Heidelberg, MS asked in Criminal Law and Business Law for Texas

Q: I have a direct sales business. I have ordered from a person in past. In july i mentioned i would be needing more soon.

So she made them at that time and billed for them. I have not paid and have not received. Is this fraud

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: No, you are not likely guilty of fraud based on the facts as stated.

This is more of a civil law question than a criminal law question. While there are many nuances to fraud, it usually requires a false representation of material fact which you knew was false or which you made recklessly as a positive assertion and without knowledge of the truth and which you intended the other party to act on and which they relied and acted on in a way that caused them injury. Merely mentioning you would be needing more soon does not satisfy the required elements of fraud.

Now, if you actually ordered merchandise which had to be specially manufactured by the seller, you could be legally liable for the price of such goods even though they have not been delivered.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.