Rhode Island § 11-18-21 - Fraud and False Dealing

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-18-21 — Fraud and False Dealing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11-18-21. Fraud and False Dealing

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-18-21

§ 11-18-21. Cheating of coin-operated devices.

Whoever: (1) operates or causes to be operated, or attempts to operate or to cause to be operated, any automatic vending machine, slot machine, turnstile, meter, register, coin-box telephone, or other receptacle designed to receive lawful coin of the United States in connection with the sale, use, or enjoyment of property, transportation, or other service, by means of a slug or any false, counterfeited, mutilated, or sweated coin or by any means, method, trick, or device whatsoever not lawfully authorized by the owner, lessee, or licensee of the machine, turnstile, meter, register, coin-box telephone, or receptacle; or (2) takes, obtains, or receives from or in connection with any automatic vending machine, slot machine, turnstile, meter, register, coin-box telephone, or other receptacle designed to receive lawful coins of the United States in connection with the sale, use, or enjoyment of property or service, any goods, wares, merchandise, transportation, gas, electric current, article of value, or the use or enjoyment of any transportation or any telephone or telegraph facilities or service, or of any musical instrument, phonograph, or other property, without depositing in and surrendering to the machine, turnstile, coin-box telephone, or other receptacle lawful coin to the amount required by the owner, lessee, or licensee of the machine, turnstile, coin-box telephone, or receptacle, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100), or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or both.

History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 397, § 76; P.L. 1932, ch. 1891, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 608, § 84; G.L. 1956, § 11-18-21.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-18-21

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-18-21 cover?

Section 11-18-21 ("Fraud and False Dealing") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 11-18-21?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-18-21" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 11-18-21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.