A NY Auction Fraud Lawyer Explains International Auction Fraud
eBay and other online auction sites have connected people from around the globe. While most transactions are legitimate, there are some circumstances in which sellers from outside of the United States are accused of involvement in international auction fraud. International auction fraud can result in criminal penalties, but the U.S. government may face challenges getting defendants from outside of the country to stand trial.
Bukh Law Firm, PLLC provides representation to defendants worldwide who have been accused of violating U.S. laws prohibiting various types of auction fraud and related offenses. If you are fighting extradition or fighting criminal charges, our NY auction fraud lawyers can provide you with guidance and advice as you try to keep your freedom, stay out of prison, and avoid a criminal record.
What is International Auction Fraud?
International auction fraud can refer to any type of auction scam operated by people from a country outside of the United States. International auction fraud is especially common in eastern European countries. Typically, a scam involves a seller listing in-demand items on popular auction sites. The seller may offer a low price or flexible terms for the purchase transaction in order to convince the buyer to make a purchase of the item.
Because the transaction occurs internationally, the seller usually asks the buyer to make payments via a wire transfer. This may be a bank-to-bank wire transfer or a service like Western Union may be used. Once the buyer has sent the funds for the item, the item is never sent. The buyer usually is unable to get the money back as there is little recourse once funds have been wired.
Penalties for International Auction Fraud
The federal government takes wire fraud extremely seriously, so defendants accused of involvement in international auction fraud may face criminal charges with penalties that seem disproportionate to the actual offense committed.
Wire fraud can result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code Section 1343. If the fraud affects a financial institution, as it often does when a wire transfer occurs under false pretenses, the defendant may face 30 years imprisonment.
Bank fraud laws in the United States, found in 18 U.S. Code Section 1344, are applied broadly to any scam in which a likely outcome of the scheme is to convince a financial institution to part with assets. Since international auction fraud may involve the use of false pretenses to induce the wiring of money from an alleged victim’s bank account, it is possible an individual involved with international auction fraud could end up facing bank fraud charges. This offense, like wire fraud, also carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
A NY Defense Lawyer Can Represent Defendants in International Auction Fraud Cases
To impose penalties for international auction fraud, law enforcement must be able to arrest you and a prosecutor must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you violated the law. If you are outside of the United States, you may be beyond the reach of U.S. authorities. Many people end up being arrested for international auction fraud when they visit the United States on vacation or when they visit another country that cooperates with the U.S. on extraditing people to stand trial.
Bukh Law Firm, PLLC can provide you with legal representation if you are from another country and are fighting charges of international auction fraud. We have extensive experience with defendants from other countries who are forced to navigate the U.S. criminal justice system and we will work hard to help you avoid conviction or reduce penalties. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
