Mail.fraud
A very timely topic!
"Mail fraud" refers to a type of fraud that involves the use of the postal system or other forms of mail to deceive or defraud individuals or businesses. This can include a wide range of schemes, such as:
- Phony investment opportunities: Scammers may send fake investment offers or solicitations to unsuspecting victims, promising high returns or guaranteed profits.
- Lottery and prize scams: Fraudsters may send fake lottery tickets or notifications claiming that the recipient has won a prize, but require payment of a fee to claim the prize.
- Romance scams: Scammers may use fake profiles or emails to build a romantic relationship with someone, eventually asking for money or personal information.
- Phishing scams: Fraudsters may send fake emails or messages claiming to be from a legitimate company, asking for sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers.
- Fake checks or money orders: Scammers may send fake checks or money orders to victims, asking them to deposit the funds and then send a portion of the money back to the scammer.
To protect yourself from mail fraud, be cautious of:
- Unsolicited emails or messages: Be wary of emails or messages from unknown senders, especially those asking for personal or financial information.
- Suspicious checks or money orders: Never deposit a check or money order from an unknown sender, and always verify the authenticity of the payment before sending any money.
- High-pressure sales tactics: Be cautious of sales pitches that use high-pressure tactics or try to create a sense of urgency.
- Poor grammar or spelling: Legitimate companies usually have professional communication, so be suspicious of emails or messages with poor grammar or spelling.
- Unregistered or unlicensed companies: Always research a company's registration and licensing status before doing business with them.
If you suspect you've received a fraudulent email or message, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities.