Don't Be A Patsy

Craigslist recently announced that it was getting rid of "adult services" from its online advertisements.  This raises an excellent first amendment debate about free speech on the internet.  However, that debate will have to wait for another day on this blog.  Instead, I want to talk about certain dangers that come with Craigslist and similar websites.

Recently, I seem to be representing a lot of people who "thought" they were obtaining a legitimate job through Craigslist.  The job ad probably said something like this:  "Work from home.  Earn great commissions." A few emails later the person learns what the job is.  Packages will be ordered on-line and sent to their address.  The "employer" will send a list of addresses to the "employee" who will then send the packages to the new address.  For this work, they will receive a small commission.  If this is your job description, I advise you to stop and think for a second, is this something people really get paid to do?  Why are they having packages shipped to my address?  Why am I shipping the packages to other addresses?  Why can't the "employer" just do it himself.

Another common one seen on Craigslist, and especially on foreign language sites like rusrek.com, involves getting paid to simply open up a bank account and take out money.  You are told to keep some portion of the money and send the rest to some other address.   Again, before you get involved in such "employment," consider whether this passes the smell test.  Why exactly can't the person take out the money himself?  What is wrong with the bank account?  Can someone really get paid just for opening up a bank account?

In either situation, a person should realize that they are being used as a patsy.  A reasonable person would look at both situations and assume that there is something illegal going on.  Most likely, we are dealing with identity theft (NY PL 190.80) or some type of money laundering (PL 470.15).  While the "employee" may plead ignorance of the larger scheme, that ignorance may not be believable to a grand jury, and even if the "employee" is not charged with the larger crime, they are often charged with Grand Larceny (PL 155.30); Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (PL 165.45); Scheme to Defraud (PL 190.65); and maybe even conspiracy (PL 105.05).

I understand that the economy is tough.  Sometimes it is easier to just put your head in the sand, ignore reality, and make your $100.  Instead, think to yourself, will it be worth it.  Is the $100 bucks really worth getting involved in an identity theft ring or enterprise corruption case.  It is kind of like that drunk driving commercial we see every day in New York these days.  If you do it, you are going to get caught.

Getting a job in this economy is tough, and Craigslist provides a terrific service.  I am sure that the vast majority of the job advertisements are perfectly legitimate.  But even if you are pressed for cash, search smartly.  Don't let someone else use you as a patsy.  Chances are they are sitting in a comfortable room somewhere overseas, anonymous and untouched by law enforcement.  Meanwhile, you will spend some nice time in Central Booking and be appearing in court once every month.