It would solve the problem by having a photo on the oyster card but they both had their card in identical holders. That's where the mistake was made. He picked hers up instead of his own without checking.

Thanks for your advice. This is what my son is planning to do anyway. He did explain to the inspector that he had picked up the wrong card as he didn't even know himself until IT was scanned. Hopefully someone at TFL will understand this was not intentional and a one off mistake and just accept a penalty fine. He is worrying himself sick over this as he does not want a criminal record for such a silly error.

He will register his card online tonight and has changed the wallet that its in so that will help them in the future to identify their own oysters.He still has his own oyster (his girlfriend had his on that day while he had hers) Hers was confiscated and not returned as it ran out 2 days after it was taken anyway as she turned 18.I dont understand why they would ask for a paper ticket for his oyster but not a pay as you go oyster...I thought they were all pay as you go. I know mine is!

Hi again Honeybee13, He received a letter yesterday just asking for travel tickets for his oyster which you dont get anyway! The letter does not state anything about a fine or prosecution but He was given a case ref today but the telephone number that we have both been trying to call just goes straight to voicemail. The person he spoke with today said that it is going to prosecution! He is willing to pay a fine or penalty whatever but he cant get through to anyone. He is really worried and so am I! He cant call anymore today as he is working. I am working too but on reception so its a lot easier for me to contact them. Any advice would be much appreciated, Hes not usually a fare evader. It was a genuine mistake. It was a student 16+ Zip oyster but they both have the same wallets from IKEA so you can see the error in picking the wrong ones up.

Thank you HB. Im new to this site so had no idea where to put it

My 19 year old son and his girlfriend accidently picked up eachothers oyster cards the other morning. My son was checked by the bus inspector on his way to work and was shocked that he actually had his girlfriends discounted college oyster instead of his own. The bus inspector obviously confiscated the oyster, took his and his girlfriends name and address and issued him with a one day travel card so he could still get to work and back. My sons girlfriend got in touch with TFL to explain the situation again and that it was a genuine mistake on their parts as they have the same wallet with their oysters in yesterday my son received a letter in the post asking for proof of his travel (His oyster card number) but if he has a pay as you go, this wouldnt count! He has a pay as you go oyster and has never registered it online so this will be of no use and to be honest, I dont see the relevance! He was up all night worrying that he will be prosecuted through a silly mistake and has tried to call TFL on countless occasions today during his breaks and lunchtime but to no avail as there is no answer from ....... He did speak to someone on a different number but they said his case number is not down for a penalty fine just a prosecution! He works in banking and is extremely worried that he will end up with a criminal record and ruin his future. He did email the investigator/prosecutor yesterday explaining the mistake and that he is more than willing to pay a penalty fine but has heard nothing back as of yet. Can anyone offer any advice please?