Data security of debit and credit card details
Request ID: FOI-1625-1920
Date published: 16 September 2019
You asked
Information on what systems and controls TFL has on REVENUE INSPECTORS operating on London overground and underground who request that passengers show them their debit and credit cards. I.e. made to touch their cards on the handheld machines operated by the inspectors (RSO). For example that none is taking card details for criminal purposes.
Also, how many investigations and reports to police have been made by TFL about such inspectors or the inspection regime.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1625-1920
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 1st September 2019 asking for information about revenue inspection on London Underground and Overground services.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Information on what systems and controls TFL has on REVENUE INSPECTORS operating on London overground and underground who request that passengers show them their debit and credit cards. I.e. made to touch their cards on the handheld machines operated by the inspectors (RSO). For example that none is taking card details for criminal purposes.
Also, how many investigations and reports to police have been made by TFL about such inspectors or the inspection regime.”
The Revenue Inspection Device (RID) used by Revenue Inspectors does not record bank card details – it only records an inspection tap reference ID. The data is encrypted and given a RID reference number once it is tapped upon the reader, and the Revenue Inspector does not see or have any other access to any payment card data. The information recorded on the device would never be sufficient to enable a charge to be made to a customer’s account. To our knowledge there have not been any cases where a Revenue Inspector has been reported to the police or any other law enforcement agencies for misuse of bank card data.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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