Is it equivalent to committing a crime to cheat someone thru net?

Question

2 years ago, when my close friend D, told me she met someone thru the net. I was happy for her, finally she got someone. Since then she use to tell me about her friend A. Thought I have never met him, from what D tells, I could figure out he is a decent man and working for a reputable company in India. A week ago,told me that A have proposed to her and he is planning to come and meet her. I was so happy for her but D seemed worried. When I ask her why, she told me a shocking matter. All these years D never sent her photo, but sent someone else's photo to A. Poor fellow A, he believed and now he is in love with her. D is now in dilemma how to face this. I told D to be honest with A, but she is afraid A will take legal action against her. I think my friend have committed a cybre crime ? What is the best way to get out of this situation now?

Answer 1

I think your friend is ok.
First - In the United States of America lying is not against the law as long as no contract has been agreed to based on that lie. Also, you CAN lie about "immaterial matters" - in other words - things that are really not relevant to the contract. So technically it can't really be fraud - because nothing came of this. Now if she claimed to be HIV negative and wasn't, or something like that, it would be grounds for divorce or possibly a criminal proceeding, a fake picture is not. Not unless she gets married online as well.
Now, if that's not enough reassurance, you can always go to the phone book under lawyers and go to FREE CONSULTATIONS. (However, don't pay them ANYTHING unless A starts some sort of proceedings).
Now, I don't know what the laws are in India - you might try the Indian embassy or the US Department of State IF you plan to ever travel there.
Also, A would need to prove that D not only misled, but most likely A would need to prove that it was DELIBERATE. Now how does he know that her password wasn't stolen? How does he KNOW that maybe a friend contacted A as a gag, and D ran with it because she thought he was cool?
How different were those two pictures anyway? And how long has it been - people do change - look at Anna Nicole Smith! - she went from thin, to fat hog, to thin to dead.

Answer 2

yes Internet fraud is a federal offence. sending a picture that you say is you and is not is just misrepresentation. ask local immigration what to do about unwanted visitor. Terminate relationship. anything based on false information has a faulty foundation. The truth will set you free!

Answer 3

I doubt if he takes legal action, but he will be really p.o'd.He probably will not trust her.He may break up with her, then again he may give her another chance.In the event that he does sue, it is inevitable seeing he will eventually meet her in person.She has to pay the piper and it isnt going to be fun.I hope she learns her lesson and doesnt repeat the error again.

Answer 4

no it is not a crime.....but she should fess up and send him her real picture and explain things to him before he comes over....it wouldn't be a nice thing to do to continue to deceive him....