Notice of Intention to Prosecute

[XF_23]

Hi everyone,

I'd appreciate some advice on my situation, and quite frankly I am a bit worried about what could happen.

I received a 'Notice of Intention to Prosecute' (see attached photos). I am not really sure how I should now proceed. I really don't want this to go to court and also not receive the maximum fine or any other sentence.

Some details of what happened: I was approached on a train and was asked for my ticket (at the time I thought he was a regular train inspector and now I realise he was a Revenue Protection Inspector), I was about to arrive at London Bridge where I was due to get off. I didn't have a ticket. Just before he asked me though and before I saw him I was frantically looking in my backpack for something that I had lost and as I was due to get off I was trying to sort out my things quickly. So when he approached me and asked for my ticket I was a bit frantic and looking in my backpack already, if I remember correctly (this happened 2 months ago now) I told the inspector that I didn't have ticket and if I could buy one. He then asked where was I coming from, and I told him I was coming from a previous station - to which he proceded to ask me further questions and state that thats not possible because the barriers are not open etc. I was a bit nervous and to be honest I thought I could just buy one on the train which I've been able to do before. So then I told him that I was coming from X station and that I had purchased a ticket but had lost the ticket and I couldn't find it. He then proceeded to ask questions about it and asked if I had paid by card or cash - to which I said I paid by cash and to which he responded saying it'd be difficult for them to check if I was telling the truth as I paid by cash.

We then proceded to get of the station at London Bridge, and he asked said he needed to fill out some details (which I thought he was going to give me a fine on the spot) - I asked if I could just pay another ticket and he said he couldn't do that. So he filled out a witness statement receipt with my details and with a very brief sentence of what happened.

I've now received this letter. I am quite shocked as I thought I would just receive a fine, I had no idea what this witness statement would involved and that I'd receive an intention to prosecute. Now I will need to respond telling them my version of the story.

I'd appreciate some guidance with how much information I need to give and what should I write in the letter.

@Hadders - I've seen on a couple of other forums that you seem to know quite a lot about this topic. I'd really like to have this settled out of court and pay a fine and/ or the ticket fare. I have a few questions, on other forums I saw some people mention that GTR are able to access your previous purchase tickets - is this true, is this legal and how exactly is this done? Do they have access to our accounts where we purchase the tickets?
This also freaks me out about. Do they have access to CCTV cameras also? - Once the inspector finished filling out the witness statement he handed it over and explained that I would just need to present this at the gate, explain and they'll be able to let me through. But to be honest I just wanted to leave quickly and not have to deal with this anymore (and I was already running late for work) so instead I used an e-ticket from clapham to london bridge to exit the barriers without having to speak to anyone. I'm worried that they'll now be able to see this via CCTV (?) and question why I did this. Also the original train station where I boarded was not X station, but I boarded my second train from X station as I had to change trains. I'm not sure if this will also be affected.

I'm not sure how I should proceed with providing my version of events, if I disclose everything or if I continue with the version that I gave the inspector: that i lost my ticket, paid in cash and was coming from X station to London Bridge (this in part was not exactly a lie - at the time I didn't go into details about switching trains for a connection).

I understand it was silly to lie. I feel quite ridiculous about all this and worried. I was honestly in a bit of a panic and rush that day and wasn't able to get a ticket from a machine prior to boarding and normally on the trains I haven't had issues buying onboard before. I'd appreciate any help from any of you.

Thank you very much!

 

[AlterEgo]

I have a few questions, on other forums I saw some people mention that GTR are able to access your previous purchase tickets - is this true, is this legal and how exactly is this done? Do they have access to our accounts where we purchase the tickets?

They submit a request to the retailer for your booking history. Why might this cause a problem for you? Is there something they might find? Do you habitually evade fares on this route?

This also freaks me out about. Do they have access to CCTV cameras also?

In theory yes, but it is very rarely used for these matters.

- Once the inspector finished filling out the witness statement he handed it over and explained that I would just need to present this at the gate, explain and they'll be able to let me through. But to be honest I just wanted to leave quickly and not have to deal with this anymore (and I was already running late for work) so instead I used an e-ticket from clapham to london bridge to exit the barriers without having to speak to anyone. I'm worried that they'll now be able to see this via CCTV (?) and question why I did this.

Well they'll have a record of the ticket purchase anyway from the retailer.

Also the original train station where I boarded was not Brighton, but I boarded my second train from Brighton as I had to change trains. I'm not sure if this will also be affected.

Where did you board?

I'm not sure how I should proceed with providing my version of events, if I disclose everything or if I continue with the version that I gave the inspector: that i lost my ticket, paid in cash and was coming from Brighton to London Bridge (this in part was not exactly a lie - at the time I didn't go into details about switching trains for a connection).

You should be truthful, if you intent to avoid being prosecuted. There is no need to talk about other offences you have committed, but you will need to talk about the day you were stopped, and you should tell the truth, and not double down on a lie.

 

[ikcdab]

I'm not sure how I should proceed with providing my version of events, if I disclose everything or if I continue with the version that I gave the inspector

The railway companies see hundreds of cases like this and they have seen every trick in the book. They are not stupid and they know exactly what you were doing.
At this stage, you must just tell the truth. If you are open and honest then you have a good chance of a settlement. If they detect inconsistencies, then they will just go ahead and prosecute. And as you didn't have a ticket, then you will be found guilty. Not only will you get a criminal conviction, but they cost to you will be far higher.
You have clearly read other posts on here. So now you can write your letter, post it here and get some feedback.

 

[XF_23]

The railway companies see hundreds of cases like this and they have seen every trick in the book. They are not stupid and they know exactly what you were doing.
At this stage, you must just tell the truth. If you are open and honest then you have a good chance of a settlement. If they detect inconsistencies, then they will just go ahead and prosecute. And as you didn't have a ticket, then you will be found guilty. Not only will you get a criminal conviction, but they cost to you will be far higher.
You have clearly read other posts on here. So now you can write your letter, post it here and get some feedback.

You are right, I am just a bit worried that if I go into further details about my journey from that day and mention that I had a connecting train from somewhere else then they'll see that inconsistency that you mention and dice to proceed with prosecution instead.

 

[WesternLancer]

You are right, I am just a bit worried that if I go into further details about my journey from that day and mention that I had a connecting train from somewhere else then they'll see that inconsistency that you mention and dice to proceed with prosecution instead.

Just be honest about where you commenced your journey if it was not Brighton (which I guess is where you got on that particular train). It's better that they hear that from you than find it on some on line ticket retailers record - unless u really do pay by cash of course.

It's pretty obv that you can't have been planning to buy a ticket on the train if you had all the time from Brighton to London to do so (which in any case would still be an offence as you need a ticket from the moment you step on board for it to not be an offence, as this is how the law is written).

How were you planning to get through the barrier and exit London Bridge of you had no ticket by the time you arrived there?

 

[John R]

I’d surmise with the e-ticket from
Clapham which they say they actually used. If there is a history of such tickets on the OP’s online account, that will be of interest to the investigators of course.

 

[WesternLancer]

I’d surmise with the e-ticket from
Clapham which they say they actually used. If there is a history of such tickets on the OP’s online account, that will be of interest to the investigators of course.

ah yes, I see.

 

[MotCO]

You are right, I am just a bit worried that if I go into further details about my journey from that day and mention that I had a connecting train from somewhere else then they'll see that inconsistency that you mention and dice to proceed with prosecution instead.

If your home address is not Brighton, then they may ask how you got from home to Brighton. If you had a ticket from your home station to Brighton (for example to get through barriers), then there is no harm in saying where you travelled from. If you didn't have a ticket, if they ask you where you started your journey, you need to be truthful.

 

[island]

You need to sort out your story, stop layering lies on more lies, and say exactly what happened, where you travelled from and to, etc.

You said that you told the inspector you paid cash for your ticket, whereas the truth was that you had never bought a ticket. That is all they're investigating at the moment. No need to further complicate things. GTR won't have any information about the e-ticket from Clapham Junction unless you have given it to them. It was a silly move to buy that ticket when you could have shown your witness statement to be let through the barriers at London Bridge, but we are where we are for now.

GTR almost always settles out of court.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

You committed a criminal offence by boarding the train without a ticket, consequently the train company is entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to. You have no entitlement to have the matter settled out of court.

My usual advice in these situations is to write a short, concise reply mentioning the following points:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

If you are offered an out of court settlement then you can expectto have to pay the outstanding fare at ful Anytime rate plus an admin fee of around £150. You will need to be in a position to pay the sum requested in full within a few days of it being offered.

To answer your specific questions:

I saw some people mention that GTR are able to access your previous purchase tickets - is this true, is this legal and how exactly is this done?

Yes, they can get your online ticket purchase history by submitting a request to ticket retailers (eg Trainline). This is all perfectly legal under GDPR for the prevention of crime.

Do they have access to our accounts where we purchase the tickets?

Yes, they can access this.

Do they have access to CCTV cameras also?

Yes, GTR will have access to CCTV cameras.

I used an e-ticket from clapham to london bridge to exit the barriers without having to speak to anyone. I'm worried that they'll now be able to see this via CCTV (?) and question why I did this. Also the original train station where I boarded was not Brighton, but I boarded my second train from Brighton as I had to change trains. I'm not sure if this will also be affected.

When did you buy the ticket from Clapham Junction to London Bridge? I'm going to guess that your online ticket purchases will show that you've purchased lots of these tickets.

The letter only asks you about the specific incident where you were caught so I would confine your answer to this incident but do be aware that they might come back and ask you further questions about previous incidents, if you have a history of purchasing short distance tickets.

If you put a draft reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

 

[XF_23]

Welcome to the forum!

You committed a criminal offence by boarding the train without a ticket, consequently the train company is entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to. You have no entitlement to have the matter settled out of court.

My usual advice in these situations is to write a short, concise reply mentioning the following points:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

If you are offered an out of court settlement then you can expectto have to pay the outstanding fare at ful Anytime rate plus an admin fee of around £150. You will need to be in a position to pay the sum requested in full within a few days of it being offered.

To answer your specific questions:


Yes, they can get your online ticket purchase history by submitting a request to ticket retailers (eg Trainline). This is all perfectly legal under GDPR for the prevention of crime.


Yes, they can access this.


Yes, GTR will have access to CCTV cameras.


When did you buy the ticket from Clapham Junction to London Bridge? I'm going to guess that your online ticket purchases will show that you've purchased lots of these tickets.

The letter only asks you about the specific incident where you were caught so I would confine your answer to this incident but do be aware that they might come back and ask you further questions about previous incidents, if you have a history of purchasing short distance tickets.

If you put a draft reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

Hi Hadders! Thanks for the guidance and template, following that I've drafted a response below:
Dear Fare Evasion Manager,

I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for the incident that occurred on Tuesday 26 March 2024 regarding my failure to present a ticket at London Bridge Station. I am deeply remorseful for my actions and I fully understand the gravity of travelling without a ticket.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain the circumstances and to offer my utmost cooperation in rectifying this matter. First and foremost, I acknowledge my mistake and assure you that it was not intentional. I take full responsibility for these errors and understand the implications they have on both the train company and passengers. I understand that travelling without a ticket is a serious offence and can result in legal consequences. I have sincere regret for my behaviour and ask for your leniency in the matter and to consider settling this matter out of court.

I assure you that I am committed to resolving this issue promptly and to fully compensate Govia Thameslink Railway for any administrative costs incurred, as well as the fare price for the journey. To demonstrate my sincerity, I am prepared to make an immediate payment.

I value the services provided by your company, and it's not my intention to cause any inconveniences. I sincerely apologise for any disruption or inconvenience my actions may have caused.

Once again, I deeply regret my actions and the inconvenience caused to the train company and fellow passengers. I assure you that this incident will serve as a valuable lesson, and I will ensure that such a situation does not arrive in the future.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Yours sincerely,


-----

My question here is if I need to go into detail about the incident or not? The letter I received has asked for my point of view. However your template doesn't include this as a point to mention in the letter and only the following (which is what you posted above).

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

 

[Haywain]

I would like to take this opportunity to explain the circumstances

But you go on to not even mention the circumstances... Perhaps just leave that bit out?

I assure you that I am committed to resolving this issue promptly and to fully compensate Govia Thameslink Railway for any administrative costs incurred, as well as the fare price for the journey. To demonstrate my sincerity, I am prepared to make an immediate payment.

Well, that's nice. However, you should be asking if they will allow you to do so, without going to court. It's also best to have this at the end of the letter so that you end with a specific request, rather than diluting it by following up with some waffle.

 

[XF_23]

But you go on to not even mention the circumstances... Perhaps just leave that bit out?

Well, that's nice. However, you should be asking if they will allow you to do so, without going to court. It's also best to have this at the end of the letter so that you end with a specific request, rather than diluting it by following up with some waffle.

Hi ! I am bit unsure if i am to mention the circumstances as per my message above. It's not included in the template? I'm a bit confused with this part.

 

[Titfield]

A few thoughts spring to mind:

(1) You do not explain the circumstances.
(2) You say it was not intentional when IMHO it clearly was.
(3) The letter is highly repetitive: paragraph 4 is not required.
(4) The use of the word first implies that there is a second, but there isnt in your letter.
(5) Personally I do not like the statement "inconvenienced the railway company or other passengers". To me travelling without a valid ticket goes beyond mere inconvenience for the railway company,(causing difficulty or annoyance) it is also a failure to pay the correct fare due.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2024 ==

What circumstances?

 

[Haywain]

I am bit unsure if i am to mention the circumstances as per my message above. It's not included in the template?

The circumstances are, essentially, an excuse and the train company will have heard it all before. Therefore, don't bother.

 

[XF_23]

The circumstances are, essentially, an excuse and the train company will have heard it all before. Therefore, don't bother.

ok noted, so there's not much point to mention circumstances. thank you.

here is an updated draft version which is more concise and to the point.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Fare Evasion Manager,

I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for the incident that occurred on Tuesday 26 March 2024 regarding my failure to present a ticket at London Bridge Station. I am deeply remorseful for my actions and I fully understand the gravity of travelling without a ticket.

I offer my utmost cooperation in rectifying this matter. I acknowledge my mistake and I take full responsibility for these errors and understand the implications they have on the train company. I understand that travelling without a ticket is a serious offence and can result in legal consequences. I have sincere regret for my behaviour and ask for your leniency in the matter and to consider settling this matter out of court.

Once again, I deeply regret my actions and the inconvenience caused to the train company and fellow passengers. I assure you that this incident will serve as a valuable lesson, and I will ensure that such a situation does not arrive in the future.

I assure you that I am committed to resolving this issue promptly out of court and to fully compensate Govia Thameslink Railway for any administrative costs incurred, as well as the fare price for the journey. To demonstrate my sincerity, I am prepared to make an immediate payment.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2024 ==

A few thoughts spring to mind:

(1) You do not explain the circumstances.
(2) You say it was not intentional when IMHO it clearly was.
(3) The letter is highly repetitive: paragraph 4 is not required.
(4) The use of the word first implies that there is a second, but there isnt in your letter.
(5) Personally I do not like the statement "inconvenienced the railway company or other passengers". To me travelling without a valid ticket goes beyond mere inconvenience for the railway company,(causing difficulty or annoyance) it is also a failure to pay the correct fare due.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2024 ==

What circumstances?

thanks for the feedback, i've just posted an updated version of my letter

 

[AlbertBeale]

ok noted, so there's not much point to mention circumstances. thank you.

here is an updated draft version which is more concise and to the point.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Fare Evasion Manager,

I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for the incident that occurred on Tuesday 26 March 2024 regarding my failure to present a ticket at London Bridge Station. I am deeply remorseful for my actions and I fully understand the gravity of travelling without a ticket.

I offer my utmost cooperation in rectifying this matter. I acknowledge my mistake and I take full responsibility for these errors and understand the implications they have on the train company. I understand that travelling without a ticket is a serious offence and can result in legal consequences. I have sincere regret for my behaviour and ask for your leniency in the matter and to consider settling this matter out of court.

Once again, I deeply regret my actions and the inconvenience caused to the train company and fellow passengers. I assure you that this incident will serve as a valuable lesson, and I will ensure that such a situation does not arrive in the future.

I assure you that I am committed to resolving this issue promptly out of court and to fully compensate Govia Thameslink Railway for any administrative costs incurred, as well as the fare price for the journey. To demonstrate my sincerity, I am prepared to make an immediate payment.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2024 ==


thanks for the feedback, i've just posted an updated version of my letter

You don't seem to have taken the comments on board.

For example, you say you're "committed to ... out of court". You can't be committed to something which it's not in your power to decide. You're asking them to decide to deal with it without going to court, hoping you can persuade them to offer that option. And you again talk about "inconvenience" etc - you weren't "inconveniencing" anyone, you were defrauding the railway of its ticket income.

And where you say "to demonstrate sincerity" you would make an immediate payment - that's hardly logical; sincerity doesn't come into it. If they offer you an out of court settlment, you would have to pay it very quickly as a condition of the offer; if you didn't, then they'd forget the offer and prosecute in court.

And note that it's "implications ... for ...", not "implications ... on ...".

 

[XF_23]

Hi everyone,

Following on from my previous messages sent in another thread and from the letter I sent in response to the 'Notice of Intention Prosecute' letter I first received, in response to that I received this letter (see attached). The Fraud Investigation Department has contacted me and have given me 7 days to respond otherwise it will be taken further my case.

I was hoping my last letter would be sufficient and that I would receive an offer to settle and be given a payment cost. I'm quite nervous and even more worried with this response; I really don't want this to go any further and anxious about receiving a criminal record and/ or going to court.

I am not sure if perhaps my letter wasn't adequate; I tried to follow the advice given. Is this normal for a case to be redirected to the Fraud Investigation Department? I'm not really sure how they became involved.

I'd appreciate any further advice and would really like to avoid any further prosecution.

Looking at other threads, I've composed this response below:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Fraud Investigation Department,

Thank you for your letter dated xx 2024.

I want to offer my sincere apologies for not being able to produce a valid ticket for my entire journey and deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

It is true that I travelled without a ticket on xx 2024 when I was interviewed by your revenue protections officer. Further, I admit, that was not the first time I did so. I am extremely sorry for this and for intentionally avoiding paying full fares on your trains. I truly regret my actions and understand that this behaviour is completely unacceptable.

I take full responsibility for my actions and assure you that I have learned from my mistake and have purchased a valid ticket for all my journeys ever since. This error in judgement has taught me a great lesson and will continue to do so as I've realised how much of a mistake it was to do so and realise how unfair and disrespectful to everyone who pays the full fare. I really regret that I’ve contributed to a problem which I now understand costs Govia significant time, money and resources.

I understand you have carried out an investigation and I welcome the outcome of the outstanding fees. I would be extremely grateful if you could consider the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action and would welcome the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares in addition to your administrative costs in dealing with this matter.

I look forward to hearing from you

Yours Sincerely,
xx

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also I've just realised that in fact they emailed me 5 days ago with the exact same letter. I'm not sure how they received my email so I am a bit surprised.
Plus I've only just seen the email and it says I have 7 days to respond, I also received the same letter via post 3 days ago saying again I have 7 days to respond. I thought I still had time to respond (as I didn't know about the email), and I'm not sure if it's 7 days from the letter via post that I received or from the email. But to be on the safe side I essentially have about a day now to respond and get my letter sent via email.

Please, I'd be really grateful for any advice. I am very anxious about this escalating even further.

@Hadders - I understand that you have extensive experience with these situations and with similar cases. I'd appreciate any help please.

Thank you all very much!

 

[John R]

I think a big problem here is that you are effectively saying “ok, tell me how much you think I’ve defrauded you”.

You need instead to do the leg work for them and list out all the times you have defrauded them, with reference to the ticket you bought each time and what your journey was. Then they will cross check that against their records and see if they believe that you are being honest. That may mean a bit of work going through your online account, but so be it if you are trying to avoid prosecution.

 

[30907]

I think you may have missed the point of this second letter: you are being invited to a face-to-face interview. If you follow John R's advice you may be able to avoid this, but you now need to cooperate fully.

 

[XF_23]

Hi everyone, I have a bit of a concern here with the letter and email that I received from the Fraud Investigation Team. I had these concerns when I first received the letter as I noticed two things: 1) the envelope was sellotaped closed, 2) the letter heading of the logos are fuzzy and not 100% clear. - This at first i thought perhaps it is fraud, I find it odd that they would sent a letter in this manner. I brushed it off and thought best to respond to the letter.

However I am now looking at the email I received and making a comparison with the letter, I noticed the date above my name is written in the American version in the email and in the body of the email the date is in British form. The letter however I noticed the date above my name is written in British form and the date in the body of the letter is also written in British form.

The letter was written by the following person:
Euan Campbell
Fraud Investigation Department
Govia Thameslink Railway

The email I received was by Fraud.Team@gtrailway.com. This email is also the same email that I was given in the letter to respond to.

From a quick google search I've also found two similar stories that have received a letter an email from the same person with suspicion of it being fraudulent and claiming Euan Campbell as a scam.

Does anyone know any more about this? I am even more worried now to be honest and I am not sure how to proceed.

@Hadders have you come across anything like this?


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Jul 2024 ==

I think a big problem here is that you are effectively saying “ok, tell me how much you think I’ve defrauded you”.

You need instead to do the leg work for them and list out all the times you have defrauded them, with reference to the ticket you bought each time and what your journey was. Then they will cross check that against their records and see if they believe that you are being honest. That may mean a bit of work going through your online account, but so be it if you are trying to avoid prosecution.

Thank you for your response.

I honestly do not remember the previous occasion and not sure how to proceed.

I've had a look at my online transaction account and have just a couple of ticket purchase transactions registered one of which is a short fare ticket. From what I understand I would need to include this incident in the response to the email/letter I received?

 

[Haywain]

Does anyone know any more about this? I am even more worried now to be honest and I am not sure how to proceed.

If you are concerned, contact the company through the details on their website and ask if that person and email address is genuine. I would say it's highly likely that it is, as it is a follow up to previous correspondence and you being caught.

 

[antharro]

Thank you for your response.

I honestly do not remember the previous occasion and not sure how to proceed.

I've had a look at my online transaction account and have just a couple of ticket purchase transactions registered one of which is a short fare ticket. From what I understand I would need to include this incident in the response to the email/letter I received?

The transactions that I made when purchasing a ticket were not linked to an account so I don't have a record of the tickets purchased. Are they able to see these transactions also?

I don't usually get involved in threads where good advice has already been given, but in this case maybe another voice might help.

The advice John gave was spot on - you need to do the legwork here. You need to persuade them that you are absolute serious about resolving this. "I don't know" is simply not good enough; you need to find out that information. You presumably have a smartphone of some variety - if you have an Android phone then your location is on by default and will be uploading your location to your Google account. Look at your location history in Google Maps and work out the days you took the train. (I'm sure iOS devices do the same but I'm not as familiar with how to look that information up). Look at your schedule for the last however long is necessary and figure out which days you would have travelled. Look through EVERY credit card statement, EVERY debit card statement for transactions. Ask friends/family if they can recall any times when you said you had travelled or were going to travel by train.

I cannot stress enough that this is on YOU. You have an opportunity here to try and settle this without court action. If you leave it to the company, they will do one of two things - look through your known journey history, figure most of them are short fares and charge you for all of those plus a big ole admin fee. Or, take you to court, present their evidence and win, because you have nothing to counter with. "I don't know" won't go too far in court.

As to your question - yes. If you used a credit/debit/charge card, then they can find those transactions. And they can do that not only for the website/app you used, but for others. I am also pretty sure they can also search their own payment processing system to see if you bought tickets at a machine - i.e. without an app. (I'm sure someone will come along soon and confirm or correct me on this).

You say you're anxious about what happens next - well, it's been explained in this post and the posts above.

 

[30907]

Just to add:
as GTR want to interview you, you need to be pretty certain about what train journeys you have undertaken in recent months.
Almost certainly they have identified several tickets that look to be fraudulent in some way (not necessarily short faring), otherwise their second letter would be pointless.

 

[skyhigh]

The email I received was by Fraud.Team@gtrailway.com. This email is also the same email that I was given in the letter to respond to.

From a quick google search I've also found two similar stories that have received a letter an email from the same person with suspicion of it being fraudulent and claiming Euan Campbell as a scam.

Does anyone know any more about this? I am even more worried now to be honest and I am not sure how to proceed.

The email is a genuine GTR/Thameslink email.

They are contacting you regarding a matter you are aware of. By all means contact general customer services and ask to verify the person exists but just failing to respond or engage because you think it's maybe a scam won't help you.

 

[John R]

Just to add, I expect most prolific short-farers will use the same station to buy their online ticket from or to. Typically that will be one stop from where they actually board or alight. So if (as an example), you commute from Brighton to London, and your account consists of lots of tickets to Preston Park, which is the first stop towards London, it shouldn’t be too difficult an exercise to identify the fraudulent transactions and list them for GTR.

 

[Hadders]

We have seen examples like this from GTR in the past.

I agree with @John R , GTR ae asking you to contact them to arrange an interview. It might be possible to avoid an interview if you tell them how many times you have evaded your fares. Your online ticket purchasing account will tell you this, you might need to log in through a computer rather than via the app to see the full history.