White collar crimes are serious offenses and are treated as such. Therefore, someone who faces a white collar crime charge should understand what it entails.
Particularly regarding mail fraud charges, people tend not to understand their full reach. There are a few important aspects of mail fraud charges to be aware of.
What it is
In general, fraud occurs when a party implements dishonest practices for personal or financial gain. Among the different ways that parties may do this, is the use of the federal mail system or other postal services. This may include the following:
- Chain letters
- Sweepstake, travel or vacation scams
- Fake bills or rebate fraud
- Fraudulent investment opportunities
- Work-from-home schemes
These are just a few of the many types of activities that fall under the mail fraud umbrella. Though it may be a nonviolent crime, mail fraud is still a federal offense.
Cyber element
As more people around the world use the internet for communication, there has been a rise in fraudulent attacks through the electronic mail system. Therefore, legislators now include certain electronic attacks through email under mail fraud. Many practices are the same, with the use of the electronic medium.
Facts about charges
When defendants face mail fraud charges, there is a chance that they may have to fight additional charges as well. Sometimes the prosecution may try to charge a defendant with a mail fraud charge if they do not have enough evidence to make a greater charge stick. Also, each point of communication through mail serves as a separate count. Therefore, a person who engages in 10 conversations about the same fraudulent scheme, could receive 10 counts of mail fraud. However, along with showing that a party sent the fraudulent mail items, the prosecution must prove that the mailing was deceptive, and the defendant intended to defraud the recipient.
