A Look at Some of the Most Prevalent Mail Fraud Schemes
Mail fraud has been around for decades, and it continues to be prevalent even in the age of the Internet. As long as snail mail exists, it is likely that there will be mail fraud schemes, because they are often difficult to trace and potentially very lucrative for those who illegally perpetuate them. Many mail fraud schemes are targeted at vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, but anyone can be a victim of these crimes. Here is a look at some of the most common forms these schemes may take:
Free Vacation Offers
If a free vacation offer sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is. When these offers come in the mail, they will typically be followed by a request to join a travel club, which will have membership fees. Following joining, it may be impossible to actually book a trip through the provided channels, and victims may end up getting squeezed for more money in the form of booking fees and upgrades before they realize it’s all a scam.
False Job Opportunities
Another way that con artists will gain information and money through the mail is with false employment offers, often guaranteeing job placement after completing a course or providing an insider look at job listings with a “critical need” following payment for a catalog.
Charity Fraud
Donating to charity is something that few people can disagree with, which is why charity fraud is so common. Often, victims will receive requests for donations from seemingly reputable organizations or organizations with similar names and logos to real charities that are known and trusted.
Defending those accused of mail fraud requires knowing what this type of fraud looks like. Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law, has the knowledge and experience you need to build a solid defense when you are charged with any type of theft in Tucson or Southern Arizona. To learn more about Ms. Altschuler and her practice, visit us online. To schedule a free consultation where you can discuss the details of your case, call (520) 247-1789.