How to File a Police Report Over Mail Fraud
If mail fraud is suspected, whether personal or business-related, file a United States Postal Service (USPS) report and a police report. Mail fraud, by definition, is when criminal acts of obtaining money or valuables through the USPS have occurred. The use of the United States mail for any part of the illegal activity constitutes mail fraud.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Complete U.S. Postal Inspection Service Mail Fraud Report (Form 8165) online (see Resources below) or at a local post office. The form asks for the specifics of the mail fraud complaint, including the company/person involved, complainant's contact information and information on the amount of money involved. Completion of this form does not allow the USPS to resolve your mail issue fraud. It simply initiates the investigation process when there is suspicion of a potential scheme of activity by a company or individual. The U.S. Postal Inspector Service cannot recover financial or material losses due to mail fraud. This is a matter for local authorities.
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Gather all evidence of the mail fraud in preparation for completion of the police report. This includes any documents, such as envelopes received by the alleged perpetrator.
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Make at least two copies of the completed Form 8165. Keep one copy for personal records, and another copy will accompany the police report. Make copies of all evidence to be submitted with the police report, as the originals must be turned over upon submission of the report.
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Complete a police report regarding the mail fraud at a local police station. The process may also consist of a short interview with an officer to explain the fraudulent activity. Be sure to let the officer know if money was intercepted/stolen in the commission of the act. While it is unlikely that the money will be recovered, if there is enough evidence to support the case, the perpetrator will be held accountable for their actions.
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Provide the supporting documentation to the investigating officer, including a copy of the completed Form 8165 submitted to the postal service. The police will investigate the alleged fraud.
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Pick up the final police report after receiving notification that it is complete. The investigating officer will have information on the status of the case. If the alleged perpetrator is convicted, the judicial system will follow through with the proper fines or imprisonment for the offense. Frequently, federal mail fraud statutes are used to pursue separate federal prosecution for crimes that would otherwise be of a state or local jurisdiction.
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Tips & Warnings
Common types of mail fraud to be aware of are get-rich schemes, charity or religious donations, Internet fraud/online auctions, hype of free vacations or unbelievable sweepstakes winnings, promotional checks and non-delivery of mail-order merchandise or misrepresentation.
Be aware of suspicious activities or repetitious envelopes that appear to be from the government. There are many helpful articles available on the U.S. Postal Inspector's official website to protect against con artistry and other fraudulent mail activity.
Commercial interstate carrier laws apply to private as well as commercial carriers. Therefore, even if the act was committed with a private carrier, such as UPS or Federal Express, the crime is still punishable.
References
Resources
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