I am a medical student and also doing research within the university on mitochondrial ageing. I also have a small lab in the basement of my house. Sometimes I get samples of chemicals and tubes, etc. because I tell them that I am medical student but when they ask me for the address of the university I always give them my home address and so the chemicals arrive at my house (samples are of course small quantities.) The question is would this be considered fraud? could I possibly get into some kind of trouble? Of course I do not make any illegal drugs or explosives, merely doing scientific work at home, sometimes.
2007-08-01 08:36:35 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It might be considered fraud if you are attempting to change their behavior -- in other words, if you knew that they would not ship to your home (given the above facts) and thus lie about the university address to get them to ship -- that is fraud.
Fraud is a material misrepresentation of fact, in an attempt to get someone to do something they would not otherwise do if they knew the truth.
You might be subject to both civil and/or criminal penalties, depending on the laws in your state. You might also be subject to federal criminal penalties, because the mail is involved.
You should consult a local attorney licensed in your area.
2007-08-01 08:42:05 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you're engaging on some high-risk behavior.
If one of those samples happens to be on a watch list because it has other uses (explosives, poisons, drugs, etc) then you may discover that you have to adhere to the same standards a bona fide facility must, in terms of accounting and storage. How sure are you that you know ALL of the applications for every substance you acquire? Would you bet ten years of your life on that?
If you are using your home address, TELL the vendors it is your home address, and if that raises a red flag and they won't send it, there's a reason. Better to be in the dark about the reason than to have it explained by someone with a badge and a search warrant and a dozen people to toss your whole place.
2007-08-01 15:43:36 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fraud has a very specific meaning under the law. The big one is that fraud requires an intent to deceive.
2007-08-01 17:11:53 · answer #3 · answered by Bill G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋