Railcard misuse on GWR train

[needinginfo]

Hello, I’m looking for any information or advice about how to proceed with my situation. I understand I am completely at fault here, and wondering what will most likely happen. Today I was caught using a railcard that does not belong to me (very VERY stupid I know), my friend who set up my accounted added her railcard to it, telling me I could get her discounts and I didn’t think further into it. I have used it for quite a while. I was pulled aside after trying to say it was mine, but then quickly admitting it wasn’t. I chose to proceeds with the caution I was issued as I thought honest and cooperation was my best option. I admitted it was mine and said “yes” when asked if I had done this before (assuming they could investigate if I did, and lying would result in worst consequences). I truly did not think when accepting this from my friend and regret it immensely. Although my interview was not very clear as I was panicking all the way through and unsure if I should even be doing it. I’m wondering based on anyone’s knowledge what will happen? I’m praying for a fine but with the information I’ve gathered, legal repercussions including a criminal record and conviction are very likely. I’m a 19 year old broke student but would chose the fine any day. I’m terrified and shocked that I did this to myself. If anyone has any advice please let me know.

 

[John R]

Just to clarify, how were you using her railcard? Were you carrying it with you, or a copy of her electronic railcard? Or what?

And what type of railcard is it?

 

[needinginfo]

we shared a Trainline account so her railcard could be found on the app.

 

[John R]

So all of those tickets bought on the app will have a railcard discount, of which some (used by her) are valid, and the rest (used by you) are not?

 

[needinginfo]

Yes.

 

[ikcdab]

So just to check, you were not issued with a penalty fare, but your details were taken and you were told that GWR would write to you?
If so, you need to wait for the letter which could take a few weeks. The outcome might depend on how often you have used the card before. If it's many times, then they might decide to take you to court for fraud, but I think the most likely outcome is that they will offer you a settlement figure that will be the anytime single rate for each ticket plus a £150 or so admin charge. You can work out roughly how much this might be and perhaps start saving. You also ought to now buy your own Railcard so that when they write to you, you can show that you are trying to put things right. What I don't know is what the consequences might be for your friend who lent you the Railcard and how the various fares get untangled. Others might advise on that.

 

[John R]

Just to reiterate the point above, it’s possible that you will have to pay the full Anytime Single fare for each journey GWR identifies as fraudulent. Whilst I believe it may use a more favourable basis in certain situations, this is clearly fraudulent behaviour, so it may take a harder line.

If your journeys in GWR are quite long, that could very quickly add up to a very substantial amount. You can use brfares.com to find the Anytime Single standard class fare for any journey between two stations to assist you in assessing the likely cost.

 

[needinginfo]

So just to check, you were not issued with a penalty fare, but your details were taken and you were told that GWR would write to you?
If so, you need to wait for the letter which could take a few weeks. The outcome might depend on how often you have used the card before. If it's many times, then they might decide to take you to court for fraud, but I think the most likely outcome is that they will offer you a settlement figure that will be the anytime single rate for each ticket plus a £150 or so admin charge. You can work out roughly how much this might be and perhaps start saving. You also ought to now buy your own Railcard so that when they write to you, you can show that you are trying to put things right. What I don't know is what the consequences might be for your friend who lent you the Railcard and how the various fares get untangled. Others might advise on that.

Yes, I was not issues a fine and gave my details to be contacted further. I was told I would received a letter in 4-6 weeks. I unfortunately used the railcard many times (around 20-30 times) mostly to and from Bristol Parkway and Exeter St David’s. Thank you for the advice about getting my own railcard.

 

[ikcdab]

I am a little unclear. In your first post you said your friend set up your account and added her Railcard to it. Then further on you say that you share an account.
If you both share the same account, it might appear that she has been buying discounted tickets for you, knowing you don't have a railcard. That is a contravention of bylaw 22 and may also result in your friend also being prosecuted. It would make things complex as GWR won't know who was using the tickets.
What you need to do now is to wait for the letter to arrive and then come back here for further advice.

 

[WesternLancer]

Yes, I was not issues a fine and gave my details to be contacted further. I was told I would received a letter in 4-6 weeks. I unfortunately used the railcard many times (around 20-30 times) mostly to and from Bristol Parkway and Exeter St David’s. Thank you for the advice about getting my own railcard.

I would start going through this on line account and make a list of all the tickets bought for your travel and all the ones that were your friends.

 

[needinginfo]

I am a little unclear. In your first post you said your friend set up your account and added her Railcard to it. Then further on you say that you share an account.
If you both share the same account, it might appear that she has been buying discounted tickets for you, knowing you don't have a railcard. That is a contravention of bylaw 22 and may also result in your friend also being prosecuted. It would make things complex as GWR won't know who was using the tickets.
What you need to do now is to wait for the letter to arrive and then come back here for further advice.

She initially assisted me in creating my own account, she then later on added her railcard but considering it’s now in her name, she must’ve just signed into her Trainline account. I’ve seen people discuss how GWR can investigate which cards have been used for which payments to determine who used the tickets, but I’m not sure. Thank you for your comment.

Based on everything I said, does anyone know if I’m more likely to pay fines and have an out of court settlement, or if I will have to go to court?

 

[AlterEgo]

She initially assisted me in creating my own account, she then later on added her railcard but considering it’s now in her name, she must’ve just signed into her Trainline account. I’ve seen people discuss how GWR can investigate which cards have been used for which payments to determine who used the tickets

That doesn’t determine who *used* a ticket.