Problem with UK journey ticket purchased in Brussels

[spursboy]

Hello all,

This is my first post and I am looking for a bit of advice if possible.

This matter concerns a FIP open (valid for 1 month) return ticket for London St Pancras to Bedford which was purchased from Brussels midi station as they seem to be selling these tickets for far less than national rail, when the ticket was brought it was made very clear that this was for a uk based rail staff member and they said that's fine. The other day I got stopped by a ticket inspector who confiscated the ticket and took all my details and said that he suspected that the ticket wasn't valid and even mentioned fraud, so now I am worried as I have a long career behind me and am worried that's at risk for essentially shopping around for the best fare.
These tickets don't go through the barriers, so what bugs me is that when I travelled out the night before I showed it to go through the barrier and got checked onboard by a TI and on my return I was allowed through the barrier and again check onboard, only when I went to complete my journey did a problem occur, which feels almost like a form of entrapment!

Any ideas or advice please?

Thanks

 

[bb21]

Are you railway staff?

 

[spursboy]

Yes I am (pre 96)

 

[bb21]

I assume that you are still active railway staff?

 

[maniacmartin]

Was the reason the inspector claimed the ticket was not valid because he thought it was only for use by non-UK staff?

 

[bb21]

I could be wrong but I was under the impression that FIP arrangements only apply in a foreign territory and not in your home country.

 

[spursboy]

yes still active.
and not really sure what he thought, he just kept going on that he didn't think it was valid and asking where and why i got it, when I said it was cheaper than buying in UK to which he said that they are loosing revenue! which isn't my fault if they allow an external agent to sell at a lower price. and the retailer was fully aware that i was uk staff and they said no problem.

 

[Top Cat]

A UK issued FIP card makes no mention of it being available to purchase discounted tickets in the country of origin, only for overseas undertakings. Additionally, being able to use a FIP card in the country of issue would surely undermine any 'domestic' travel concessions. Do you carry your passport when using a FIP ticket?? (One of the conditions of a FIP issued ticket is to be able to produce your passport or national identity card when requested to do so).
What is the price difference between purchasing a ticket in Brussels compared to buying the ticket in this country??