Tampering with mail federal crime
Tampering with mail is a federal crime in the United States, and it is punishable by law. The specific laws and penalties for mail tampering vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but generally, it is considered a serious offense.
The federal law that prohibits mail tampering is 18 U.S.C. § 1702, which states:
"Whoever, with intent to defraud or obstruct the mail, or to deceive any person, or to obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, shall knowingly and wilfully deposit, or cause to be deposited, any matter or thing whatever, to be sent or delivered by the Postal Service, or by any private or commercial carrier, as aforesaid, contrary to the regulations of the Postal Service, or the regulations of any private or commercial carrier, or contrary to the laws of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."
This law makes it a crime to intentionally tamper with mail or to cause someone else to tamper with mail, with the intent to defraud, obstruct, or deceive. The law applies to both physical mail and electronic mail, such as email.
Some examples of mail tampering that could be considered a federal crime include:
- Altering or destroying mail to conceal its contents or to make it appear as though it was sent by someone else
- Opening or reading someone else's mail without their permission
- Falsifying or forging a signature on a piece of mail
- Depositing a piece of mail in a mailbox or sending it through the mail with the intent to deceive or defraud
- Using a fake or stolen identity to send mail or to receive mail
The penalties for mail tampering can be severe, and may include fines and imprisonment. In addition, mail tampering can also have serious consequences for individuals and businesses, including damage to reputation, financial loss, and legal liability.
It's important to note that mail tampering is a serious offense, and it's important to respect the privacy and security of others' mail. If you have any concerns about mail tampering or have been a victim of mail tampering, you should contact the appropriate authorities, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) or local law enforcement.