Noa
New Member
Hello everyone,
Earlier this week, I received an email regarding my failure to produce a railcard during one of my journeys. A few days later, I received a second email (which I’ll share below for reference).
Could you please advise me on the best way to respond?
First mail
We have recently been handed a file relating to an incident on xx July 2025 when approached by staff carrying out their revenue duties, you were asked to show your valid ticket you offered a ticket with a railcard attached and were unable to present your railcard, therefore you would not have been eligible for the discounted rate.
It has been reported to the Digital Fraud Department for further investigation.
Further investigations into this matter have been carried out, including a full review of the ticket records. It would appear, at this stage, that this may be a case of fraud.
West Midlands Trains take travel fraud extremely seriously and is committed to prosecuting all cases of fare evasion to the full extent of the law. Travelling on the railway with the intent to avoid paying the full fare is an offence under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889. Such an offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000 and/or three months’ imprisonment and, in either case, a criminal record. It must also be considered whether this matter amounts to a much more serious offence under the Fraud Act 2006.
At this stage we would be grateful if you would provide any evidence to support the claim that none of the above legislation has been contravened to prevent further action being contemplated.
Please respond within 7 days from the date of this email to avoid further escalation.
Kind regards,
I acknowledged this first email and accepted full responsibility
I attached proof of purchase for my current railcard to demonstrate my genuine intent to comply with the regulations. In my reply, I also respectfully asked for the matter to be reconsidered without further legal action, as there was no fraudulent intent on my part.
I reassured them that I am willing to fully cooperate, pay any outstanding fares, and cover any additional administrative costs incurred during their investigation. I also expressed that I would be extremely grateful if the matter could be settled outside of court.
Then I got the second mail today
Second email (received today)
Thank you for your response and current railcard.
However, whilst investigating your case and before we investigate further, we can see attached to your tickets you have applied a 26-30 Railcard on 22 occasions, we will need to see proof and proof of purchase between the date range of October 2024 and August 2025 so we can adjust amounts accordingly, or if necessary.
When we ask for proof of railcard this is because it could affect your case and is done before we send you any amounts, we deem you may owe.
Improper use of this facility is also classed as fraudulent activity. If you cannot provide this within the next 7 days, then the final amount will be calculated at the full cost.
Unfortunately I’m unable to provide proof of purchase covering the entire period they are asking for.
Does anyone have advice on how I should respond to this second email?
Earlier this week, I received an email regarding my failure to produce a railcard during one of my journeys. A few days later, I received a second email (which I’ll share below for reference).
Could you please advise me on the best way to respond?
First mail
We have recently been handed a file relating to an incident on xx July 2025 when approached by staff carrying out their revenue duties, you were asked to show your valid ticket you offered a ticket with a railcard attached and were unable to present your railcard, therefore you would not have been eligible for the discounted rate.
It has been reported to the Digital Fraud Department for further investigation.
Further investigations into this matter have been carried out, including a full review of the ticket records. It would appear, at this stage, that this may be a case of fraud.
West Midlands Trains take travel fraud extremely seriously and is committed to prosecuting all cases of fare evasion to the full extent of the law. Travelling on the railway with the intent to avoid paying the full fare is an offence under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889. Such an offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000 and/or three months’ imprisonment and, in either case, a criminal record. It must also be considered whether this matter amounts to a much more serious offence under the Fraud Act 2006.
At this stage we would be grateful if you would provide any evidence to support the claim that none of the above legislation has been contravened to prevent further action being contemplated.
Please respond within 7 days from the date of this email to avoid further escalation.
Kind regards,
I acknowledged this first email and accepted full responsibility
I attached proof of purchase for my current railcard to demonstrate my genuine intent to comply with the regulations. In my reply, I also respectfully asked for the matter to be reconsidered without further legal action, as there was no fraudulent intent on my part.
I reassured them that I am willing to fully cooperate, pay any outstanding fares, and cover any additional administrative costs incurred during their investigation. I also expressed that I would be extremely grateful if the matter could be settled outside of court.
Then I got the second mail today
Second email (received today)
Thank you for your response and current railcard.
However, whilst investigating your case and before we investigate further, we can see attached to your tickets you have applied a 26-30 Railcard on 22 occasions, we will need to see proof and proof of purchase between the date range of October 2024 and August 2025 so we can adjust amounts accordingly, or if necessary.
When we ask for proof of railcard this is because it could affect your case and is done before we send you any amounts, we deem you may owe.
Improper use of this facility is also classed as fraudulent activity. If you cannot provide this within the next 7 days, then the final amount will be calculated at the full cost.
Unfortunately I’m unable to provide proof of purchase covering the entire period they are asking for.
Does anyone have advice on how I should respond to this second email?
