Let us suppose you developed an advertising campaign for a healthcare super product. As part of that campaign, you mail postcards describing the benefits of the product along with ordering instructions.
Customers have complained that the product does not work. It has no perceivable value, and they lost their money. This is what sparked a federal investigation into the possibility of mail fraud.
The federal law
“Mail fraud” is the term attached to any scheme to defraud or “deprive another of the intangible right of honest services” by using the U.S. mail to further that scheme. Section 1341 of the U.S. Code speaks of the U.S. postal service specifically and states that a person convicted of mail fraud will face a fine or a prison term of up to 20 years, or both.
The civil law
In addition to facing federal penalties, the False Representation Statute may also affect you because it helps victims of mail fraud who seek redress. All the plaintiff has to do is prove the claims for the super product benefits were false and that the request for payment came through the mail.
What to expect
Many times, mail fraud begins from a post office box or some other fairly anonymous location. Therefore, an investigation can be lengthy. You may have direct involvement in the healthcare super product marketing effort, or you may have partnered with the group running the scheme, not realizing the involvement of illegal activity. If you suspect you have become the target of such an investigation, do not hesitate to explore the legal options available to you. Most fraud matters, including mail fraud, go forward according to Federal Sentencing Guidelines. A conviction can alter your life drastically and put a hold on your career, to say nothing of your freedom. You need an aggressive defense to fight the charges against you and obtain the best outcome possible for your case.
