Penalty Fare help

[lostlucy1980]

Hi. I was using an off peak return ticket today, and I hadn’t realised that it was for the wrong train (train company). I always use the route and I must have accidentally clicked the the wrong one - my fault I know.

The inspector took down my details, however, I gave my nickname and correct surname. I also gave my correct address and dob. I’d been with my boyfriend all weekend and it is what he calls me. It is similar to me saying “Annabella” when it is legally “Annabelle.” I didn’t think about it until after as I was so flustered. I use these names interchangeably everyday so I never think about it.

When I got home I paid the penalty fare in full online, and screenshotted that. Only obviously the one letter difference in my name is visible as the name on my bank card would say.

I’m now freaking out that they will view this as fraud or whatever it may be labelled as and summon me. Please help me out on what might possibly happen!

Thank you

 

[jfollows]

Your having paid the penalty fare is sufficient, the case will be closed.
Be aware that railways rarely prosecute for fraud, not least because proving intent is hard, and in any case they won’t care, they have their money. You are over-thinking this.
In future I suspect that you’ll use the correct ticket and won’t be tempted to tell them things that aren’t true.

 

[lostlucy1980]

Your having paid the penalty fare is sufficient, the case will be closed.
Be aware that railways rarely prosecute for fraud, not least because proving intent is hard, and in any case they won’t care, they have their money. You are over-thinking this.
In future I suspect that you’ll use the correct ticket and won’t be tempted to tell them things that aren’t true.

Thanks, probably am overthinking. Like I said, if anyone ever asks for my name, I usually say the name I told them. It’s not a conscious decision to choose, but definitely will be way more careful in the future.

They said they will send the penalty fare notice to my home, now I have paid online, do you know if I just ignore this?

 

[AlterEgo]

Your name is whatever you are commonly known as. My full legal name is not the same as the name I use in public settings, but either is an acceptable response to a demand for "my name"

If you are Nicola Smith on your passport and you give your name as Nicky Smith (which is what everyone calls you) that is a perfectly acceptable response.

 

[jfollows]

They said they will send the penalty fare notice to my home, now I have paid online, do you know if I just ignore this?

They need your details at the time to pursue you if you do not pay the penalty fare. Now that you’ve done so, they don’t need to follow up in any way. In the unlikely event you receive anything more from them, come back to this thread and post what you have received.

Your having paid the penalty fare is sufficient, the case will be closed.

They have a penalty fare reference number against which it’ll be recorded as paid. They don’t care who pays it, or how they spell their name. Just be sure to save any information showing you’ve paid - the screenshot as you said before.

 

[furlong]

If you tell us more details (stations, ticket type, price, train times etc.) we could suggest whether it's worth an appeal.

 

[jfollows]

If you tell us more details (stations, ticket type, price, train times etc.) we could suggest whether it's worth an appeal.

The original poster has already paid the penalty fare. Payment means acceptance of the penalty fare in some cases.

 

[WesternLancer]

The original poster has already paid the penalty fare. Payment means acceptance of the penalty fare.

I suspect the point being made is that a successful appeal would result in a refund of the penalty fare that has been paid.
Should the op wish to appeal this of course.
They are still in the period at which an Appeal can be made.

 

[jfollows]

Sorry, yes, within 21 days even if already paid I think.

 

[AlterEgo]

The original poster has already paid the penalty fare. Payment means acceptance of the penalty fare in some cases.

No it doesn't. The OP retains full appeal rights.