60+ Oyster card - months of misuse **SETTLED BY formal warning and pay a fine**

[Tfluser]

Hi CAG members,

 I was caught using my mothers 60+ Oyster card a few days ago. 
when I passed the barriers the officer asked me to show the ticket I clicked with.

 

I got nervous and scared and showed him my bank card but then he said to show the ticket I clicked with. I then gave the oyster. 
I have been using the card for a few months. 

i am really ashamed of what I have done. I want to seek your help in how I should approach this situation. 
I am 45 years old with 2 children.

 

Having a criminal record will have a massive impact T on my life as the sector I work in requires enhanced DBS. I had not realised the implications of my action until I read all the threads on this group. 
 

I was struggling with the increased cost of living, energy bills, daughter university expenses. In addition I am post menopausal, and suffering from anxiety as I have had 2 cancer scares and undergone hysteroscopy.

 

But these are not any excuses for my action. 
 

I am feeling very ashamed. 
 

please can you help me in how I should respond to the letter. 

The letter mentions just the date on the offence. However, I did tell the officer that I was using the card for a few / couple of months.

 

i also intend on buying a monthly travel card for my journey. 
 

I profoundly apologised to the officer . 
 I am so scared and worried. 
 

please help. 

new doc 2023-05-05 18.12.40.pdf

[BankFodder]

The only thing to do is to be completely honest. You shouldn't try to conceal the amount of times that you have been using the card. They will be able to check it's use on the computer systems.

 

Complete openness is the only way to minimise the effect.

However, you had probably better talk to your mother about it because there may be repercussions in so far as she is concerned. Is she aware that you have been using her card?

[Tfluser]

Thank you BankFodder.

I told the officer that my mother was not aware that I was using her card. 
I will be open and honest in my reply. 
I am really scared and anxious about prosecution and mainly criminal charges. 
what else can I add to minimise the effect.

 

[dx100uk]

you found the correct forum to start yours in 

you now need to go read like threads here 

there are 100's of them with suitable letter examples 

 

dont tell them you used it before , you dont tell them anything they dont already know or suspect.

so word your letter carefully !!! but ofcouse there is a pattern for the use so you could have a fun time as you'll do well to avoid a criminal record. but all is not lost....  until they issue the SJP court claim and their TIC sheet . if they do, you admit to all as you should,

 

we've seen a guy that had 70+ uses get away with one use and escape a criminal record.

 

 

[Tfluser]

Thank you dx100uk

Do you mean in my response letter, I shouldn’t mention past usage , just answer for the day in question?

would it be ok for me to post a draft letter for the group members to proof read and offer suggestions? 
the letter was dated yesterday? When they say 10 days so they mean 10 working or calendar days for a response?

 

thank you

[dx100uk]

you need to get reading up on like threads here...

you do not tell nor confirm anything they don't already know......

you'll also see that we help on letters hence you'll find other peoples uploads of them...

get reading up

post up your letter

get wise!!

it doesnt say working days...email is ok and best

[Tfluser]

Hi fellow members,

I have read quite a few threads on this forum and drafted my response to the verification letter.

 

Please may I kindly ask if you could read it and advise on any feedback/improvement to the letter.

 

The thought of prosecution is making me really anxious and stressed. 

 

Dear TFL,

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain my actions.

 

Firstly, I would like to apologise to TFL, the members of staff concerned and to the public for the time and administration costs that my actions have caused. I understand that the TFL services can only operate if everyone pays there fare and I feel guilty about attempting to breech this public trust.

 

My actions are inexcusable and I am extremely regretful of my mistake. Reflecting back on my actions, I feel ashamed, anxious and have had sleepless nights, unable to focus on anything.

 

Whilst this is no excuse, as the main provider of my family, the pressure of rising cost of living, having to make difficult decisions between heating and eating coupled with the diminished mental wellbeing caused by the early onset of menopause, has made me take decisions that I would not take under normal circumstances. For such actions, I truly and wholeheartedly apologise. My family is reliant on me for bills, food and household support. I am also undergoing medical issues: I have had two cancer referrals and hysteroscopy and biopsy to eliminate cancer. Therefore, if this matter were to escalate further into court, it would compromise my employment which requires a high level of integrity. A conviction for a criminal offence is likely to affect my future with my career. This will be devastating to my family and I for the economic, social and emotional reasons stated.

 

My children have also been under immense stress since receiving the letter, fearing the consequences for the family. I am also carrying this additional guilt for putting my children and family through additional stress.

 

I have never had any kind of trouble with the law before and I will ensure that this will not happen ever again in the future. To ensure this, I have bought a monthly travel-card which I will be using for all my travel. I have learnt my lesson and so I vow that I will not do this ever again. The fear, shock and the reality of the consequences will deter me from such actions.

 

Whilst my words above to do not act as an excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions, I hope it is possible to understand how a criminal prosecution would be detrimental to my family and I. Therefore, I am happy to make immediate payment of all unpaid fares plus any incurred cost that my actions have caused.

 

I also hope that I have explained myself well and provided enough evidence. If anything further is required from me to reach your decision, please let me know.

 

Ultimately, I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry and regretful I am for what I have done and I would like to assure the TFL and the government that I will never do such a thing again. I have learnt from my mistake. Everyone deserve a second chance and I am hoping I will get one to make things right.

 

Thank you.

 

Kind regards,

 

Thank you for your time.

[dx100uk]

not too sure the children sentence is needed? see what others think

 

dx

 

[honeybee13]

I agree with dx, I would leave out the paragraph about the children.

 

Personally, I don't like saying you're 'happy' to pay the excess fares, etc. Old-CodJA who taught us a lot about fare evasion cases always used to say you should ask if TfL would allow you to pay the fares plus admin costs.

 

One tiny point, in your second paragraph, shouldn't it be 'breach' of trust?

 

Good letter otherwise.

 

HB

[Tfluser]

Thank you dx and honeybee for your feedback. 
 

should I omit that paragraph or change to family instead of children?

 

I will also rephrase the sentence regarding “happy”.

once these changes are made, should I email them with a pdf copy of the letter which included the case number and other information from the verification letter, medical evidence and proof of monthly card purchase or should I hand write the letter on the verification form and send that as en email attachment?

 

thank you once again. 

[honeybee13]

I don't think I'd use that paragraph at all but see what others think.

 

HB

[Tfluser]

Thank you. 
 

Please can you also advise on how should I send my response?

[dx100uk]

pers i would omit it yes

 

i think id also move around your medical stuff, put the cancer 1st and i know i'm being a bit funny here but id simply add after the cancer bit i also suffer with early onset menopause 

13 hours ago, Ashamedofmyaction said:

Whilst this is no excuse, as the main provider of my family, the pressure of rising cost of living, having to make difficult decisions between heating and eating.

 

My Situation is compounded by being recently having had two cancer referrals concerning hysteroscopy and biopsy to diagnose my cancer situation. This is coupled with the diminished mental wellbeing caused by early onset of menopause.

 

Although these are being dealt with by consultations with my health care professionals, i am finding everyday decision making difficult and confusing, which has never been like me under normal circumstances, though i understand fully, my current situation is no excuse for such actions and I truly and wholeheartedly apologise.

 

My family is reliant on me for bills, food and household support. : Therefore, if this matter were to escalate further into court, it would compromise my employment which requires a high level of integrity. A conviction for a criminal offence is likely to affect my future with my career. This will be devastating to my family and I for the economic, social and emotional reasons stated.

i like ^^^

 

i would also add in your letter about paying for travel going forward to insure you do not slip off the rails again

 

you send it to the email address on the letter, yes as a PDF and yes inc medical evidence

 

 

[Tfluser]

Thank you dx for your valuable feedback. Makes a lot more sense. 

 

Hi Fellow members,

 

I have made the changes as recommended. Please see final version. If all ok then I will send it out tomorrow.

 

Dear TFL,

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain my actions.

 

Firstly, I would like to apologise to TFL, the members of staff concerned and to the public for the time and administration costs that my actions have caused. I understand that the TFL services can only operate if everyone pays there fare and I feel guilty about attempting to breach this public trust.

 

My actions are inexcusable and I am extremely regretful of my mistake. Reflecting back on my actions, I feel ashamed, anxious and have had sleepless nights, unable to focus on anything.

 

Whilst this is no excuse, as the main provider of my family, the pressure of rising cost of living, having to make difficult decisions between heating and eating.

 

My Situation is compounded by being recently having had two cancer referrals concerning hysteroscopy and biopsy to eliminate and/or diagnose my cancer situation. This is coupled with the diminished mental wellbeing caused by early onset of menopause.

 

Although these are being dealt with by consultations with my health care professionals, I am finding everyday decision making difficult and confusing, which has never been like me under normal circumstances, though I understand fully, my current situation is no excuse for such actions and I truly and wholeheartedly apologise.

 

My family is reliant on me for bills, food and household support. : Therefore, if this matter were to escalate further into court, it would compromise my employment which requires a high level of integrity. A conviction for a criminal offence is likely to affect my future with my career. This will be devastating to my family and I for the economic, social and emotional reasons stated.

 

 

I have never had any kind of trouble with the law before and I will ensure that this will not happen ever again in the future. To ensure this, I have bought a monthly travel-card which I will be using for all my travel to ensure that I donot slip off the rails again. I have learnt my lesson and so I vow that I will not do this ever again. The fear, shock and the reality of the consequences will deter me from such actions.

 

Whilst my words above to do not act as an excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions, I hope it is possible to understand how a criminal prosecution would be detrimental to my family and I. Therefore, if TFL will allow me to make immediate payment of all unpaid fares plus admin cost that my actions have caused.

 

I also hope that I have explained myself well and provided enough evidence. If anything further is required from me to reach your decision, please let me know.

 

Ultimately, I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry and regretful I am for what I have done and I would like to assure the TFL and the government that I will never do such a thing again. I have learnt from my mistake. Everyone deserve a second chance and I am hoping I will get one to make things right.

 

Thank you.

 

Kind regards,

 

[dx100uk]

3 hours ago, Ashamedofmyaction said:

Hi Fellow members,

 

I have made the changes as recommended. Please see final version. If all ok then I will send it out tomorrow.

 

Dear TFL,

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain my actions.

 

Firstly, I would like to apologise to TFL, the members of staff concerned and to the public for the time and administration costs that my actions have caused. I understand that the TFL services can only operate if everyone pays their fare and I feel guilty about attempting to breach this public trust.

 

My actions are inexcusable and I am extremely regretful of my mistake. Reflecting back on my actions, I feel ashamed, anxious and have had sleepless nights, unable to focus on anything. Whilst this is no excuse, as the main provider of my family, the pressure of rising cost of living, having to make difficult decisions between heating and eating.

 

My Situation is compounded by being recently having had two cancer referrals concerning hysteroscopy and biopsy to eliminate and/or diagnose my cancer situation. This is coupled with the diminished mental wellbeing caused by early onset of menopause.

 

Although these are being dealt with by consultations with my health care professionals, I am finding everyday decision making difficult and confusing, which has never been like me under normal circumstances, though I understand fully, my current situation is no excuse for such actions and I truly and wholeheartedly apologise.

 

My family is reliant on me for bills, food and household support. : Therefore, if this matter were to escalate further into court, it would compromise my employment which requires a high level of integrity. A conviction for a criminal offence is likely to affect my future with my career. This will be devastating to my family and I for the economic, social and emotional reasons stated.

 

I have never had any kind of trouble with the law before and I will ensure that this will not happen ever again in the future. To ensure this, I have bought a monthly travel-card which I will be using for all my travel to ensure that I do not slip off the rails again. I have learnt my lesson and so I vow that I will not do this ever again. The fear, shock and the reality of the consequences will deter me from such actions.

 

Whilst my words above to do not act as an excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions, I hope it is possible to understand how a criminal prosecution would be detrimental to my family and myself. I offer to make immediate payment of all unpaid fares plus any admin costs that my actions have caused and beg you to consider an out of court settlement.

 

 Ultimately, I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry and regretful I am for what I have done and I would like to assure the TFL and the government that I will never do such a thing again. I have learnt from my mistake. Everyone deserve a second chance and I am hoping I will get one to make things right.

 

If any further evidence is required from me to reach my requested outcome please do not hesitate to contact me 

 

Thank you.

 

Kind regards,

 

 

[Tfluser]

Thank you Dx. Will amend the letter as per your recommendation. 
 

I could barely sleep last night fearing the worst. I have been feeling so down and anxious. Don’t know what to do to rectify this situation. 

[dx100uk]

if they were to look at the last say 2 months usage, would they see a clear pattern of daily/weekly use by you?

or does/did your mum also use the card during the time you did too?

 

dx

 

[Tfluser]

Yes, there will be a clear weekly pattern.

 

my mum used it very occasionally in the last 2 months.

 

How far can they go back? or is it the last 2 months?

[honeybee13]

A few years ago there was a BBC documentary on TfL and they said then that their system can check the last two months.

 

HB

[dx100uk]

typically 2-3mts, but once they see a pattern they can of course go back further till it's beginning.

 

theres a couple of older cases here that spanned years and the TIC sheet with the SJP Summons listed them all.

but dont lose hope, as i said earlier there was one of i think +70 uses not so long ago and another that didn't get reported here of over 200 uses, both got OOC's!!  though i will say they were well before TfL's apparent recent changes in who they prosecute.

 

it's v diff to guess at present if you'll succeed in OOC or if it will goto court and if/if not you'll get a criminal record, i'm told things are still a bit 'in flux' at TfL prosecutions.....

[Tfluser]

thank you Dx and honeybee. 

 

After submission of the letter, what should my next steps be. I have read on some of the threads that I will need to send another begging letter in a coupe of weeks time.

 

Please guide me.

[honeybee13]

It's quite possible you'll be writing again once they reply to your initial letter. Other people's threads are the best guide to how it might pan out but persistence and contrition often pay off.

 

HB

[Tfluser]

Thanks, Honeybee.

[Tfluser]

Hi

I should include the medical evidence as well as proof of travel card purchase with my email response, right.?

 

thanks 

[dx100uk]

which is why we say read a good few threads here 1st.....