White-collar criminal activity is an umbrella term. People accused of many different types of financial crimes could face white-collar charges. Fraud offenses are a common type of white-collar offense.
Both state and federal prosecutors can pursue fraud charges against people in a number of different scenarios. People may find the different types of fraud charges a bit confusing. Individuals accused of mail fraud are likely to face charges at the federal level.
They may feel confused about the allegations against them. When can prosecutors accuse an individual of mail fraud?
When a scheme involves the postal service
The term mail fraud is a bit deceptive. People sometimes believe it relates to defrauding the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, mail fraud is actually much broader than people might realize.
Anyone who commits an act of fraud that uses the USPS in any way could face mail fraud charges. Sending letters to people trying to trick them into providing bank account information by posing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could lead to mail fraud charges.
A phishing scheme that convinces people to send a check to complete a transaction could lead to mail fraud charges. The use of the USPS during the commission of a fraud offense can justify federal mail fraud charges. Even if the fraud largely involves electronic communications, the involvement of the USPS could lead to mail fraud charges instead of wire fraud charges.
Understanding the basis for mail fraud charges can help defendants start strategizing for trial. Fighting white-collar criminal charges often requires a careful review of applicable statutes and the state’s evidence.