Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Fraud

2 months ago I answered an email from Global Delivery Co. They needed someone to process payment for their company. Their clients would make deposits into my bank account and then I would withraw the cash (minus 7%) and send it via western union to their company. A week ago $10,000 was placed in my account, I withdrew 93% in cash and sent it via western union to the four people they had asked me to send it to. The other day, they deposited $8044.00 and I did the same thing. I looked at the bank statement the other morning online and the $10,000 was a fraudulant transaction and the bank took that back out of my account. They did put another $8011.00 in my account the other morning and I was to do the same thing, however my account is now is seriously over drawn )17,000.00) and I think I'm in serious trouble. I'm looking for help and guidance. All I wanted was to make a little money to help out with the monthly expeses of our household. I had no idea that this was going to happen. I'm devastated. What do I need to do to rectify this situation? How much trouble am I in? Will I be arrested? I can't afford an attorney and I have no money to pay back the $17,000.00. What do I do? Thank you for your help.


Asked on 1/16/09, 9:57 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Fraud

You haven't broken any laws and you won't be arrested. You are the victim here, not the perpetrator. On the other hand, you are almost certainly not going to get any of your money back and will have to make good on the losses.

You have fallen for a version of the Nigerian check scam. The email you answered was from a scam artist, not a legitimate business. He (or she) is in another country, which might or might not be Nigeria. Finding the culprit will be next to impossible, and even if he/she is found the local government may not prosecute.

Read more
Answered on 1/16/09, 1:00 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Fraud

You "think you are in serious trouble"? Duh. You now owe your bank the money. Try to negotiate something with them.

Paraphrasing another response recently: Are you the last person in the US to hear about the 'Nigerian' mail scam? It is so obviously 'too good to be true', and geared to the 'get rich quick with no effort' mentality, that I really don't understand how anyone could fall for it.

Read more
Answered on 1/16/09, 3:11 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California