Fraudsters con ‘millions’ out of train delay compo
HI-TeCH swindlers are using train delay-tracking websites to help them defraud millions from rail compensation schemes.
In the latest scam, crooks submit thousands of claims for journeys they never took – at your expense.
Rail fraud expert Mike Keeber said: “Repayments for delays cost the railways in excess of £150million a year. It is estimated that at least £16million are fraudulent claims.
“This has to be recouped from rising ticket prices.” The scam’s scale emerged after we told how fake tickets cost the industry £200million a year.
We found legitimate sites tracking delays. Users can find journeys refundable under Delay Repay. Yet any ticket valid on the service can be submitted, even if you got another train. Some season ticket holders seek as many qualifying trips as possible on their route.
Last year two passengers were convicted of scamming £6,000 from Southern. Fraudsters face up to five years’ jail.