International Driver’s License Scams Explained By New York Criminal Attorney
When traveling abroad, many people want to be able to drive. Those who hope to be able to use their U.S. license to operate a vehicle in foreign countries can typically do so. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be obtained to translate a U.S. license into 10 different languages so you can show it to foreign officials who can then interpret it. One issue, however, is that there are sometimes fake international driver’s licenses sold. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers not to fall victim to international driver’s license scams, in which fake licenses are provided.
The Federal Trade Commission urges anyone who has purchased a fake international driver’s license to report the scam to the FTC. Federal authorities can and will conduct investigations and may pursue criminal charges against anyone suspected of involvement with an international driver’s license scam. If you are accused of scamming, you could also be charged with a state level offense. The possible penalties could include a lengthy term in prison, and you could be forced to make restitution to those who claim to be victims.
A New York City fraud attorney at Bukh Law Firm, PLLC can help you to fight charges if you are accused of participation in an international driver’s license scam. You could be charged with crimes related to travel fraud, or with federal offenses like mail fraud, wire fraud, or counterfeiting and making fake government documents and records. The penalties for any of these offenses could change your life forever but our legal defense team wants to make sure that does not happen.
What is an International Driver’s License Scam?
An international driver’s license scam simply involves promising a traveler (in the U.S. or abroad) that you can provide an international license even though you do not have the authority to do so. The goal is to obtain money from the person who wants the international license. You can also obtain personal identifying information from a scam victim as part of the international license scam, which could be used to commit identity theft offenses or which could be sold to others who can use the identifying information.
International driver’s license scams can target travelers in many different ways, from posts on classified ads or travel blogs to the creation of glossy online websites or print mailers that look legitimate but that aren’t. Telemarketing could also be used to target travelers who need international licenses and to try to convince them to send money or provide private information. The manner in which contact is made with victims could affect whether you are charged with mail fraud or wire fraud for participation in an international driver’s license scam.
Getting Legal Help from an Experienced NYC Travel Fraud Lawyer
If you are accused of participating in any type of international driver’s license scam, it is imperative that you take the charges seriously and that you respond aggressively to the serious accusations that you are facing. You could be sentenced to federal prison if you are charged with federal offenses, or you could be prosecuted on the state level. You don’t want to end up spending time in jail or facing financial losses so you need to try to explore options for getting charges dismissed or developing a defense strategy to use in trial. An attorney can also advise you on when negotiating a plea may be the best choice and can help you to argue for a favorable plea deal.
Bukh Law Firm, PLLC understands the rules for travel fraud crimes and fights hard to help those who have been accused of wrongdoing. When you want to make sure you have the strongest legal strategy you can to fight charges, give us a call.
