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When would they do this? Would it worth me calling them for example tomorrow and giving them the railcard number , to assist with their investigations? Or should I wait to receive the letter first, and then quote my railcard details when I reply ?
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The thing is , when the officer took the witness statement , he asked me if it was my intention to avoid paying the full fare and I was honest and said yes. But I really hope that when they look into my train line account they don’t assume the 16-25 railcard is invalid also - because it’s not . The ones bought with the 16-17 applied yes, but I’m just worried they’ll assume the 16-25 one I rightfully hold is invalid as well
Keep proof of your existing railcard (I expect you have the railcard anyway which is proof).
But also if you have had railcards previously try to find proof of those too in case you get asked about discounted tickets associated with those railcards in the past.
Keep proof of your existing railcard (I expect you have the railcard anyway which is proof).
But also if you have had railcards previously try to find proof of those too in case you get asked about discounted tickets associated with those railcards in the past.
Yes , I have like a digital version via the railcard app and can also go on the website to look at past railcards also
So in your opinion should I wait until I get contacted ? And then go from there? X if need be I can always just include it in my apology letter right? X
Yes , I have like a digital version via the railcard app and can also go on the website to look at past railcards also
So in your opinion should I wait until I get contacted ? And then go from there? X if need be I can always just include it in my apology letter right? X
I would download these past railcards for your future reference and keep them saved carefully and / or even print the proof of them in case you get asked for them and there is any problem with the app or website. There is no central data base of railcards that the railway company can access to check this so it's best you keep the proof to hand.
It's best not to try to contact them before they write to you - this is because you don't know what they will want to ask you or know, and they will only have a small team - they are not geared up to taking phone calls and discussing these things unless they specifically want to speak to you.
What is likely to be happening now, before they write to you - is that the railway company will be accessing your on line ticket buying records to see which ones they think are suspicious, which they may then ask you about - in your reply to that it is likely that that is when you would show them that you had a 16-25 Railcard from when and up until whatever date and that thus certain tickets were legitimate and valid for the travel concerned.
We often advise people to ask for a list of the travel the railway company think did not have valid tickets for which they will usually provide, and then you can check it. This is why I suggested earlier in the thread that you should look at all the tickets you have bought over time with the wrong railcard discount applied (the 16-17 Saver railcard), and make your own private list, so you have the info prepared ready in case they ask you about all that travel.
I would download these past railcards for your future reference and keep them saved carefully and / or even print the proof of them in case you get asked for them and there is any problem with the app or website. There is no central data base of railcards that the railway company can access to check this so it's best you keep the proof to hand.
It's best not to try to contact them before they write to you - this is because you don't know what they will want to ask you or know, and they will only have a small team - they are not geared up to taking phone calls and discussing these things unless they specifically want to speak to you.
What is likely to be happening now, before they write to you - is that the railway company will be accessing your on line ticket buying records to see which ones they think are suspicious, which they may then ask you about - in your reply to that it is likely that that is when you would show them that you had a 16-25 Railcard from when and up until whatever date and that thus certain tickets were legitimate and valid for the travel concerned.
We often advise people to ask for a list of the travel the railway company think did not have valid tickets for which they will usually provide, and then you can check it. This is why I suggested earlier in the thread that you should look at all the tickets you have bought over time with the wrong railcard discount applied (the 16-17 Saver railcard), and make your own private list, so you have the info prepared ready in case they ask you about all that travel.
Of course , I am in the process of putting pen to paper and making a note of all of my invalid journeys . I am just worried about this railcard situation …
Do you suggest that after I print off I attach them alongside my reply ? And also included my railcard number which they should be able to double check?
It’s a waiting game now , which is honestly the worst part
Do you think they’ll give me the chance to request an out of court settlement? I’ve seen a few horror stories in here of people just getting court summons without even getting the chance to explain themselves ? Surely that is not right
I just really do not want them to assume that all of the tickets bought using a railcard are invalid … as that isn’t correct . When they write to me, in my reply, should I then ask them for a breakdown? In my apology letter?
Ok, No worries , I won’t call x you’re right
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Also, do I have to communicate with them just via letter ? Or can I email
? x and communicate with them that way following their initial letter ? Just seems like to would be quicker
Of course , I am in the process of putting pen to paper and making a note of all of my invalid journeys . I am just worried about this railcard situation …
Do you suggest that after I print off I attach them alongside my reply ? And also included my railcard number which they should be able to double check?
I’ve seen a few horror stories in here of people just getting court summons without even getting the chance to explain themselves ? Surely that is not right
This is rare and usually only happens when post has got lost or mistakes been made with the mail. don't worry about this now unless it actually happens and then people can advise you on what best to do if it did happen.
I just really do not want them to assume that all of the tickets bought using a railcard are invalid … as that isn’t correct . When they write to me, in my reply, should I then ask them for a breakdown? In my apology letter?
It might be a second stage of the investigation - it really depends on what they ask you when they write to you - which is why you should not contact them until they contact you first.
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Also, do I have to communicate with them just via letter ? Or can I email
? x and communicate with them that way following their initial letter ? Just seems like to would be quicker
The letter they will send will tell you by what method they want you to respond, (you can look at other typical letters from SE trains on the forum - chances are your letter will be the same as those at least at an initial stage) I think as it happens SE Trains allow people to respond by e-mail.
That depends on what they ask you in their letter, but yes that is something that you may need to attach and show them at some stage
This is the usual process
This is rare and usually only happens when post has got lost or mistakes been made with the mail. don't worry about this now unless it actually happens and then people can advise you on what best to do if it did happen.
It might be a second stage of the investigation - it really depends on what they ask you when they write to you - which is why you should not contact them until they contact you first.
The letter they will send will tell you by what method they want you to respond, (you can look at other typical letters from SE trains on the forum - chances are your letter will be the same as those at least at an initial stage) I think as it happens SE Trains allow people to respond by e-mail.
Thank you very much x isn’t what they write typically a standard template
? Or do you think there is a chance they will ask me specifically about the rail card ?
Thank you very much x isn’t what they write typically a standard template
? Or do you think there is a chance they will ask me specifically about the rail card ?
Usually starts with a standard template but they may ask you about the Railcard straight off or maybe later on. You just can't be 100% sure until they write.
OK - so this looks like their standard letter that you need to reply to but you have some time to get your reply as good as it can be - but bear in mind they may still ask you about other incidents even if at this stage this is just about the occasion where they stopped you. I am assuming the other page of the letter does not talk about other occasions?
Here is some helpful guidance from another thread that you could use to start drafting up your response (which you can then post here for people to check before you send it if you think that would be of help)
Each of the below sections can be short as they won’t want to read a long letter so you just need to keep it brief but cover the points in a polite but formal way.
Paragraph 1: Acknowledge and Address the Incident
Start by thanking them for their letter and clearly stating the date of the letter
Immediately identify the specific incident they're referring to, including the date of travel and the stations involved – also use any reference number they have issued on any paperwork you have
State directly that you are writing in response to this incident.
Paragraph 2: Accept Responsibility for the Specific Incident
Clearly and unequivocally state that you accept responsibility for not having a valid ticket for your journey on that occasion.
Briefly explain what happened regarding the ticket purchase (eg bought a ticket with a railcard discount with a 16-17 railcard but that you do not posses that railcard), and acknowledge that this was incorrect for your travel.
Paragraph 3: Express Remorse and Impact
State that you deeply regret your actions
Convey that this incident has caused you significant distress. This shows genuine remorse and helps to humanise your situation.
Make it clear you have learned a lesson and in future will only be paying the correct fare for rail travel
Paragraph 4: Propose a Settlement
Clearly state that you hope to resolve this matter through an out-of-court settlement. This signals your intention to avoid court proceedings.
Confirm your willingness to pay any outstanding fare and to cover their administration costs.
Conclude by asking what further information or action they require from you to facilitate this resolution.
Do not mention the additional trips. Here's why this is important:
Focus on the Specific Offence: the letter concerns the journey stated, during which you were cautioned. By only addressing this, you keep the focus narrow and don't provide them with information they haven't explicitly requested or may not yet have evidence for.
Avoid Admitting to Unproven Offences: You are only obligated to respond to the particular allegations for which they are asking you about.
Burden of Proof: The burden of proof for any alleged offence lies with the railway company. Don't provide them with evidence to strengthen a case they may not even have or could not otherwise prove for those other trips.
Stick to the incident they've raised in this reply. Be aware that they may well (quite likely i suspect) to ask you about other occasions when they believe this has happened, but for not that are not doing that.
OK - so this looks like their standard letter that you need to reply to but you have some time to get your reply as good as it can be - but bear in mind they may still ask you about other incidents even if at this stage this is just about the occasion where they stopped you. I am assuming the other page of the letter does not talk about other occasions?
Here is some helpful guidance from another thread that you could use to start drafting up your response (which you can then post here for people to check before you send it if you think that would be of help)
Each of the below sections can be short as they won’t want to read a long letter so you just need to keep it brief but cover the points in a polite but formal way.
Paragraph 1: Acknowledge and Address the Incident
Start by thanking them for their letter and clearly stating the date of the letter
Immediately identify the specific incident they're referring to, including the date of travel and the stations involved – also use any reference number they have issued on any paperwork you have
State directly that you are writing in response to this incident.
Paragraph 2: Accept Responsibility for the Specific Incident
Clearly and unequivocally state that you accept responsibility for not having a valid ticket for your journey on that occasion.
Briefly explain what happened regarding the ticket purchase (eg bought a ticket with a railcard discount with a 16-17 railcard but that you do not posses that railcard), and acknowledge that this was incorrect for your travel.
Paragraph 3: Express Remorse and Impact
State that you deeply regret your actions
Convey that this incident has caused you significant distress. This shows genuine remorse and helps to humanise your situation.
Make it clear you have learned a lesson and in future will only be paying the correct fare for rail travel
Paragraph 4: Propose a Settlement
Clearly state that you hope to resolve this matter through an out-of-court settlement. This signals your intention to avoid court proceedings.
Confirm your willingness to pay any outstanding fare and to cover their administration costs.
Conclude by asking what further information or action they require from you to facilitate this resolution.
Do not mention the additional trips. Here's why this is important:
Focus on the Specific Offence: the letter concerns the journey stated, during which you were cautioned. By only addressing this, you keep the focus narrow and don't provide them with information they haven't explicitly requested or may not yet have evidence for.
Avoid Admitting to Unproven Offences: You are only obligated to respond to the particular allegations for which they are asking you about.
Burden of Proof: The burden of proof for any alleged offence lies with the railway company. Don't provide them with evidence to strengthen a case they may not even have or could not otherwise prove for those other trips.
Stick to the incident they've raised in this reply. Be aware that they may well (quite likely i suspect) to ask you about other occasions when they believe this has happened, but for not that are not doing that.
Yes - getting a second, fresh pair of eyes is always a good idea when writing important letters. Also, we can help you ensure you use the correct terminology and express yourself to your best advantage.
A few other points. In an earlier post, you mentioned the word 'fake'. That word has serious, fraudulent implications, and you clarified that you meant something else. Hence the need for advice on using the correct terminology.
Also, most parents are usually forgiving. Yes, the conversation with your Mum may be uncomfortable, and she may shout at you, but generally speaking, after the initial shock, she will be supportive. She may not be able to help financially, but, as the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, so she may help you feel better.
Thank you for your letter dated 23rd September regarding the incident on 18th September between ** and ** ( not sharing on the forum for privacy reasons). I am writing in response to this matter.
I accept full responsibility for travelling without the correct ticket on the above occasion. Although I hold a valid 16–25 Railcard (ref: * I will insert my railcard ref here * ), I made the poor decision to purchase a ticket applying a 16–17 Saver discount, which I am not entitled to. I did this due to financial difficulties. I acknowledge this was wrong and accept that it was not a valid ticket for my journey.
I regret my actions deeply and am genuinely remorseful. This incident has caused me considerable stress and worry, and I have reflected seriously on my behaviour. I have learned from this and will ensure that I always purchase the correct ticket in future.
I would be very grateful if you would allow me to settle this matter without court proceedings. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare together with any reasonable administrative costs you require. Please let me know what further steps I should take to resolve this appropriately.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm Regards,
Many Thanks,
Thoughts ? Xxx
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Also, can I just email this, or do I have to post it as well? x
Thank you for your letter dated 23rd September regarding the incident on 18th September between ** and ** ( not sharing on the forum for privacy reasons). I am writing in response to this matter.
I accept full responsibility for travelling without the correct ticket on the above occasion. Although I hold a valid 16–25 Railcard (ref: * I will insert my railcard ref here * ), I made the poor decision to purchase a ticket applying a 16–17 Saver discount, which I am not entitled to. I did this due to financial difficulties. I acknowledge this was wrong and accept that it was not a valid ticket for my journey.
I regret my actions deeply and am genuinely remorseful. This incident has caused me considerable stress and worry, and I have reflected seriously on my behaviour. I have learned from this and will ensure that I always purchase the correct ticket in future.
I would be very grateful if you would allow me to settle this matter without court proceedings. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare together with any reasonable administrative costs you require. Please let me know what further steps I should take to resolve this appropriately.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm Regards,
Many Thanks,
Thoughts ? Xxx
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Also, can I just email this, or do I have to post it as well? x
Emailing it should be fine, but make sure that
- you include the case reference in the title of the email and somewhere in the body of it (just to be really sure that they know that this is your letter that you've sent
- you give them all the information which their letter says they ask for on the back of the letter
Also, keep an eye out for a confirmation email from Southeastern to say that they've received your email. They had a bit of a problem earlier this year where they must have managed to lose a batch of responses and they tried to take people to court - so it's important that you can prove that you did write to them at the right time just in case something goes wrong again.
Emailing it should be fine, but make sure that
- you include the case reference in the title of the email and somewhere in the body of it (just to be really sure that they know that this is your letter that you've sent
- you give them all the information which their letter says they ask for on the back of the letter
Also, keep an eye out for a confirmation email from Southeastern to say that they've received your email. They had a bit of a problem earlier this year where they must have managed to lose a batch of responses and they tried to take people to court - so it's important that you can prove that you did write to them at the right time just in case something goes wrong again.
On some email systems (such as Outlook), you can ask for a receipt when the email is opened by the recipient. If you can do this, and take a screenshot of it, that may be useful in the future if they have 'lost' your email.
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Thank you for your letter dated 23rd September regarding the incident on 18th September between ** and ** ( not sharing on the forum for privacy reasons). I am writing in response to this matter.
I accept full responsibility for travelling without the correct ticket on the above occasion. Although I hold a valid 16–25 Railcard (ref: * I will insert my railcard ref here * ), I made the poor decision to purchase a ticket applying a 16–17 Saver discount, which I am not entitled to. I did this due to financial difficulties. I acknowledge this was wrong and accept that it was not a valid ticket for my journey.
I regret my actions deeply and am genuinely remorseful. This incident has caused me considerable stress and worry, and I have reflected seriously on my behaviour. I have learned from this and will ensure that I always purchase the correct ticket in future.
I would be very grateful if you would allow me to settle this matter without court proceedings. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare together with any reasonable administrative costs you require. Please let me know what further steps I should take to resolve this appropriately.
On some email systems (such as Outlook), you can ask for a receipt when the email is opened by the recipient. If you can do this, and take a screenshot of it, that may be useful in the future if they have 'lost' your email.
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I'm not sure about "on this occasion" - it almost implies you have done it on other occasions. Otherwise I echo @Fawkes Cat 's comments.
Thank you everyone for your feedback - you’re right , I’ll remove the part about “on this occasion” x
I think I will probably email it and follow everybody’s advice and make sure I include reference numbers as well as waiting for that automatic acknowledgement email x
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Emailing it should be fine, but make sure that
- you include the case reference in the title of the email and somewhere in the body of it (just to be really sure that they know that this is your letter that you've sent
- you give them all the information which their letter says they ask for on the back of the letter
Also, keep an eye out for a confirmation email from Southeastern to say that they've received your email. They had a bit of a problem earlier this year where they must have managed to lose a batch of responses and they tried to take people to court - so it's important that you can prove that you did write to them at the right time just in case something goes wrong again.
Thank you for your letter dated 23rd September regarding the incident on 18th September between ** and ** ( not sharing on the forum for privacy reasons). I am writing in response to this matter.
I accept full responsibility for travelling without the correct ticket on the above occasion. Although I hold a valid 16–25 Railcard (ref: * I will insert my railcard ref here * ), I made the poor decision to purchase a ticket applying a 16–17 Saver discount, which I am not entitled to. I did this due to financial difficulties. I acknowledge this was wrong and accept that it was not a valid ticket for my journey.
I regret my actions deeply and am genuinely remorseful. This incident has caused me considerable stress and worry, and I have reflected seriously on my behaviour. I have learned from this and will ensure that I always purchase the correct ticket in future.
I would be very grateful if you would allow me to settle this matter without court proceedings. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare together with any reasonable administrative costs you require. Please let me know what further steps I should take to resolve this appropriately.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm Regards,
Many Thanks,
Thoughts ? Xxx
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Also, can I just email this, or do I have to post it as well? x
I agree with the comments others have made about minor amendments.
You can e-mail this to them as you know. You could also (if you have access to a printer) just to be on the safe said print a copy of your e-mail off - write on the top by hand something like 'As sent by e-mail on xx date' and post a hard copy of that. You could post that using the cheaper 2nd class post but ideally with tracked postage by posting it at a post office. They will give you a receipt with a tracking number that you can use to check it has arrived on line and keep the proof of delivery in case you ever need it. This would help safeguard against it getting lost at their end as Fawkes Cat mentions.
Be aware they might write back and ask you about other occasions they think you did this, but if they do that then people here can advise you what to do at that stage.
I will x
We’ll see how it plays out …. as soon as I get a reply, I’ll update you all x
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Hey guys - I have emailed them as you know but just to be on the safe side I want to post my reply as well and do what people suggested which is print out my email , and also write out my comments on the back of their form , just to be triple safe - this is going to sound extremely stupid and I know it will but how do I post it ? Would I have to purchase a new envelope , put their original letter with my comments in there, and also attach my email in paper format? And then would I put that PO Box down as their address and then mine on the other end? I’m sorry I know this is really stupid I’m not very familiar with posting things !
Im panicking about this again, I read through my contract and it mentioned on there that they have grounds to terminate me in the case of a criminal conviction ! I’m spiralling , if anybody could offer me some reassurance I would really appreciate it , I’m so scared again, I can’t lose my job , it’s my livelihood and that wording has made me spiral all over again
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Please let me know when you can x
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Also, if I need to communicate with them how do I do so? x I tried calling their customer service line today as I was paranoid my email hadn’t been received but they weren’t much help at all and they told me there is not a direct phone number for prosecutions team!
Don't write any other comments about the incident on it - just print the e-mail and check it has the other info that they needed on the bit of paper (your name and address, ref number, sign it etc) and as I mentioned in my post above - just hand write on it "As sent by e-mail on xx date"
Would I have to purchase a new envelope , put their original letter with my comments in there, and also attach my email in paper format? And then would I put that PO Box down as their address and then mine on the other end? I’m sorry I know this is really stupid I’m not very familiar with posting things !
Not an unreasonable question in this day if you don't post many letters but yes - the UK convention is:
- Print the stuff on a bit of paper of course
- Buy an envelope (A5 paper size or smaller for example 'DL size' envelope) - this is because postage is cheaper for these sizes of envelope - they may even sell one in a local post office where you can post it
- Seal the envelope up with the printed e-mail etc inside
- write the postal address for SE trains (the address on the top of the letter they sent you that you have uploaded so that PO Box and the other lines of the ST Trains Prosecution address) on the front of the envelope
- on the back of the envelope write "Sender: and your name and address" (putting the sender address on the back is the UK convention rather than also having that on the front like they often do in USA for example)
- take that to any post office and ask at the counter if you can send it "second class tracked postage, or - tracked 48 postage" - I think this will cost £2.77 (if you do not want the tracking it will be £0.87p - but the tracking is what you need to be sure you can check it was delivered)
- they will give you a receipt with a long code on it at the post office. Keep this receipt safe - the code works on their website that allows you to see each stage of the delivery after you hand your letter over at the post office to when they deliver it. You can make a pdf copy of the delivery proof from this royal mail web page that you can keep.
Im panicking about this again, I read through my contract and it mentioned on there that they have grounds to terminate me in the case of a criminal conviction ! I’m spiralling , if anybody could offer me some reassurance I would really appreciate it , I’m so scared again, I can’t lose my job , it’s my livelihood and that wording has made me spiral all over again
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Well, if this is settled out of court you will not have a criminal conviction.
Are you a member of a union at work who you could ask advice confidentially from the union person about this?
It's hard for us to give advice because they will usually say things like this in such contracts but whether they would actually terminate you will depend on various things - eg how serious the conviction is, what your job is and whether a conviction for fare evasion might have a relevance to your job (eg if your job is for a bank your employer might take a different view than if your job is as a chef, for example). I'm not saying you should tell us about your job but hopefully you can see what I mean.
It's probably something to put to the back of your mind as you are a way off having a criminal conviction at the moment.
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Also, if I need to communicate with them how do I do so? x I tried calling their customer service line today as I was paranoid my email hadn’t been received but they weren’t much help at all and they told me there is not a direct phone number for prosecutions team!
Customer Services won't be able to help you, and the Prosecutions Team do not want to speak to people just to tell them e-mails have been received - it's not a good use of their time. You have the automatic reply - your e-mail has been delivered.
Don't write any other comments about the incident on it - just print the e-mail and check it has the other info that they needed on the bit of paper (your name and address, ref number, sign it etc) and as I mentioned in my post above - just hand write on it "As sent by e-mail on xx date"
Not an unreasonable question in this day if you don't post many letters but yes - the UK convention is:
- Print the stuff on a bit of paper of course
- Buy an envelope (A5 paper size or smaller for example 'DL size' envelope) - this is because postage is cheaper for these sizes of envelope - they may even sell one in a local post office where you can post it
- Seal the envelope up with the printed e-mail etc inside
- write the postal address for SE trains (the address on the top of the letter they sent you that you have uploaded so that PO Box and the other lines of the ST Trains Prosecution address) on the front of the envelope
- on the back of the envelope write "Sender: and your name and address" (putting the sender address on the back is the UK convention rather than also having that on the front like they often do in USA for example)
- take that to any post office and ask at the counter if you can send it "second class tracked postage, or - tracked 48 postage" - I think this will cost £2.77 (if you do not want the tracking it will be £0.87p - but the tracking is what you need to be sure you can check it was delivered)
- they will give you a receipt with a long code on it at the post office. Keep this receipt safe - the code works on their website that allows you to see each stage of the delivery after you hand your letter over at the post office to when they deliver it. You can make a pdf copy of the delivery proof from this royal mail web page that you can keep.
Secondly turning to this:
Well, if this is settled out of court you will not have a criminal conviction.
Are you a member of a union at work who you could ask advice confidentially from the union person about this?
It's hard for us to give advice because they will usually say things like this in such contracts but whether they would actually terminate you will depend on various things - eg how serious the conviction is, what your job is and whether a conviction for fare evasion might have a relevance to your job (eg if your job is for a bank your employer might take a different view than if your job is as a chef, for example). I'm not saying you should tell us about your job but hopefully you can see what I mean.
It's probably something to put to the back of your mind as you are a way off having a criminal conviction at the moment.
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Do not do this - do not call them.
Customer Services won't be able to help you, and the Prosecutions Team do not want to speak to people just to tell them e-mails have been received - it's not a good use of their time. You have the automatic reply - your e-mail has been delivered.
Don't expect a quick response, but don't worry about this. The rail company will have several hundred cases on the go, and they will get round to your case in due course.
And don't worry if you don't get the answer you want - hopefully it will, but don't be too despondent if it isn't. When you get the response, come back here and we will help guide you through the next steps.
Don't expect a quick response, but don't worry about this. The rail company will have several hundred cases on the go, and they will get round to your case in due course.
And don't worry if you don't get the answer you want - hopefully it will, but don't be too despondent if it isn't. When you get the response, come back here and we will help guide you through the next steps.
Do you think my chances of being able to settle out of court are relatively high? x I really hope they don’t take me to court, I don’t want a conviction and the industry I work in is heavily regulated
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What is the most realistic worse case scenario here ? That I get charged thousands of pounds? do you guys think my chances of settling out of court are high ? What is Southeastern’s track record ? Sorry, I’m just really anxious x
Do you think my chances of being able to settle out of court are relatively high? x I really hope they don’t take me to court, I don’t want a conviction and the industry I work in is heavily regulated
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What is the most realistic worse case scenario here ? That I get charged thousands of pounds? do you guys think my chances of settling out of court are high ? What is Southeastern’s track record ? Sorry, I’m just really anxious x
What’s likely to happen is along the following lines.
They will check your ticket buying records and see other tickets bought with the wrong railcard
They will reply to your e mail and ask you about those other trips.
If you acknowledge that in an honest way they will probably offer you an out of court settlement in exchange for payment of correct fares for other trips with the wrong railcard. Plus an admin fee of maybe about £150.
This is why early on I suggested you make a list of all those trips. If you then calculate the correct fares for those trips you will get an idea of the sort of money they will ask you to pay.
If you don’t pay they will prosecute you.
You do need to keep us updated because you will probably find it helpful to get advice on what to do next when they reply to you.
All you can really do now is try to put this out of your mind until they reply to you. Plus save up as much money as you can.
What’s likely to happen is along the following lines.
They will check your ticket buying records and see other tickets bought with the wrong railcard
They will reply to your e mail and ask you about those other trips.
If you acknowledge that in an honest way they will probably offer you an out of court settlement in exchange for payment of correct fares for other trips with the wrong railcard. Plus an admin fee of maybe about £150.
This is why early on I suggested you make a list of all those trips. If you then calculate the correct fares for those trips you will get an idea of the sort of money they will ask you to pay.
If you don’t pay they will prosecute you.
You do need to keep us updated because you will probably find it helpful to get advice on what to do next when they reply to you.
All you can really do now is try to put this out of your mind until they reply to you. Plus save up as much money as you can.
Thank you, but if it is in the thousands … do you think I should look into loans ? X I’ve been building up my credit score , so I’m hopping I could get pre approved for some? I know my mom and her partner could help me , but again, it’s that awkwardness and fear x
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