Some people think mail fraud is largely a thing of the past. Indeed, wire fraud, which involves using the internet or other electronic means like email, texts, social media or phone calls, to attempt to defraud people has become increasingly common.
Both wire and mail fraud or serious federal offenses, and people are investigated for and charged with mail fraud every day by federal law enforcement professionals. In fact, mail fraud is still one of the most common federal crimes.
Just what is mail fraud under federal law?
Mail fraud is a “scheme to defraud” others by “mailing of a letter, etc., for the purpose of executing the scheme” using the United States Postal Service (USPS) or any type of courier service. This includes companies like FedEx, UPS and other carriers. It doesn’t matter whether the items are sent across state lines or not.
Mail fraud can include crimes like:
- Credit card fraud
- Identity theft
- Financial fraud, like Ponzi schemes
- Insurance fraud
A person doesn’t actually have to be the one sending documents or items that are part of the scheme to face mail fraud charges. Anyone who’s accused of being part of the “scheme” can be charged.
How serious are the criminal penalties for mail fraud?
A conviction for mail fraud can carry a 20-year prison sentence as well as fines. If the fraud involves a financial institution or an emergency or disaster declared by the president, it can carry a 30-year sentence and fines as high as $1 million. A lot of mail fraud targets seniors and military vets. The intended victims can also be a consideration when penalties are handed down.
If you believe or know that you’re under investigation for mail fraud, it’s crucial to get experienced legal guidance as soon as possible – preferably before you’re charged. This will help you protect your rights and your future.