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.

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.

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

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.

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. 1st TfL Letter.pdf