My uncle got paid in prank money, what can we do about it?
My uncle did some landscape work for a man. When my uncle finished, the man paid him with a prank $20. It says "not legal tender" but it look real. The man had my uncle sign a receipt but my uncle can't read english very well, and on the receipt is written that he agreed to do the job unrecompensed (I think it it means without compensation). So what can my uncle do now?
Answers:
Unfortunately, IF (and that's a giant if) your uncle has any type of claim it would be a civil claim, not criminal. The previous person was incorrect in stating it was "theft by deception". The legal definition of Theft By Deception is:
"2C:20-4. Theft by deception.
A person is guilty of theft if he purposely obtains property of another by deception. A person deceives if he purposely:
a. Creates or reinforces a false impression, including false impressions as to law, value, intention or other state of mind, and including, but not limited to, a false impression that the person is soliciting or collecting funds for a charitable purpose; but deception as to a person's intention to perform a promise shall not be inferred from the fact alone that he did not subsequently perform the promise;
b. Prevents another from acquiring information which would affect his judgment of a transaction; or
c. Fails to correct a false impression which the deceiver previously created or reinforced, or which the deceiver knows to be influencing another to whom he stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship.
The term "deceive" does not, however, include falsity as to matters having no pecuniary significance, or puffing or exaggeration by statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.
Amended 2003, c.43"
So that only applies to theft of property. The a-hole who conned your uncle didn't steal property from him. If anything, he stole a service but your uncle would need to file a claim in small claims court. If your uncle accepted a prank bill, and it was clearly marked as such (i.e. "not legal tender") AND he signed a contract or receipt stating he did the work for no compensation, then to be honest he hasn't a case at all.
Any signed document is legal and binding, even the stories you hear of agreements signed on napkins in restaurants, etc.
Let's just hope your uncle learns a valuable lesson.
He got pwned. Sorry nothing really you can do...except burn the guys house down.
that... is... sad... I should smack that guy for picking on someone who is bad at english.
Your uncle should have an interpreter with him before signing things or making agreements. Then your uncle needs to learn to speak the language.
that s really messed up. i really wish i knew what u could do for your uncle. just keep in my mind "Revenge Is Sweet"!
You can tell the guy you will go to the police and show him the money...No matter what he had your uncle sign.Using counterfeit money is a big crime federal offense and the guy would be better off giving him the $20...
Call the police, the cops may go scare the guy into giving him the $20.00
The legal term is "Theft by deception". In addition to owning your uncle $20, the man could face CRIMINAL charges. Take the 'phony money' to the police and file a complaint.
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