Thread Title: TfL Investigation - Card on Denied List (Sept 2025 to March 2026) - Advice heavily appreciated

[Flaredimran]

Hi everyone,​

I am looking for some guidance on a TfL fare evasion case. I recently received a letter from a TfL Prosecutor (Case Number stating that my case is currently under review, and I want to understand my chances of securing an out-of-court settlement.
The Timeline & Facts:

• 
  
• 11th March 2026: I responded to TfL's initial enquiry letter via email. In my reply, I noted that I had cleared an outstanding card balance on 4th March 2026 (Payment Ref: ) immediately after the encounter with revenue staff.
• 
  
• 29th May 2026: I received a physical letter back from the TfL Prosecutor.
• The Accusation: The letter states that my Contactless Payment Card (CPC) had been placed on TfL's denied/blocked list since at least 22nd September 2025. They allege the card was used repeatedly to exit through the barriers since that time without any payments being deducted, and they are rejecting the idea of accidental avoidance due to the duration (approx. 5–6 months).

Context:
During this period, when the card failed at the barriers, station staff frequently tapped/let me through to clear the gates. Because of this, I mistakenly assumed the system was processing my journeys or charging me retrospectively. I honestly did not realise the payments had completely dried up on my bank's end until I was stopped.
My primary goal is to avoid a court summons and secure an Out-of-Court Settlement to protect my clean record and professional standing.

1. Given the multi-month length of the card block, how likely is TfL to offer an out-of-court settlement versus a direct Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN)?
2. If they do issue an SJPN, is it still realistic to negotiate a settlement before it goes to a magistrate?
3. How does TfL typically calculate the back-fares for a duration this long?

Thank you in advance for your time and help.

 

[AlterEgo]

How many times did you use your card after September?

You say the staff "frequently" tapped you out - but not always. How did you get out the other times?

How were you caught, and what happened when you were stopped? Were the TfL inspectors lying in wait for you?

TfL do not ever settle cases out of court. Sometimes, they do issue a warning letter and drop the matter, but you would need a solicitor to gave the best chance of that. You would also need to be frank and honest with your solicitor too.

 

[John R]

TfL dont offer out of court settlements under any circumstances. It’s either prosecution or, very rarely, a written warning.

 

[furlong]

How did you enter the system with a blocked card?

 

[Mojo]

You say the staff "frequently" tapped you out - but not always. How did you get out the other times?

The OP mentioned the staff tapped for them - they didn’t mention whether this was “In” or “Out.” At most LU stations, even declined CPCs should still work for exit, this allows for TfL to investigate card misuse, which is what I’d suspect has happened to the OP.

To the OP - did you ever reach around the gateline and tap on the “Way Out” barrier to enter the system?

 

[AlterEgo]

Indeed this has all the hallmarks of a sting and routine abuse, there is almost no other way to catch people doing the reacharound trick.

As I've said, the OP might want to engage a solicitor and have a candid chat with them, because this thread has all the hallmarks of wasting everyone's time to me.

 

[Flaredimran]

Hi all - Update i have found cards that are unregistered which looking at statements i can see i used to complete payments and travel during this period of time. Sometimes i would use multiple cards get them the wrong way around thinking back but sure this shows i never had any intention of fare evasion as it is an inconsistency ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

How many times did you use your card after September?

You say the staff "frequently" tapped you out - but not always. How did you get out the other times?

How were you caught, and what happened when you were stopped? Were the TfL inspectors lying in wait for you?

TfL do not ever settle cases out of court. Sometimes, they do issue a warning letter and drop the matter, but you would need a solicitor to gave the best chance of that. You would also need to be frank and honest with your solicitor too.

I am not sure - I have to find the time to go back months,

Most times i used my alternative card or sometimes if i recollect they would just let me out saying it would resolve itself

I was just coming out the station a usual, tapped and they pulled me to one side, but it was a major station like, Farringdon so it was routine during rush hour

I work on a hybrid basis so i rarely when to the office in these periods maybe 2-3 times a week max

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

How did you enter the system with a blocked card?

I would tap in the morning but sometimes i would forget as in a rush and i would tap out knowing it would charge me the whole fair but it didn't bother me i would rather that than be late to work

I also have a oyster card which i need to find a show i was using as an alternative sometimes

 

[Mojo]

Most times i used my alternative card or sometimes if i recollect they would just let me out saying it would resolve itself

I was just coming out the station a usual, tapped and they pulled me to one side, but it was a major station like, Farringdon so it was routine during rush hour

ls Farringdon your usual station or is it different on different occasions?

 

[Flaredimran]

ls Farringdon your usual station or is it different on different occasions?

Its different on different occasions

 

[furlong]

I was just coming out the station a usual, tapped and they pulled me to one side, but it was a major station like, Farringdon so it was routine during rush hour

Focus on this particular day for now.
Where did your journey begin - are there barrers? - and did you tap in at all?
What happened exactly at Farringdon? Did you try to tap the blocked card to exit the station? It didn't open the barrier? Then you were pulled to one side immediately? Or something else?