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Simple English definitions for legal terms
mail fraud
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A quick definition of mail fraud:
Mail fraud is when someone uses the mail to do something illegal. To be guilty of mail fraud, a person must have planned to trick someone, lied or left out important information, caused someone to lose money or property, and used the mail to do it. This is a type of crime that is often committed by people who work in offices and wear suits, and it is called a white-collar crime.
A more thorough explanation:
Mail fraud is a type of crime where the U.S. Mail is used to commit a criminal act. To be convicted of mail fraud, the following elements must be present:
- The defendant must have been involved in a scheme to defraud.
- The scheme must have included false statements or omissions.
- The scheme must have resulted in a loss of money, property, or honest services.
- The defendant must have used the U.S. Mail to carry out the scheme.
- The defendant must have caused the use of the U.S. Mail.
For example, if someone sends a letter promising a prize if the recipient sends money, but there is no actual prize, that could be considered mail fraud. Another example is if someone sends a letter pretending to be a charity and asking for donations, but the money is not actually going to a charity.
These examples illustrate how mail fraud involves using the U.S. Mail to deceive people and take their money or property. It is a serious crime that can result in fines and imprisonment.
Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. | mail or telephone order rule