Online Retail Fraud in Illinois

My boyfriend is in the habit of purchasing items from online clothing vendors. Occasionally, he will email the company claiming that they sent him the wrong items in error and return to them some merchandise that was received in a previous order, claiming that it was sent by mistake and demanding a refund. He has been successful in this on a few attempts and has begun to do it more often recently, sometimes receiving refunds of $500 or more. I am worried that he may get caught, since these companies surely have records of his previous orders. Is it illegal for him to attempt this, even if he is caught before any actual money is refunded? If so, what are the possible legal consequences that he would face? How easy would it be for authorities to build a case? Please advise…

Of course it is illegal.

When you commit crimes, you run the risk that you will be prosecuted.

Find a new BF this one is likely to be in jail soon

So, assuming he gets caught, what are the consequences he could face? Is probation a possibility or is this automatic jail time? How would he know if something like this is being investigated?

I don't know how much he has stolen. I don't know if he would end up facing state charges or federal charges, or what those charges might be. I don't know his criminal history. So all I can say is that if he continues to commit criminal acts, neither of you should be surprised if he ends up spending time in jail.

Here's the thing about the police - they don't tell you that they are investigating you for criminal acts if you call them up and ask. If they wish to let you know, they tell you on their own schedule, usually by seeking to question you about your criminal activities, around the time they're ready to wrap up the investigation and forward it to a prosecutor.

He has no criminal record. I don't know the amount but I think its somewhere around $500-$600. Does that help?

Quote:

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sometimes receiving refunds of $500 or more

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this suggest a much higher dollar value. However even $500.00 alone qulaifies as a felony. Notice the $500.00 figure is plural

I guess I'm proposing a hypothetical situation then-- say he attempts to get a refund for $500-$600 in the manner stated above and is only caught in this one instance. What are the potential consequences and does it make a difference if the fraud is caught without any actual refund taking place? Would an investigation include previous, unrelated refund transactions as well (legal or illegal)?

There are a variety of charges that "could" be filed. I am certain with this type of case an investigation will take place at which time the prior theft will likely be discovered.

Again, if he wishes to steal, he risks going to jail.

[QUOTE=panther10758;130847]There are a variety of charges that "could" be filed.QUOTE]

What might these charges include?

You missed the point. We know very little about this! He should consult a criminal defense Attorney

You can find most federal criminal offenses listed here, and Illinois offenses here.

Could this be considered a violation of US Title 18, code 1341?

He can hire a lawyer and ask his lawyer.