Fraud is a crime where someone attempts to deceive another person or organization for money or goods. Two common types of fraud are wire fraud and mail fraud. Though both involve lies and trickery, they are different in how the crime is carried out.
What is wire fraud?
Wire fraud happens when someone uses electronic methods like phone calls, emails, or the internet to trick others into giving them money or property. This could include scams over the phone or online. If a person uses any form of electronic communication to commit fraud, it can be charged as wire fraud. The law requires proof that the person planned to deceive others for financial gain through these methods.
What is mail fraud?
Mail fraud involves using the mail system to commit fraud. This could include sending fake letters, checks, or documents to trick someone. If someone uses the U.S. Postal Service or another mail carrier to send misleading or false items to harm another person financially, this can lead to mail fraud charges. Like wire fraud, mail fraud also requires proof of the intent to deceive and steal.
Key differences in prosecution and penalties
The main difference between these two crimes is how the fraud is carried out. Wire fraud uses electronic communication like phones or the internet, while mail fraud uses the postal service. Because wire fraud often involves larger-scale operations and can spread quickly, it may result in more severe penalties. Wire fraud cases are usually taken more seriously, and people convicted of wire fraud can face longer prison sentences. Mail fraud, though still a serious crime, may carry slightly less severe penalties.
Both wire fraud and mail fraud are serious crimes. Understanding the differences between the two can help when dealing with fraud-related legal issues.
