Legal Definitions - false token

A false token refers to a tangible object or document that is presented as genuine but is actually counterfeit, forged, or fraudulent. Its purpose is to deceive another person into believing it is authentic, thereby inducing them to part with money, property, or services, or to grant access or privileges they would not otherwise provide. It is a material instrument of deception used to perpetrate fraud.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a false token:

• Example 1: A person creates a highly realistic, but fake, parking permit for a restricted university lot. They display this counterfeit permit on their dashboard to avoid paying for parking or receiving a ticket.

  Explanation: The fake parking permit is the false token. It is a physical object presented as legitimate to deceive parking enforcement officials and obtain a service (free parking in a restricted area) by fraudulent means.

• Example 2: An individual attempts to purchase expensive electronics using a credit card that they have physically altered to appear valid, but which is actually expired and canceled.

  Explanation: The altered credit card acts as a false token. It is a physical item presented as a genuine instrument of payment to defraud the merchant into providing goods (the electronics) based on a false representation of financial validity.

• Example 3: A scammer creates a forged letter, complete with official-looking letterhead and signatures, purporting to be from a reputable charity. They then use this letter to solicit donations from unsuspecting individuals, claiming the funds are for a non-existent cause.

  Explanation: The forged letter is the false token. It is a document presented as authentic to deceive people into believing they are donating to a legitimate charity, thereby inducing them to part with their money under false pretenses.