Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

fraudulent ads

If I put an ad saying, ''do you like helping starving children? Please send $5 to this addres: xxxxxxx'', could I get arrested for fraud? I never actually said the part about helping kids and sending money were related. I just wanted to know who likes to help starving kids and the $5 is just to help cover the cost of the ad. Please reply as soon as possible it is very important.


Asked on 8/26/02, 3:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Shaw Law Offices of Robert F. Shaw, Jr.

Re: fraudulent ads

Thanks for your inquiry. In all honesty, your question portrays tortured reasoning. You can focus on your "intention" and hope your assertions don't fall on deaf ears, but with an ad like the one you have described, the question is whether anyone will believe you. What is highly relevant is what the ad communicated, and that is likely the primary basis upon which a judgment, if there is one, will be made concerning whether you intended to deceive.

NOTE: Please understand that the information provided in this reply is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It also may not be complete. Before you make any decision that might possibly have legal implications, you should consult with our office, or another qualified professional, in a manner that provides for thorough communication so that thorough legal advice can be provided in a manner that relates to your specific circumstances. Thank you. Law Offices of Robert F. Shaw, Jr. 336 Bon Air Center. No. 407, Greenbrae, CA 94904. (415) 209-6332. http://www.QualityLegalCounsel.com

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Answered on 8/26/02, 5:21 pm


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