What to do if I was caught up in a scam?
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What to do if I was caught up in a scam?
I fell prey to an on-line travelers check scam where I was assigned to do a survey on customer service at check cashing stores. I was sent travelers checks and then told to cash and western union the money back. I did that twice and kept my pay that I was told to deduct. At the third location the check was marked as counterfeit. The clerk who did it told me that I had to pay all of it back or else he would call the police. I gave him what I had left but he kept my iIDand said that he was calling anyway. Now I have no ID and I’m afraid of the cops coming after me if I report it.
Asked on May 12, 2011 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.S., Member, Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You need to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Illegal check cashing is a type of larceny, and it is possible that you will be investigated and/or arrested. If the police contact you, it is likely that you will do or say something to incriminate yourself to make matters worse. Therefore, if you are contacted prior to obtaining an attorney, you need to say: i didnt do anything wrong, and I'd be happy to cooperate with your investigation, but not without an attorney present. Once you have consulted with an attorney, if you were truly an innocent party he/she may be able to negotiate with the police so that you are not arrested/prosecuted in return for your cooperation against the individuals at the center of the scam. Good luck.
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