Mail and Wire Fraud FAQ

September 20, 2020
Andrew Cove

At Cove Law, we have experience representing clients who have been accused of mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing companies. We understand that many people have questions about these crimes, how they are defined, and how they are prosecuted. In today’s blog post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about mail and wire fraud.

What is the difference between mail fraud and wire fraud?

Mail and wire fraud are often grouped together, but there is, in fact, a difference between the two. Mail fraud refers specifically to scams carried out through US mail or a private mail carrier. Wire fraud, on the other hand, involves the use of a phone, fax, email, or other electronic communication platforms.

Who investigates mail fraud and wire fraud?

Mail and wire fraud are typically investigated by federal agencies such as the IRS and the FBI.

How serious is mail and wire fraud? What are the consequences? 

These crimes are taken very seriously! If you are accused and found guilty, you could spend up to twenty or even thirty years in prison. If you defraud a financial institution, you may also face fines of up to $1,000,000.

It’s not like I’m pretending to be a Nigerian prince! How do I know if what I’m doing is considered wire fraud?

Mail and wire fraud can include investment scams, telemarketing fraud, Ponzi schemes, phishing, or spam. If you are engaging in deceptive tactics with the ultimate goal of taking a person’s money, you should stop right away and consider talking to a lawyer about the legality of your activities. 

How can I avoid being a victim of mail or wire fraud?

Don’t give anyone your personal financial information without being absolutely certain that they are who they say they are. Being aware is truly the first step in protecting yourself. Remember that wire fraud is commonly seen in emails from senders pretending to be PayPal or online bank representatives, who will ask for passwords in order to resolve a fabricated security breach. Mail fraud may be seen in the form of donation requests for fake charities, work-at-home schemes, and schemes that charge money for services you can get for free from the government or online.

Who can help me if I’ve been accused of mail or wire fraud?

At Cove Law, we often represent clients who have been accused of white-collar crimes like mail and wire fraud. If you are dealing with this type of matter, we encourage you to contact us today for skilled representation.

Andrew Cove
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