What should I do if someone charged an item sent to me on a stolen credit card?

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What should I do if someone charged an item sent to me on a stolen credit card?

Someone sold me an electronic item for cheap. I paid in cash and the seller shipped it to me in a few days. Now I got an e-mail from someone saying that the item was charged to their credit card; theyhave told the authorities about me.

Asked on December 29, 2010 under Criminal Law, New York

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

All potential criminal liability should be taken seriously--always. You should consult with a criminal defense attorney. Knowingly or intentially receiving stolen goods is a crime; if the authorities believe you did so, they could try to pursue charges against you. The fact that you paid in cash--very unusual, especially when it's not an "on the spot" transaction (no future shipping)--and that you seemingly knew the item was less expensive than it ought to be ("for cheap") both are facts that could be taken to suggest that you did know the item was stolen. Therefore, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney who can evaluate all the facts in detail and advise you; in the meantime, do not talk to the authorities until you have had a chance to talk to you attorney.


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