Incorrect Penalty notice - Advice needed

[Tiuriwiththewhiteshield]

Hi,
Today we received a penalty for dodging a train fare in my dd’s name.
The letter says she was caught without a ticket on the 27th November and a penalty was sent out. As we hadn’t responded to the first letter , they have now send out a 2nd letter.

-My dd (16) was not on a train that day
-She has a picture (selfie) at home 5 mins after they claim they issued her with the fine
-We never received any letter about this.

So apparently we could only appeal against this fine within 21 days of the first letter ( which we never received)

We tried to speak to someone, but they only have expensive telephone numbers on their website, and online forms to complete (responds within 4 weeks)

We have reported it through the Fraud service with the police.

I suspect another girl has given my daughters name when she got caught as there’s a group of girls who have been nasty to my dd last year.

Can anyone advise on how to proceed? I’m worried that if we don’t pay, this will get out of hand and hundreds of ££ will get added with every reminder.

But it was 100% not my daughter so surely I can’t be expected to pay just because another girl has given a false name?

any help much appreciated!

You need to call the train company and explain the situation. Gather any proof you have that your daughter wasn't on the train (receipts, etc) and get a clear recent picture of her. They should be able to reference this against the inspector's body worn camera which will show that the ticket was issued to a different person.

Slightly different circumstances but I received a penalty notice with my address in it (with the correct post code ) but with an unknown name. Apparently the person had not paid for a ticket the previous week on the Manchester metro and gave these details when apprehended.
I had just come back from a long trip abroad so could prove it wasnt me so rang the number on the letter. I explained that it wasnt me and not known to me and the Man on the other end said that was fine and not think any more about it as it often happens .
I was amazed that t was so simple and no further questions were asked and I never heard any more about it.

This and the time and date stamp of her at home. Helpful if someone else can also verify the issue too. They are normally resolved quickly.

Thanks for your replies . The problem is that we never received the first penalty notice and apparently you need to appeal within 21 days of receiving that letter.

I’ll try to contact West Midlands Rail Customer Services and take it from there

You could also see if the rail ombudsman can assist. https://www.railombudsman.org/en

There is always

https://www.railforums.co.uk/forums/disputes-prosecutions.152/

If they dont respond to what you have said

Or - it’s a scam. Be careful.