Fake name and address

[anom1234]

Today I had bought a child ticket on trainline guest account. On my way back on the thamelink service a revenue person came past asked for tickets. I had shown him my ticket he asked for my dob and I gave it but he wanted to confirm my age. Had no way to do that so he made me write my name and address and took a picture of my tickets. I had written fake name and a very old address. I could not afford the adult priced ticket which is why I purchased a child ticket. Will they track me down through trainline. Will they take me to court? What’s the best thing to do to avoid this and any prosecution or criminal charges.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Jul 2025 ==

If they found out my details would they contact me and give me a chance to pay fine before taking matters to court? Or would they immediately take matters to court?

 

[Trainman40083]

Today I had bought a child ticket on trainline guest account. On my way back on the thamelink service a revenue person came past asked for tickets. I had shown him my ticket he asked for my dob and I gave it but he wanted to confirm my age. Had no way to do that so he made me write my name and address and took a picture of my tickets. I had written fake name and a very old address. I could not afford the adult priced ticket which is why I purchased a child ticket. Will they track me down through trainline. Will they take me to court? What’s the best thing to do to avoid this and any prosecution or criminal charges.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Jul 2025 ==

If they found out my details would they contact me and give me a chance to pay fine before taking matters to court? Or would they immediately take matters to court?

I'd expect the answer to be along the lines, yes they will trace you through Trainline... That it is an offence not to give your name and address, but even then if you are honest and cooperative, you might get a settlement figure (a fine is issued by a Court).

 

[MotCO]

The other issue is that they will be able to see your ticket buying history, so if you have a habit of buying child fares, they may question you about this. What you must do from now on is buy the correct ticket for your journeys.

If you want to reduce the cost of your tickets, legally, there may be a Railcard suitable for you https://www.railcard.co.uk But be aware, some Railcards have a minimum fare.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

There's two issues here:

1. You travelled with a child ticket which you are not entitled to. This is a criminal offence.
2. You gave false details. This is also a criminal offence, potentially worse than the ticketing offence.

Were you given any paperwork by the inspector? If so, can you post a redacted copy of it in this thread.

What happens next is that GTR will write to you saying that they have received a report and asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed. The problem is this will go to the false address you gave, and this will be an issue if you are unable to access post sent to that address. Given that GTR won't get a reply (or have the letter returned by the current occupunt as 'not known at this address') then GTR will probably look to get your details through Trainline.

If you want to maximise the chances of keeping this out of court, my view is that it would be best to contact GTR Prosecutions Department and give them your correct contact details.