How to Report Telemarketing or Mail Fraud

Mail and telemarketing fraud are often linked. The U.S. postal inspectors examine crimes that use the U.S. mail to enable a scheme, even if the fraud began over the telephone. Telemarketing fraud refers to any ploy in which the callers use the telephone to communicate with prospective victims, persuading them to send money. Both mail and telemarketing fraud can result in legal or supervisory action.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Prevent Mail and Telemarketing Fraud

1. Get on the "National Do Not Call Registry" list to stop getting most telemarketing calls. Visit the Web site to enter your phone number (see Resources below) or call the hotline at [phone].

2. Download the Consumer Fraud by Phone or Mail brochure at the United States Postal Service Web site (see Resources below). This will guide you through the types of fraud and how to protect yourself.

Report Telemarketing or Mail Fraud

1. Report mail fraud to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Fill out a mail fraud complaint form online (see Resources below).

2. Include your basic contact information and the subject of your complaint. Several fields with subheads will be visible to offer you guidance through your topic selection, such as Employment (work-at-home) or False Bill (subscription) scams.

3. Save all documentation of the mail or telemarketing fraud, such as copies of letters, names and phone numbers and time of calls.

4. File a telemarketing fraud report with the government at the "National Do Not Call Registry" Web site. You will have to be on the Do Not Call Registry for 31 days to do this.

5. Enter the date of the call and what number the offender called from. This is not required but helpful to make your report. Keep clicking the "Continue" button to enter additional information.

6. Submit your claim and await a response.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get a call requesting a charitable donation, ask for the information in writing before doing anything. Telemarketers will try and obtain your personal information in the name of bogus charities.

• Chain letters that promise "get rich quick" offers and requests for money are considered gambling and mail fraud governed by a Postal Lottery Statute.

• If you want to report an urgent case of mail fraud, contact either your local police department or the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service typically gathers research to prove routine activity of a scheme.