Caught using a 11-15 when im 19

[monim]

I got on the bus and the inspector came and caught me using an 11-15 oyster card. This is my brothers card and I had to give my information and also my brothers oyster. This is the first time that happened

Im very worried right now what should I do? Im going durham university this year to study accountancy and if this goes in my dbs my career will be over before it has even started. If anyone has similar experience i would be happy to get some advice thanks

 

[furlong]

Firstly how old are you?

 

[skyhigh]

Firstly how old are you?

19, as per the thread title.

 

[SuspectUsual]

This is the first time that happened

First time you used his pass or first time you were caught using his pass?

 

[WesternLancer]

I got on the bus and the inspector came and caught me using an 11-15 oyster card. This is my brothers card and I had to give my information and also my brothers oyster. This is the first time that happened

Im very worried right now what should I do? Im going durham university this year to study accountancy and if this goes in my dbs my career will be over before it has even started. If anyone has similar experience i would be happy to get some advice thanks

Welcome. You are right to take this seriously

Unfortunately TfL prosecute people in the majority of cases for things like this, freedom of info requests quoted here indicate about 15,000 prosecutions a year for people committing various types of fare evasion.

See this thread for some initial answers

TfL Prosecution

Hello everyone, I want to ask for advice on a TfL prosecution case. Context: I’m 19, not in education or employment On 16 June 2026 I was caught using my younger sister’s Zip Oyster photocard on a bus, to which I was not entitled The card is heavily worn — the photo and expiry date are...

www.railforums.co.uk

I don’t think you should automatically regard this as career ending in terms of your university place however.

Ask any questions you need to to try and understand what’s likely to happen. People here will be happy to answer those questions and help you understand your options.

 

[monim]

First time you used his pass or first time you were caught using his pass?

First time caught and I used it about 5 more times before that

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Jun 2026 ==

Welcome. You are right to take this seriously

Unfortunately TfL prosecute people in the majority of cases for things like this, freedom of info requests quoted here indicate about 15,000 prosecutions a year for people committing various types of fare evasion.

See this thread for some initial answers

TfL Prosecution

Hello everyone, I want to ask for advice on a TfL prosecution case. Context: I’m 19, not in education or employment On 16 June 2026 I was caught using my younger sister’s Zip Oyster photocard on a bus, to which I was not entitled The card is heavily worn — the photo and expiry date are...

www.railforums.co.uk

I don’t think you should automatically regard this as career ending in terms of your university place however.

Ask any questions you need to to try and understand what’s likely to happen. People here will be happy to answer those questions and help you understand your options.

I see so theres nothing I can do now? I cant keep this out of court? And It will go on my enhanced dbs?

 

[SECR 65]

You could instruct a specialist fare evasion solicitor. That would come at a cost (likely between £500 and £1000). They may be able to secure a final warning from TfL. This is, obviosuly, not guaranteed.

Forum members are able to provide a list of firms previously used by those in situations with TfL.

 

[Manak]

This case is capable of achieving a warning which avoids a criminal record and court proceedings.

 

[monim]

This case is capable of achieving a warning which avoids a criminal record and court proceedings.

How can I achive that? By just getting a solicitor at fixed rate?

 

[SECR 65]

How can I achive that? By just getting a solicitor at fixed rate?

Most likely yes. You are unlikely to be able to achieve a warning without the help of a solicitor.

Manak is one firm often used on the forum. Here is the relevant part of their website, including contact details:

Fare Evasion Solicitors

Skilled legal defence for fare evasion cases. Rely on our experienced team to protect your rights, challenge penalties, and guide you through the process.

manaksolicitors.co.uk

 

[WesternLancer]

Most likely yes. You are unlikely to be able to achieve a warning without the help of a solicitor.

Manak is one firm often used on the forum. Here is the relevant part of their website, including contact details:

Fare Evasion Solicitors

Skilled legal defence for fare evasion cases. Rely on our experienced team to protect your rights, challenge penalties, and guide you through the process.

manaksolicitors.co.uk

And of course there are 3 or 4 others we know of from people on here who have mentioned they have used them if the op wishes to ring round for quotes initially.

 

[MrJeeves]

This case is capable of achieving a warning which avoids a criminal record and court proceedings.

That sounds like a great guarantee. And if it doesn't, will your hypothetical client get their money back?

 

[AndroidBango]

That sounds like a great guarantee. And if it doesn't, will your hypothetical client get their money back?

'is capable of achieving' is not a guarantee at all.

 

[WesternLancer]

I got on the bus and the inspector came and caught me using an 11-15 oyster card. This is my brothers card and I had to give my information and also my brothers oyster. This is the first time that happened

Im very worried right now what should I do? Im going durham university this year to study accountancy and if this goes in my dbs my career will be over before it has even started. If anyone has similar experience i would be happy to get some advice thanks

IIRC the offence is spent in One or two years. Well before your degree is over.
Check with the professional body over what other levels of disclosure could possibly ever be expected.

Check with the university website about what if any disclosure is required as part of the university admissions process.

TfL prosecutes about 15,000 people a year for fares related issues. Plenty of them will be students on degrees relating to professional training courses

But you are correct to take it seriously.

If you want to feel you’ve given it your best shot at avoiding a conviction though see if your family can support you with the cost of a solicitor or if maybe a summer job might help you raise the funds for that.

 

[monim]

How many letters am i supposed to receive? I only received 1 so far under my brothers name about the oyster card. Which I replied back. Am I supposed to receive more letters home?

 

[SargeNpton]

How many letters am i supposed to receive? I only received 1 so far under my brothers name about the oyster card. Which I replied back. Am I supposed to receive more letters home?

If the letter was in your brother's name, why did you reply back to it? Or doesn't he know that you were using his card?

 

[monim]

If the letter was in your brother's name, why did you reply back to it? Or doesn't he know that you were using his card

He didnt know I used his card plus they told us to reply back which we did. Nothing else happened after that. What do you think?

 

[SargeNpton]

I think that, if you haven't already done so, you need to let your parents/guardian know. At the very least, your brother needs to know as, at some stage, TfL may take away his card.