Caught using a found Oyster card linked to a railcard — tourist visiting London, need advice (England)
Hi everyone,
I’m currently visiting London as a tourist from another country and I found myself in a difficult situation and could really use some advice.
I found an Oyster card on the ground. I didn’t realise at the time that it was registered and linked to someone else’s railcard. Since I needed to get around the city, I topped it up with my own money and used it to travel.
I was then checked by a TfL inspector, and they told me I will be receiving a letter regarding the incident.
I want to be clear that I genuinely topped the card up with my own money — I wasn’t trying to travel for free. I simply didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to use a found card, especially one I had put my own credit on. I’m a tourist and was not familiar with the rules around Oyster cards and railcard discounts.
My questions are:
•How serious is this? Could this lead to a criminal charge or just a fine?
•Should I respond to the letter when it arrives and explain my situation honestly?
•Does the fact that I topped up the card with my own money make any difference legally?
•As a foreign tourist, what are the potential consequences for me?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel terrible about this and it was a genuine mistake.