Somebody used my Name and Address on a fine.

fooby1

I wanted to post this in the Citizen's Advice board, but I couldn't find any way to post there so feel free to move it.

Last week, I received a red letter from Northumbria Central Enforcement Unit telling me that I owed £220 that must be paid within two weeks. I rang up to enquire what this was for, and they tell me that I was caught without a ticket on the Newcastle Metro at St James park at 12:30pm. I haven't used the system since I was in college two years ago, so I can only assume that an ex-friend has used my name and address that I haven't lived at for four years (incorrectly spelt as well) to try and get away with not buying a ticket.

They told me to call Newcastle Crown Court and talk to them, but they do not answer their phones. The line has been busy every time I've tried calling for the past week. I even have a whole series of video clips with datestamps that show me driving down the M6 to a farm in Huddersfield to pick up our puppy at the exact time I was apparently dodging the metro system in Newcastle. (youtube.com/watch?v=1IdDdMTOQQI)

Surely this happens all the time, I really don't see why I should be the one giving up my time and stressing out to prove that I'm not guilty, isn't this suppose to be their job? The only other thing I can think of is to actually drive to Newcastle and try and talk to the court directly, which is not only a pain as I live an hour and a half away now, but will cost me upwards of £20 in petrol money.

Can bailiffs actually show up at my house and start taking things away for this, or do we actually live in a civilised world where they can't do anything until they prove that it was actually me that was on the Metro? Because I'm freaking out about what happens if I can't contact them. I can't afford to pay £220, even if I could dispute it and claim it back after.

I guess what I'm asking is am I freaking out over nothing?

National_Debtline

Hi there,


I can understand that this would be a very stressful situation. Obviously, because the contact information given was incorrect you have not received any paperwork so far, and therefore, haven't had a chance to dispute any of this yet. This means that the court will continue to process things as if the liable party is simply not responding.


I would suggest that you write or email the court that issued the fine and make a complaint. Explain that you feel your information was used fraudulently and ask them to put all action on hold. They may need to formally re-open the case and you may need some legal advice about this too. You may also discuss what legal recourse you may have against the person that did this (because really they are at fault, not the court). Have you received a Notice of Enforcement from a bailiff at this stage or is it just notice of the fine?


I should make you aware that Magistrate Court Fine bailiffs can force entry, however, the use of a locksmith in these situations is very rare. What they would actually try and do (if they are instructed) is try and come inside your home through open or unlocked access or by invitation. So I would suggest that you are cautious for now, and keep your home locked and secure and do not let them in. And if you have anything valuable outside your home - like a car - then hide it. Good luck,


Laura
@natdebtline

fooby1

Thanks for the help Laura, I eventually managed to get through and I have to make a statement under oath saying that it wasn't me. Hopefully they can also recover my travel costs.

National_Debtline

fooby1 wrote: »

I wanted to post this in the Citizen's Advice board, but I couldn't find any way to post there so feel free to move it.

Just as an aside fooby, the Citizens Advice board you refer to was mothballed quite a while ago, so while you can still read the archive contents, you can't post new threads as they won't be responded to.


Dennis
@natdebtline

weebit

Do they have photographic evidence? If they do, you may recognise the person who gave your details if you suspect it was a former friend. Ticket inspectors on the London Underground have personal cameras, do you know if the Newcastle Metro does this?

Herbie21

fooby1 wrote: »

Thanks for the help Laura, I eventually managed to get through and I have to make a statement under oath saying that it wasn't me. Hopefully they can also recover my travel costs.

When you contacted the Fines Unit you should have been told by them to contact Newcastle MAGISTRATES court (as apposed to Crown Court) and you should have been told that you need to make a Statutory Declaration.

Have you been given an appointment or attend court?


Bailiff Advice Online

fooby1

Yes Herbie, I have an appointment to make a Statutory Declaration. Do you know if it's over after that and there's nothing more they can do? I don't live close to any court so I don't want to be going more than once.

iolanthe07

fooby1 wrote: »

Yes Herbie, I have an appointment to make a Statutory Declaration. Do you know if it's over after that and there's nothing more they can do? I don't live close to any court so I don't want to be going more than once.

You might be able to make a Statutory Declaration through a local solicitor near you who is a Commissioner for Oaths. It's worth asking as you will be spared travel costs.