Gave false details and unsure what to do. Need help!!

[c2001]

If you haven't commited them all then don't offer to pay for them all. 2 wrongs don't make a right.

Respond asking for a breakdown so you can check what journeys are being investigated - you could even say you have checked your Trainline account and can only find 100 such transactions and wish to see what journeys you're missing from your records.

Depending on total value, WMT are sometimes amenable to payment plans, but be aware that they will want either a decent amount upfront or a short term (3 monthly payments etc) agreement. You will certainly be able to offer and discuss a plan with them, should they seem you as being engaged with the process and low risk.

For all the hassle I’d rather just accept my losses and pay I’ve committed atleast an 100 on my trainline app. Surely if the fine was so high they would atleast be lenient towards a payment plan?

 

[MotCO]

For all the hassle I’d rather just accept my losses and pay I’ve committed atleast an 100 on my trainline app. Surely if the fine was so high they would atleast be lenient towards a payment plan?

Whilst I know that you would just like the pain to go away whatever the cost, if you feel that they are 50% out on the number of times they think you have travelled with an incorrect ticket, that is likely to be a significant cost. I would also not be complacent that they will set up a payment plan; this is costly for the train company to administer since it is not the normal way they conduct business - you cannot buy season tickets by instalment from them for example.

I would suggest that you ask for a breakdown of the journeys they have identified. This gives you the benefit of buying more time to save up for the likely cost, and gives you the certainty that you have not overpaid for your sins.

 

[c2001]

Hi thank you for your support. Do you think I should send this over or make any changes?

Dear West Midlands Railway,

Thank you for reaching out and allowing me the opportunity to respond. I want to start again by offering my apologies and the frustrations that it may have caused.

As previously communicated, I purchased a railcard a few days ago and never had one before. Any tickets from August 2024 involving railcard usage would be short fared travel.

Regarding the 154 transactions you have investigated, I would appreciate a full breakdown of the journeys in question.

I take full accountability for this and want to get this matter resolved immediately. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. I can assure you this will not happen again.

 

[SuspectUsual]

Surely if the fine was so high they would atleast be lenient towards a payment plan?

One of the things they will bear in mind is that if you default on the payment plan they will want the option to prosecute you up their sleeve. That option effectively disappears six months after the date you were caught, so that is the maximum time frame (if they consider a payment plan at all that is)

 

[c2001]

One of the things they will bear in mind is that if you default on the payment plan they will want the option to prosecute you up their sleeve. That option effectively disappears six months after the date you were caught, so that is the maximum time frame (if they consider a payment plan at all that is)

I wouldn’t default on the payment plan. If the fare was let’s say over £1500 for example surely they wouldn’t expect someone just to fork that amount of money in 21 days especially with childcare and bills. I know they don’t probably care about that but they have to be realistic surely?

 

[John R]

I wouldn’t default on the payment plan. If the fare was let’s say over £1500 for example surely they wouldn’t expect someone just to fork that amount of money in 21 days especially with childcare and bills. I know they don’t probably care about that but they have to be realistic surely?

They don’t know you won’t default. Remember, as far as they are concerned you are untrustworthy. That is why you were caught.

And in the main they do expect prompt payment, but there is no harm in asking very politely.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I wouldn’t default on the payment plan. If the fare was let’s say over £1500 for example surely they wouldn’t expect someone just to fork that amount of money in 21 days especially with childcare and bills. I know they don’t probably care about that but they have to be realistic surely?

Look at it from their point of view.

1 - you would say that wouldn’t you? 100% of what they know about you is negative at this point. Would you believe you? (This isn’t an accusation from me, it’s what they will probably think)

2 - they’re a train company not a bunch of payment plan administrators

If you engage with them honestly, ask nicely, and do everything you can to maximise the initial payment, they might make you an offer. But to be blunt they’re holding all the cards

 

[WesternLancer]

For all the hassle I’d rather just accept my losses and pay I’ve committed atleast an 100 on my trainline app. Surely if the fine was so high they would atleast be lenient towards a payment plan?

It's worth saying FYI this isn't a 'fine' this is them asking you to pay the fares you evaded - effectively what they see as you owe them. A fine is a punishment - they are not punishing you here (though it seems like it of course) - what they are doing is asking you to pay them what you should have paid them to start with - albeit usually charged at the most expensive undiscounted ticket price.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Hi thank you for your support. Do you think I should send this over or make any changes?

Dear West Midlands Railway,

Thank you for reaching out and allowing me the opportunity to respond. I want to start again by offering my apologies and the frustrations that it may have caused.

As previously communicated, I purchased a railcard a few days ago and never had one before. Any tickets from August 2024 involving railcard usage would be short fared travel.

Regarding the 154 transactions you have investigated, I would appreciate a full breakdown of the journeys in question.

I take full accountability for this and want to get this matter resolved immediately. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. I can assure you this will not happen again.

Just to confirm, have you short fared or added Railcard discount you weren't entitled to? Or both?

I would probably remove the 2nd paragraph entirely.

Once they send a breakdown, which the will, you can look to remove any that are genuine which will lower your total owed.

 

[c2001]

They don’t know you won’t default. Remember, as far as they are concerned you are untrustworthy. That is why you were caught.

And in the main they do expect prompt payment, but there is no harm in asking very politely.

Yeah I completely understand I suppose i just have to try and to earn their trust by cooperating and being honest.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==

Look at it from their point of view.

1 - you would say that wouldn’t you? 100% of what they know about you is negative at this point. Would you believe you? (This isn’t an accusation from me, it’s what they will probably think)

2 - they’re a train company not a bunch of payment plan administrators

If you engage with them honestly, ask nicely, and do everything you can to maximise the initial payment, they might make you an offer. But to be blunt they’re holding all the cards

What are the chances is it rare they will make me an offer? Do other people that go through the same situation as me get offered a payment plan?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==

Just to confirm, have you short fared or added Railcard discount you weren't entitled to? Or both?

I would probably remove the 2nd paragraph entirely.

Once they send a breakdown, which the will, you can look to remove any that are genuine which will lower your total owed.

I have short fared and to be honest I didn’t even know about the railcard in August 2024 and do you think I should send everything else I’ve written then?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==

It's worth saying FYI this isn't a 'fine' this is them asking you to pay the fares you evaded - effectively what they see as you owe them. A fine is a punishment - they are not punishing you here (though it seems like it of course) - what they are doing is asking you to pay them what you should have paid them to start with - albeit usually charged at the most expensive undiscounted ticket price.

When will they come to some form of conclusion on this case how many steps does it take?

 

[SuspectUsual]

What are the chances is it rare they will make me an offer? Do other people that go through the same situation as me get offered a payment plan?

From what we see, if you cooperate fully with the train company and are honest with them from now on, they will probably offer you an out of court settlement. Nobody can say with any more certainty than that. However, if you don't cooperate, or lie and get found out, you will almost certainly end up being prosecuted

 

[c2001]

From what we see, if you cooperate fully with the train company and are honest with them from now on, they will probably offer you an out of court settlement. Nobody can say with any more certainty than that. However, if you don't cooperate, or lie and get found out, you will almost certainly end up being prosecuted

They’ve said to me on email if I respond to them they’ll sort the case out of court. Also do you think I should mention that there’s been scenarios that I’ve travelled on the train without even purchasing a ticket?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==

They’ve said to me on email if I respond to them they’ll sort the case out of court. Also do you think I should mention that there’s been scenarios that I’ve travelled on the train without even purchasing a ticket?

Can they track me on the CCTV?

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Yeah I completely understand I suppose i just have to try and to earn their trust by cooperating and being honest.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==


What are the chances is it rare they will make me an offer? Do other people that go through the same situation as me get offered a payment plan?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==


I have short fared and to be honest I didn’t even know about the railcard in August 2024 and do you think I should send everything else I’ve written then?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==


When will they come to some form of conclusion on this case how many steps does it take?

Yes they are very likely to make an out of court settlement. Usually, WMT only takes people to court if they don't engage or there's something more serious than this.

That don't offer out payment plans, but if you engage and ask nicely they are often accepted.

 

[MotCO]

They’ve said to me on email if I respond to them they’ll sort the case out of court. Also do you think I should mention that there’s been scenarios that I’ve travelled on the train without even purchasing a ticket?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==


Can they track me on the CCTV?

That's a tough one. The posters on this forum do not advocate getting away without paying fares; they are here to provide advice and support to achieve a good outcome for you. At the same time, to encourage you to do the right thing in the future.

I don't think we can advise you what to do - only you will know that. However, the chances of the rail company knowing and/or proving that you travelled without a ticket are slim.

 

[c2001]

Yes they are very likely to make an out of court settlement. Usually, WMT only takes people to court if they don't engage or there's something more serious than this.

That don't offer out payment plans, but if you engage and ask nicely they are often accepted.

That’s good to know hopefully it happens in my case!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jul 2025 ==

That's a tough one. The posters on this forum do not advocate getting away without paying fares; they are here to provide advice and support to achieve a good outcome for you. At the same time, to encourage you to do the right thing in the future.

I don't think we can advise you what to do - only you will know that. However, the chances of the rail company knowing and/or proving that you travelled without a ticket are slim.

Ok it’s a tough one just in case they track me through CCTV. When do you think I should respond to them?

 

[John R]

It is highly unlikely that they will use CCTV. They won’t have it beyond a short period anyway.

 

[c2001]

It is highly unlikely that they will use CCTV. They won’t have it beyond a short period anyway.

That’s good to know!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Jul 2025 ==

Dear West Midlands Railway,

Thank you for reaching out and allowing me the opportunity to respond. I want to start again by offering my apologies and the frustrations that it may have caused.


Regarding the 154 transactions you have investigated, I would appreciate if you could provide a full breakdown of all transactions in question so I can assess them

accordingly. Any tickets that involved using a railcard in August 2024 would be short fared as I didn’t have one back then.

I take full accountability for this and want to get this matter resolved immediately. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. I can assure you this will not happen again.

Hi guys, is ok to send off or do I make changes?

 

[MotCO]

Maybe it's a generational thing, but I personally hate 'reaching out'. Maybe something like " Thank you for your letter allowing me to respond to your findings".

Then maybe start the next paragraph by saying that you have also examined your purchasing history and admit that you have not always bought the correct ticket, but do not believe that it was on 154 occasions, so please could they provide a breakdown so you can respond fully.

Also, do you want to say that you are happy to compensate the company for the incorrect fares paid and related administrative costs in order to bring the matter to a swift conclusion. You say you want to resolve the matter immediately, and one way would be for the company to prosecute you, so offering to pay a financial settlement may help close off this option.

You may also wish to point out that you have now bought a railcard which adds substance to the fact that you intend to pay the correct fare from now on and have been doing so for x months

 

[c2001]

Dear West Midlands Railway,

Thank you for your letter and allowing me the opportunity to respond. I want to start again by offering my apologies and the frustrations that it may have caused.

Regarding the 154 transactions you have investigated, I have examined my purchase history and admit that I have not always bought the correct ticket, but I do not believe that it was on 154 occasions. Please could you provide a full breakdown of the tickets so I can assess all transactions accordingly?

Any tickets that involved using a railcard in August 2024 would be short fared as I didn’t have one back then. As mentioned previously, I have a railcard now so any tickets used in future will be valid.

I take full accountability for this and want to get this matter resolved immediately. I accept that I need to pay for any incorrect fares paid and related administrative costs to bring this matter to swift a conclusion. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. I can assure you this will not happen again.

Is that better?

Maybe it's a generational thing, but I personally hate 'reaching out'. Maybe something like " Thank you for your letter allowing me to respond to your findings".

Then maybe start the next paragraph by saying that you have also examined your purchasing history and admit that you have not always bought the correct ticket, but do not believe that it was on 154 occasions, so please could they provide a breakdown so you can respond fully.

Also, do you want to say that you are happy to compensate the company for the incorrect fares paid and related administrative costs in order to bring the matter to a swift conclusion. You say you want to resolve the matter immediately, and one way would be for the company to prosecute you, so offering to pay a financial settlement may help close off this option.

You may also wish to point out that you have now bought a railcard which adds substance to the fact that you intend to pay the correct fare from now on and have been doing so for x months

 

[AlterEgo]

Short faring means “not having a ticket covering the full distance”, not “claiming an improper discount” so you’ll want to tighten that bit up.

 

[MotCO]

And don't forget to quote your case reference number!

 

[c2001]

Short faring means “not having a ticket covering the full distance”, not “claiming an improper discount” so you’ll want to tighten that bit up.

Ok thank you I’ll change that part then

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Jul 2025 ==

And don't forget to quote your case reference number!

Thank you

 

[soil]

Any tickets that involved using a railcard in August 2024 would be short fared as I didn’t have one back then. As mentioned previously, I have a railcard now so any tickets used in future will be valid.

This is not a "short fare". A short fare is when you travel from A to D but buy a ticket from B to C, or C to D, etc. Short being 'short of' (less than) the full distance you travelled.

It seems that you both short fared AND bought railcard-discounted tickets that you were not entitled to. You are admitting to sometimes buying the wrong ticket, but you have no reason to make specific admissions until you have seen their evidence.



Just delete this paragraph entirely, it doesn't add anything useful.

 

[c2001]

This is not a "short fare". A short fare is when you travel from A to D but buy a ticket from B to C, or C to D, etc. Short being 'short of' (less than) the full distance you travelled.

It seems that you both short fared AND bought railcard-discounted tickets that you were not entitled to. You are admitting to sometimes buying the wrong ticket, but you have no reason to make specific admissions until you have seen their evidence.



Just delete this paragraph entirely, it doesn't add anything useful.

Hi thanks for the advice, I’ll delete that paragraph is there everything else I should add or send the rest without the paragraph?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Jul 2025 ==

Hi thanks for the advice, I’ll delete that paragraph is there everything else I should add or send the rest without the paragraph?

Thank you for your letter and allowing me the opportunity to respond. I want to start again by offering my apologies and the frustrations that it may have caused.

Regarding the 154 transactions you have investigated, I have examined my purchase history and admit that I have not always bought the correct ticket, but I do not believe that it was on 154 occasions. Please could you provide a full breakdown of the tickets so I can assess all transactions.

I take full accountability for this and want to get this matter resolved immediately. I accept that I need to pay for any incorrect fares and related administrative costs to bring this matter to swift a conclusion. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. I can assure you this will not happen again.

Is that better?

 

[AndroidBango]

Maybe it's a generational thing, but I personally hate 'reaching out'. Maybe something like " Thank you for your letter allowing me to respond to your findings".

Then maybe start the next paragraph by saying that you have also examined your purchasing history and admit that you have not always bought the correct ticket, but do not believe that it was on 154 occasions, so please could they provide a breakdown so you can respond fully.

Also, do you want to say that you are happy to compensate the company for the incorrect fares paid and related administrative costs in order to bring the matter to a swift conclusion. You say you want to resolve the matter immediately, and one way would be for the company to prosecute you, so offering to pay a financial settlement may help close off this option.

You may also wish to point out that you have now bought a railcard which adds substance to the fact that you intend to pay the correct fare from now on and have been doing so for x months

You are only allowed to 'reach out' if you are a member of the Four Tops.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

You are only allowed to 'reach out' if you are a member of the Four Tops.

I've said this before: the railway are not setting an exam in how to write a formal letter: instead they're looking for a clear response which shows that the letter writer knows what they have done wrong, won't do it again and will pay back the fares that they should have paid.

That means that while we might not like the phrase 'reach out' it's not going to do the letter writer's cause any harm. So as a forum we don't need to pull posters up on it. If the wording comes across as insincere that's different, but let's concentrate on the important bits!

 

[c2001]

I've said this before: the railway are not setting an exam in how to write a formal letter: instead they're looking for a clear response which shows that the letter writer knows what they have done wrong, won't do it again and will pay back the fares that they should have paid.

That means that while we might not like the phrase 'reach out' it's not going to do the letter writer's cause any harm. So as a forum we don't need to pull posters up on it. If the wording comes across as insincere that's different, but let's concentrate on the important bits!

Hi I still haven’t heard anything from them. I sent an email out on Friday, do I chase them up or leave it as I’m getting concerned?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hi I still haven’t heard anything from them. I sent an email out on Friday, do I chase them up or leave it as I’m getting concerned?

You may need to wait several weeks or months. Bear in mind that the railway employs a fairly small team to deal with things like this - and you aren't the only person who has run into trouble here.

 

[c2001]

You may need to wait several weeks or months. Bear in mind that the railway employs a fairly small team to deal with things like this - and you aren't the only person who has run into trouble here.

Why do they ask for a response within 7 days then?

 

[Haywain]

Why do they ask for a response within 7 days then?

Because saying "take as long as you like" wouldn't encourage anyone to reply.