Image of attorneys and staff at Brunvand Wise, P.A.

The Strong Defense
You Deserve

Text Us Now

What should you know about mail fraud?

On Behalf of | Jul 29, 2022 | White Collar Crimes

Mail fraud is a form of fraudulent activity that can come with heavy repercussions. It can potentially ruin someone’s career, finances, or even their entire life.

Though some people may engage in it without understanding this, it is important to know the penalties tied to this federal crime.

Why is it a felony?

The U.S. Department of Justice discusses mail fraud. This act involves attempting to part someone from their money, assets, or right to honest service through means that enlist the use of the mail system.

A classic example involves fraudulent postcards soliciting someone to send money to a charity that does not exist. However, mail fraud may get carried out through the use of anything sent via the postal system, i.e. boxes, packages, envelopes, padded envelopes and more.

The reason mail fraud gets classified as a felony is due to the use of the United States Postal Service’s outlets and personnel. This is a government entity, which automatically raises the fraud charge to a felony status.

Potential penalties

As a felony, mail fraud comes with some serious penalties. Someone convicted could face up to 20 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines. If the target of a fraud scheme was an institution such as a bank, then a person could face up to $1 million in fines and up to 30 years in prison.

Naturally, such high fines and long jail sentences can heavily impact a person’s life and finances, even altering their future in big ways. This is why it is so important to treat such charges seriously from the start.

Archives

FindLaw Network