Fraudulently claiming refunds

[Beck123]

Hi all
Would appreciate some advice. My friend purchased tickets on Trainline and fraudulently requested refunds on tickets which were not scanned. They've done this about 10 - 12 times over the last year, resulting in refunds of c.£370. They do not purchase train tickets regularly and the majority have been refunded (based on Trainline app history). They made a legitimate refund claim last week and the Trainline app would not allow the refund, said they would need to contact them by phone. They did and the refund was processed. They are now stressed that the fraudulent activity has been detected (since the last refund would not go through automatically on the app) and having read comments on this forum, are worried about escalation. It would be easy to prove fraud as they took the tube to the London departure terminals and from the London arrival terminals to go home. The journeys would appear on their TFL travel history. Plus there is CCTV. What is the likelihood of Trainline reporting the suspicious activity to the TOCs and being prosecuted for fraud? How long do they have to wait before they know that the TOCs are taking action? Please note that the train journeys were across several train operators. My friend realizes this was stupid and morally wrong and will cease engaging in this activity.
Thanks

 

[AlterEgo]

There is no statute of limitations for fraud, so it can prosecuted many years into the future, in theory.

In all likelihood Trainline have detected the fraud (the first thing you notice is they stop letting you do it automatically) and may be liaising with the relevant train companies, but none of us can really say. Trainline run a lot of audits on refunds and it is common to see them pass these to the affected train companies.

In the short term, don't talk about the fraud, don't do the fraud. Don't make any more posts. It is in your interests not to talk about anything related to the offences.

 

[island]

You (because it's not your "friend" is it) need to realise your card is well and truly marked.

Stop committing fraud.

Stop using Trainline too.

 

[mikeg]

You (because it's not your "friend" is it) need to realise your card is well and truly marked.

Stop committing fraud.

Stop using Trainline too.

I second this advice, with some potential caveats:

Of course the first point is to be proven and in the absence of proof we shall assume it is indeed a friend or similar...

Furthermore, be aware that many other ticketing apps are white label trainline offerings. I don't know if anyone has a list of which apps are affected or know of other suppliers who engage in such fishing expeditions.

Would the experts have an opinion whether it would be better for the OP's 'friend' to:

1. Stop using the trainline altogether
2. Use the trainline but only occaisionally as stopping using it all of a suddent could be viewed suspicously
3. Use only certain other retailers - don't commit
4. Become acquainted with the local ticket office and TVMs - cease all online ticket purchase whether from the Trainline or not.
5. Cease all train travel

Obviously 4 is the most cautious answer, with 1 what has already been advised by @island also pretty cautious. I'm just wondering whether a sudden cease of activity could be 'read' into just as easily?

Option 5 is obviously overcautious and may not be practical.

 

[duffield]

Also the usual warning about Trainline. If you stop using Trainline do not delete your account. This makes it inaccessible to you, but not to any investigation, so it is a very bad idea.

 

[Titfield]

The Ops friend should cease purchasing, using and then obtaining refunds on those tickets. It is that simple.

Changing the retailer used, purchasing tickets at TVMS or at a booking office has no bearing at all on past activities.

Only time will tell if past wrong doing has triggered or will trigger some form of enforcement action.

 

[enyoueffsea]

The Ops friend should cease purchasing, using and then obtaining refunds on those tickets. It is that simple

I second this.

Whilst there are better ticket retailing sites available, the advice of changing is based on that rather than the OP getting confused and thinking they can just continue their fraud on another website.

Their card is marked and at some stage a TOC may approach them to answer some difficult questions. They should immediately stop committing fraud.

If you are impacted by a cancellation or have a valid refund request, I’d recommend ensuring you have some evidence to corroborate this from this point on as your requests will likely be thoroughly reviewed from here.

If you are contacted by a TOC, please return here for some advice.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

If you are contacted by a TOC, please return here for some advice.

At the risk of spelling out the obvious, also beware of further contact from Trainline: it's Trainline who have been defrauded by the OP's friend, so it may well be Trainline who want to take the matter further.