I’m being given tuition money in cash with the understanding that “I’m giving this to you for tuition, so don’t use it for anything else.” However, I actually attend a public university, and I’ve said I’m a private university student. If I use the resulting difference for things other than tuition, such as beauty treatments or savings, could I be charged with fraud if I’m found out?

I’m Dai, a male member. Rather than worrying about whether it would constitute fraud if she were found out, she should just be honest with the man… If he helped pay for her tuition, she must have received a considerable amount of money. It’s sad that she’s only thinking about protecting herself.

I’m Maezawa from the CEO’s office, and I’ll answer this as well. Since you’re writing here, I assume you go on dates and such with men and receive money in return, right? If your usual allowance is payment in return for meeting them, but the tuition money is supposedly different, then it could potentially be considered fraud. However, in that case, even if you said, “I won’t see you anymore,” it would mean you could still receive the tuition money. In reality, if you’re not going to meet him, he’ll probably think, “Why should I pay her tuition?” So it seems the money may also be payment as part of the relationship. If it is payment in return, then I don’t think using the money for something other than tuition would constitute fraud. That said, fraud is extremely difficult to determine. Even cases that seem similar can or cannot qualify as fraud based on minor differences. So it’s probably best to assume that it’s nearly impossible to judge based only on a rough outline. If you’re worried, you could say something like: “I’ll only have you cover the cost of public school, and I won’t accept anything for the rest. I’ll pay the remainder with a part-time job.” That way, you probably wouldn’t have to struggle with a guilty conscience. It might even improve the man’s opinion of you. > “Let’s assume that’s what she said.” That wording sounds suspicious somehow. Are you presenting it as a hypothetical rather than talking about yourself, in order to test the respondent’s abilities? This isn’t an exam question, so people normally don’t say, “Let’s assume such-and-such.” It’s also possible that the man found out about the woman’s lie and is asking whether it would constitute fraud so he can threaten her. You can’t threaten her if it doesn’t constitute fraud, though（笑） In any case, there seem to be more and more strange questions lately...

I’m Shingo Lee, a column writer. First, to answer the question of whether this constitutes fraud: if you deceive someone and take money from them, it can amount to fraud. The elements of fraud are “causing someone to hand over property through deception.” In other words, the offender engages in deceptive conduct, causes the victim to misunderstand the situation, induces the victim to take an action disposing of their property, and then receives that property. 1. Providing false information 2. Receiving money or other property If both of these occur, there is a possibility that it will be considered fraud. Fraud is also a non-complaint-based offense, meaning it can be established even if the person who handed over the money does not file a complaint. To put it bluntly, if you are arrested and prosecuted for fraud, you could still end up being found guilty once evidence comes to light, no matter how much your papa (a male supporter) tries to protect you. This is just my personal opinion, but I think that continuing to commit fraud without hesitation can make you lose your resistance to profiting through lies. Whether you actually become a criminal is a separate matter, but at the very least, you should recognize that your actions may satisfy the elements of fraud. Stopping would also be better for your mental well-being.

I’m Kazu, a male member. Whether fraud charges apply is for a judge to determine. Instead of asking on a Q&A site, please consult an attorney.

I’m Tetsu, a male member. If it bothers you that much, you simply shouldn’t accept the money. Reading your question, it really just looks like you’re trying to justify your own actions. If you’re that concerned, pay for a lawyer’s advice yourself.

I’m Paper Airplane, a male member. I’m not sure whether you mean an amount roughly within the allowance or something that goes beyond it, but saying, “You can keep this money,” is essentially the same as giving it to her. I take it to mean that she’s free to use it however she likes. Unless she’s using it for something particularly questionable—like spending it on her boyfriend or going to host clubs—I don’t see a problem.