Mail fraud is a federal crime and is committed when the United States Mail, the United States Postal Service, or a private or commercial interstate carrier is used to commit a fraud. 18 U.S. C. §1341. Mail fraud has two elements: (1) the defendant devised or intended to devise a scheme to defraud, or to perform fraudulent acts; and (2) the defendant used the mail for the purpose of executing, or attempting to execute the scheme or fraudulent acts.

It is not necessary that the mail be an essential part of the fraudulent scheme. For example, a person who makes a fraudulent application for admission to a college or university and mails the application may be charged with mail fraud.

Mail fraud is a felony offense with potential punishments of decades-long prison sentences, financial penalties, restitution obligations, and probation terms.

In the state of Maine, as in all states across the U.S., mail fraud is governed by federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 1341. This statute makes it a crime to use the mail system, including the United States Postal Service or any private or commercial interstate carrier, to carry out a fraudulent scheme. The law requires two elements to be established for a conviction: (1) the existence of a scheme to defraud or the intention to perform fraudulent acts, and (2) the use of the mail to execute or attempt to execute this scheme. Importantly, the use of the mail does not need to be a central component of the fraud; it is sufficient if it is used at any point in furtherance of the fraudulent activity. Penalties for mail fraud are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, orders for restitution to victims, and probation. Despite the federal nature of the crime, Maine residents charged with mail fraud will typically be prosecuted in the federal courts that have jurisdiction over Maine.