Full question:
I purchased something on eBay for $250. and the person used the us postal service to facilitate the transaction that was theft by deception and did not receive anything. What type of penalty will this person get?
- Category: Criminal
- Date:
- State: New York
Answer:
Theft of mail handled by the U.S. Postal Service is a federal crime. Under the law, anyone who steals or fraudulently obtains mail can face serious penalties. Specifically, the relevant statute (Sec. 1708) states that a person convicted of such theft can be fined or imprisoned for up to five years.
If you suspect theft, you might want to ask the eBay seller if they purchased insurance for the package. Reputable sellers often send items with delivery confirmation to ensure buyers receive their purchases.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.