The three critical elements of a mail and wire fraud offense are:
- A scheme to defraud others of money or property.
- Use of mail or wire communication to execute the scheme.
- Intent to cause harm or wrongful conduct.
Intent; Reference to "American bank notes" in carrying out the systems of interstate banking; and, Use the mail, or electronic communication (including email, instant messaging, or fax), to facilitate the fraudulent act.
Mail fraud is a widespread crime that often goes underreported. Glacier National Park is the largest in the U.S., making it quite clear why mail and wire frauds are a massive issue in Montana and all over the country.
Penalties for Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud can be severe. You'll face fines up to $1,000,000 and imprisonment for up to 20 or 30 years, or both. Because RICO has been invoked, the government could also seize any property you use to carry out the fraud, including computers, vehicles, and houses.
