General knowledge
Is It Considered “Fraud” if You Take an Event Planning Job and Fail to Pay?
May
In today’s world, with the rise of freelance work and event planning, the event planning industry has become a widespread service sector, including organizing weddings, product launches, and seminars. However, when the job is taken and payment is withheld, it becomes a major headache for the creditor and service provider. Some may think it’s just a “civil case,” where suing won’t result in payment, but in reality, if the intent to withhold payment is clear, it could potentially be classified as “fraud.”
Is It Illegal to Accept an Event Planning Job and Not Pay?
In cases where the client hires an event planner to perform tasks as agreed, and the event planner completes the work as per the contract, but the client refuses to pay or keeps postponing the payment without a valid reason, the question arises: Can this be considered “fraud”?
The answer is “It could be.” If it can be proven that the client had the intention to deceive from the beginning, such as:
- Hiring with no intention of paying.
- Using false documents.
- The contract contains suspicious terms.
- When asked for payment, the client avoids contact or disappears entirely.
In cases like this, a fraud charge can be filed, which is different from situations where the client intended to pay but encountered financial issues, in which case it would be considered a “contract debt” or “civil case.”
What Are the Penalties for Fraud?
If a person is found guilty of fraud under Section 341 of the Criminal Code, they may face imprisonment for up to 3 years, a fine not exceeding 60,000 Baht, or both imprisonment and a fine.
If the fraud involves impersonating another person or using forged documents, the penalties are more severe under Section 342, with imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht.
Therefore, filing a fraud charge serves as a “legal pressure tool” to make the debtor feel the serious legal consequences, which differs from civil cases that tend to take longer and do not carry initial imprisonment penalties.
How to Know if You Are a Creditor?
Many people wonder how they can know if they are a “creditor” with the right to file a lawsuit. The answer lies in the following evidence:
- Written Contract or Agreement
If there are documents showing the intention to hire the services, such as quotes, contracts, or even chat messages, these can be used as evidence. - Evidence of Work Done
This includes photos taken on-site, expense reports, receipts issued, or confirmation from relevant staff members. - Written Demands
Emails, chat messages, or demand letters help demonstrate that you have made a request but the debtor has ignored it.
If you have all of the above documents, you can confirm your status as a “creditor” and have the right to file a lawsuit for damages.
What to Do if It’s Not Fraud?
In cases where the debtor does not have clear fraudulent behavior, such as admitting to owing money but requesting to delay the payment or showing financial difficulties, this will be considered a “civil debt.” In such cases, the following steps can be taken:
- Send an Official Demand Letter
- If the Payment is Not Made Within the Set Time, File a Lawsuit in Civil Court
- If You Win the Case but the Debtor Still Doesn’t Pay, File a Request to Enforce the Judgment, such as Seizing Bank Accounts or Property
However, civil litigation can take time and incur costs. Therefore, consulting with a legal advisor is crucial in helping you plan the process correctly.
Consulting with a Legal Advisor for a Better Legal Strategy
In situations like this, having a legal advisor like Wongsakorn Law Office will help you understand the situation and choose the strategy with the highest chance of success. To file a case for “fraud,” careful planning is essential, which includes gathering solid evidence to ensure that the police or prosecutor will accept the case.
If you choose a civil route, it’s crucial to analyze the clarity of the debt, the chances of winning the case, and whether there are any assets that can be seized. Having an expert lawyer evaluate everything from the beginning will help reduce the risks of wasting time and unnecessary expenses.
Why Choose Wongsakorn Law Office?
Wongsakorn Law Office offers comprehensive legal services, specializing in fraud cases, civil lawsuits, and business disputes. We focus on strategic planning before filing a lawsuit, ensuring that clients have viable options and can make well-informed decisions.
Whether you’re an event organizer who has been cheated out of payment or a business owner defrauded through a contract, Wongsakorn Law Office is here to assist you every step of the way. From initial consultation to full litigation, we are ready to help.
Accepting event organizer work and not being paid might not just be a regular business issue; it could also be classified as “fraud,” which carries more severe penalties than regular civil cases. If you find that you’ve been defrauded, don’t let the matter go silent. You should immediately consult a professional legal advisor or lawyer to find the appropriate legal solution and fully claim your rights. Consult with a lawyer now >>Contact Us<<