How to File a Mail Fraud Complaint

Reusing postage is a form of mail fraud.

Mail fraud is a federal offense. The United States Postal Inspection Service takes precautions to maintain consumer privacy and prevent interception of your mail by third parties. Mail fraud can lead to significant legal and financial setbacks for victims when left unchecked. Common mail scams such as chain letters, lotteries and work-at-home-scams are easy to report to your U.S. mail service. If you suspect mail fraud or are the victim of mail fraud, report it immediately through one of the options provided by United States Postal Inspection Service.

Instructions

1. Visit the United States Postal Inspection Service website. Click "Postage or Other Mail Fraud" under "Consumer Awareness" to open the "File a Complaint" menu.

2. Select "Mail Fraud" from the list of complaints. The link directs you to a form where you can detail your complaint. Your full name, mailing address and email address are required when filling out a complaint.

3. Add the subject of your complaint, such as whether the fraud is related to a charity, higher education or a false bill. You are allowed one fraud category as the subject of your complaint.

4. Type the name of the company or individual you are complaining about. Add the return address in the fields below the company name followed by the details of the complaint. The details of the complaint include important facts such as how much money the company requested from you, how much money you sent and your last date of contact with the company. The initial contact from the company may have come from email, through a magazine ad or by telephone. No matter the method of correspondence, report it in this section of your complaint form.

5. Fill in the "Explain Your Problem" dialogue box with additional information to help the United States Postal Inspection Service further investigate the company. Unfortunately, USPIS cannot mediate disputes, but it can take action against a business or individual for schemes to defraud others.

Tips & Warnings

• USPIS investigations may take time to process. If the matter is urgent, contact a law enforcement agency in your area or the Federal Trade Commission.

References

• USPIS: Mail Fraud Complaint