th of April .

 

[AlterEgo]

I don’t want to contradict what Northern say but it’s very unlikely they’ll actually wait until five and a half months after the offence to send their correspondence. They have a six month deadline for bringing a case, so leaving the first correspondence so late and the timescales for reply mean they would effectively be hampering their own absolute to prosecute you if they so wished.

You should make provision for accepting/opening/forwarding mail because I would not be confident in anyone at Northern withholding processing the case for this reason. Being unable to access your mail is your problem, and not theirs.

 

[lovelycat11]

Sorry I meant April ! That was a typo on my behalf

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2025 ==

I received this email yesterday from northern in relation to a follow up email I sent updating them of my changed address however it seems that the email I sent on the 2nd of march requesting to update my details has not been seen. however they seem to have read my one sent yesterday and not my one sent before. Any advice on what to do ?

 

[WesternLancer]

Sorry I meant April ! That was a typo on my behalf

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2025 ==

I received this email yesterday from northern in relation to a follow up email I sent updating them of my changed address however it seems that the email I sent on the 2nd of march requesting to update my details has not been seen. however they seem to have read my one sent yesterday and not my one sent before. Any advice on what to do ?

Presumably you need to reply stating the ref number nd clarifying the correct name and address - or do you no longer have the correct reference number? (in which case what reference number did you put on whatever you sent them that this is a reply to?)

 

[lovelycat11]

I lost the slip of paper initially and called them up requesting to find the number providing the incorrect details I gave and they gave me a reference number which I used to email them so I could correct my details and they gave me the reference number. I emailed them correcting my details and got an automated email response in early march however I haven’t got a response yet but I sent a follow up email to update my address and included the same reference number however I got a response to that first rather than the email I sent earlier on the 2nd of march so I’m wondering if I got the correct reference number from customer service ??

 

[lovelycat11]

Thank you for your below email regarding the travel incident report issued to you.
I can confirm the matter has been passed to our Prosecutions team who will follow the procedure set out in our letter and will be in touch in due course.
Yours sincerely
DRPU Officer
For the Unit Manager

I revived this email today can anyone give me any advice on how to respond

 

[Haywain]

I revived this email today can anyone give me any advice on how to respond

Just be patient - it's been sent on to the right team and you will hear back in due course.