Police in South Jersey recently uncovered a $40,000 fraud scheme involving someone impersonating the FBI, due in large part to a phone call from a resident who believed she was the target of fraud. Brij Shukla, a 28-year-old from Cherry Hill, was apprehended in connection to the crime after police say he acted as a "courier" in the scam. Investigators revealed that the scheme began with a fraudulent call, during which the suspect claimed the victim owed the government $40,000. The caller directed the victim to withdraw this amount, stating a courier would come to their home to collect it.

Recognizing something was amiss, the victim contacted law enforcement. Acting quickly, police intercepted Shukla on his way to allegedly retrieve the money, leading to his arrest. He has since been charged with third-degree attempted theft by deception and will appear in Burlington County Court.

While from outward appearances, the above example might seem to be an "open-and-shut" case, many underlying circumstances in cases like these can result in unfair accusations and charges--which is why everyone charged with a crime deserves an experienced defense attorney in their corner. If you've been arrested in New Jersey and are facing criminal charges, the Lento Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team is here to help. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.

The Power and Consequences of Civilian Tips

This case highlights the critical role civilian tips play in police investigations within New Jersey. Many crimes, particularly those involving scams or suspicious behavior, come to light only after a concerned resident speaks up. These reports often serve as the foundation for investigations, leading law enforcement down paths they might not have otherwise discovered. The swift response in this case showcases how effective cooperation between the public and the police can be in preventing financial losses and apprehending suspects.

However, this reliance on tips also introduces challenges. While some tips, like the one in this case, are prompted by suspicious activity directly affecting the tipster, others might stem from assumptions or misunderstandings. Actions perceived as unusual or questionable by one person without any context could be reported wrongly and trigger investigations or even arrests of innocent individuals. Misinterpreted tips can result in unfair charges and long legal battles.

How the Lento Law Firm Helps New Jersey Defendants

Being accused of a crime, whether due to a valid tip or a misunderstanding, can be a confusing and stressful experience. With charges like theft by deception carrying serious consequences, having skilled legal representation can make all the difference in protecting your rights. At the Lento Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team has a long track record of success helping New Jersey defendants fight against unfair charges and achieve favorable outcomes. We understand the complexities and nuances of criminal cases and are committed to getting you the best possible result, whether it's getting unfair charges reduced or dismissed, fighting in court for your acquittal, negotiating plea agreements, or, in some cases, even helping you qualify for diversionary programs that could result in a clean criminal record. To schedule your consultation, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.