Questioned under caution and gave an incorrect address

[odum76]

I was questioned under caution today after mistakenly purchasing a rail card discounted ticket when my railcard had expired (I only now know that this is a crime).I was questioned and my details taken, I chose to remain silent except to give my name and address.I gave the address that I am a few weeks from moving out of since I do not yet know my next address. Do you think I should contact the TOC to update my address once I move? I am not sure I will have access to my old address to check for mail.

Furthermore, what are the chances of criminal prosecution? I think it is rather harsh to receive a criminal record over a £4 fare difference.

Thanks all.

 

[RPI]

I was questioned under caution today after mistakenly purchasing a rail card discounted ticket when my railcard had expired (I only now know that this is a crime).I was questioned and my details taken, I chose to remain silent except to give my name and address.I gave the address that I am a few weeks from moving out of since I do not yet know my next address. Do you think I should contact the TOC to update my address once I move? I am not sure I will have access to my old address to check for mail.

Furthermore, what are the chances of criminal prosecution? I think it is rather harsh to receive a criminal record over a £4 fare difference.

Thanks all.

Did you use a digital ticket that was scanned?
Did you give your correct name?
Did you give your current correct address?

 

[odum76]

Did you use a digital ticket that was scanned?
Did you give your correct name?
Did you give your current correct address?

I did use a digital ticket and it was scanned by the rail worker who questioned me.
I gave my correct name.
I gave my current address correctly.

 

[WesternLancer]

I did use a digital ticket and it was scanned by the rail worker who questioned me.
I gave my correct name.
I gave my current address correctly.

If you don’t reply to their correspondence it will automatically escalate to court. They won’t have a process for letting people off if it is just £x because they have no reason to do so as they can claim court costs from you and it’s enforced by court bailiffs that will also charge you. Prosecuting is not a loss making activity I suspect.

So everything is in your interest to get their letter and respond to it.

You should advise them at the address on any paperwork you were given of your new address and you should pay for a royal
Mail postal redirect too. The consequences of not getting their correspondence are worse for you than if you get it and seek to resolve the situation without it escalating.

 

[duffield]

I was questioned under caution today after mistakenly purchasing a rail card discounted ticket when my railcard had expired (I only now know that this is a crime).I was questioned and my details taken, I chose to remain silent except to give my name and address.I gave the address that I am a few weeks from moving out of since I do not yet know my next address. Do you think I should contact the TOC to update my address once I move? I am not sure I will have access to my old address to check for mail.

Furthermore, what are the chances of criminal prosecution? I think it is rather harsh to receive a criminal record over a £4 fare difference.

Thanks all.

Just on the address front, particularly since you say you may not have access to the old address - it is *essential* you make sure you receive any correspondence relating to this issue. Not responding to correspondence is probably the no. 1 way to get prosecuted, and then found guilty in your absence.
You need to advise the railway company as soon as you know the new address and the date you will be there. You would also be wise to set up Royal Mail redirection to catch anything that does go to your old address.

If you receive the relevant correspondence, post it here for advice and respond according to that advice, your chances of being prosecuted should be absolutely minimal, as long as you are able and willing to pay an out of court settlement. However, it is worth noting that your travel history may be investigated and if you have travelled using the discount at other times since the railcard expired you may be expected to pay for those journeys as part of your settlement, and may be required to explain any other apparent anomalies in your travel history (e.g. anything that looks like short faring).

 

[WesternLancer]

Yes. Expired railcard by mistake. They won’t actively want to prosecute but will just do so automatically if you don’t engage.

Which train company is this involving?

You’ll get the help here at each step to get the best outcome achievable so feel free to ask questions about what to expect etc.

 

[odum76]

Did you use a digital ticket that was scanned?
Did you give your correct name?
Did you give your current correct address?

Yes. Expired railcard by mistake. They won’t actively want to prosecute but will just do so automatically if you don’t engage.

Which train company is this involving?

You’ll get the help here at each step to get the best outcome achievable so feel free to ask questions about what to expect etc.

Thanks a lot for the response. It was GWR. I want to know if it is wise to reach out to them with my updated address once I know it.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks a lot for the response. It was GWR. I want to know if it is wise to reach out to them with my updated address once I know it.

Yes. When you know your new address and can obtain post there you should advise GWR revenue protection team.

See their revenue protection pdf policy document on their website. This is worth you reading generally and will include their contact details.

 

[6Gman]

I would strongly recommend using Royal Mail's redirection service when you move, not just because of this issue but other important letters that might otherwise never reach you.