Legal Definitions - mail fraud

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:

1. The defendant must have been involved in a scheme to defraud.
2. The scheme must have included false statements or omissions.
3. The scheme must have resulted in a loss of money, property, or honest services.
4. The defendant must have used the U.S. Mail to carry out the scheme.
5. 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.