a guy i know is cheating on his wife. i told him i knew and that i was going to tell. he is really scared of divorce and he offered me a nice sum of money to not tell. i didnt ask for the money, but i could sure use it. if i accept the money could that be considered blackmail? i dont want to break the law
2007-10-26 15:03:21 · 8 answers · asked by Charles M 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
refuse the money, and then mind your own business.
Technically it is not blackmail, it is Bribery on his part.
2007-10-26 15:09:27 · answer #1 · answered by bgee2001ca 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is your relationship to the guy and his wife? If I found out that my best friend's (or sisters) husband was cheating on her - yeah, I may tell her - it's what best friends or sisters do.
But unless you have a really close relationship with the wife - stay out of it - it's none of your business and is an issue between him and his wife.
There is probably more to the situation than you have told us here.
More importantly, the fact you had to ask the question indicates that you know getting involved - telling the wife or accepting his money is wrong. You just want us to tell you it's OK to make you feel better about doing the wrong thing. Sorry - not going to be able to do that for you.
2007-10-26 15:44:48 · answer #2 · answered by Boots 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blackmail: When you threaten to "expose" someone unless they give you money. This is illegal.
Bribe: Offering someone money if they promise not to "expose" you or if they promise to do or not to do something for you. This is not illegal unless the person being bribed is a government official (police, judge, politician, etc...)
What you need to consider is if you do take the money, the guy could turn around and have you arrested by complaining you blackmailed him - and then you'ld go to jail.
I would also suggest you go get therapy to find out why on earth would you threaten to tell on this guy. If you are an adult - the normal course is to keep your mouth shut or tell her - there is no inbetween or threatening.
2007-10-26 15:47:32 · answer #3 · answered by Dina K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not blackmail or bribery what he is doing is not criminal. what he is doing is wrong and if you felt his wife deserves to know then tell her. if you take the money and do not tell then perhaps you really were intending to blackmail him and that is illegal. did you really intend to tell her or did you just want him to think you were because you knew what he would offer?
forget the money and do what you believe is the right thing.
2007-10-26 15:48:05 · answer #4 · answered by michr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not against the law, I don't think.
I would tell the wife anyway, though. It's wrong to cheat on someone. It doesn't matter if he's scared of divorce. If he doesn't want a divorce, he shouldn't be cheating on his wife. It isn't fair to her.
2007-10-26 15:10:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a domestic dispute. If at all possible, stay FAR away from it! Don't get involved if you can avoid it at all. It may not be considered black mail in your state (if you live in the US) but it's probably illegal to accept money to keep your mouth shut. Stay out of it!
2007-10-26 15:27:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't tell, don't take the money..stay out of it!!!
Domestic disputes are the number one place to get yourself hurt or killed.
Ask yourself If he is willing to pay what else is he willing to do?
2007-10-26 15:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by letfreedomring 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it could, if the only reason you are not telling is because he is paying you.
2007-10-26 15:24:24 · answer #8 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋