Scamming Online Predators

[Dogsandcats123]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

So, I'm 16 and a lot of creepy old men have been asking me to send them nudes (they know I'm 16). I've told them I will if I receive $100. Once I receive the $100 I block them. I receive the money through paypal and the paypal isn't connected to my bank account...Is this illegal?

[budwad]

Yes, it's illegal. You are selling child pornography except that you don't send the photo. There are many crimes being committed by this action.

I suggest you stop if you are actually doing this. PayPal knows who you are if you have gotten payments through them either by transfer or by check.

[free9man]

Yes, it's illegal. It's unlikely any of them are going to report you though.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Yes, it's illegal. It's unlikely any of them are going to report you though.

Given the number of sting operations looking for "creepy old men", it's possible that somebody trying to sell child pornography would come to the attention of law enforcement within that context -- or it could be that one of the "creepy old men" is a cop trying to find people who are selling or trading child pornography.

[free9man]

Given the number of sting operations looking for "creepy old men", it's possible that somebody trying to sell child pornography would come to the attention of law enforcement within that context -- or it could be that one of the "creepy old men" is a cop trying to find people who are selling or trading child pornography.

True. But the scammed parties are not going to voluntarily seek out law enforcement regarding this. If they get swept up in a sting and wanna give up OP, that's another matter.

[Dogsandcats123]

However, I don't send nor take the photo, so I don't have any child porn in my possession.

[flyingron]

The basic principle is what your mommy told you a long time ago: Two wrongs don't make a right.

You can't get an exception for your crime in that you are trying to defraud a criminal.

[Taxing Matters]

However, I don't send nor take the photo, so I don't have any child porn in my possession.

At the very least you are committing fraud.