How to Report Mail Fraud

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: February 4, 2023 References

The Office of the Postmaster General/Inspector General investigates and prosecutes crimes involving the US mail, including mail fraud. If the violation exists, Postal Inspectors may prosecute or otherwise take action against the offender, but they cannot get your money back for you or require that the fraudulent materials anywhere other than those sent through the US mail be changed or removed. To report mail fraud, follow the steps below.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Recognizing Mail Fraud

1
Recognize mail fraud. Mail fraud requires a scheme to defraud and the use of the US mail for executing that scheme. The scheme can originate in any form, such as on the internet or other medium, but at some point, the US mail must be used for it to become mail fraud. If you are asked to mail information or you provide an address and the perpetrators mail you any documents to be used in their scheme, it becomes mail fraud. ^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
United States Department of Justice
Official website of the U.S. Department of Justice
Go to source}
2
Know common mail fraud. Common mail fraud schemes include:
- Phony job opportunities
- Advance-fee loan schemes
- Foreign lotteries by mail
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3
Save evidence of mail fraud. Mail fraud must use your mailbox, delivered via the US Postal Service. Otherwise, it is a different type of fraud. Save the information you received through the mail as well as the envelop or box in which it was mailed. You can still report if you no longer have these items.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Reporting Mail Fraud

1
Determine where you want to report. You can report mail fraud locally or at the federal level. It does not matter which you choose.
2
Report locally. Contact the Postmaster General at your local post office. You can find contact information at https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postmasterfinder/welcome.htm.
3
Report federally. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or complete and submit the complaint form at https://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx.
4
Make the report. You will need to give information about yourself and the fraud. Mail fraud cannot be reported anonymously. You can make this report orally by telephone or by completing the complaint form at the link above. Information you will need to give will include:^{[2]
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- Your name and contact information
- The person or entity you believe is committing mail fraud
- The contact information for the person or entity believed to be committing mail fraud.
- Information about the fraudulent activity
- Information about how the mail was used

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Getting Back Lost Money

1
Know the limits of the UP Postal Service. The US Postal Service cannot retrieve any money you have lost. Depending on the specific circumstances, you may not be able to retrieve any of your money at all.^{[3]
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2
Contact your bank. If you wrote a check to the perpetrators, contact your back to see if it has cleared (payed). If the check is still outstanding, the bank may be able to issue a “stop payment” order which will prevent the check from being honored when the perpetrator attempts to deposit or cash it.
3
Contact your credit card company. If you gave the perpetrators access to your credit card, the card company may be able to reverse the charge for you.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson
Go to source}
- Call the customer service number on your card immediately to begin the process
- You usually have up to 60 days after learning of the fraud to contact your credit card carrier in writing of your dispute. Be sure you follow your phone call up in writing
- Cooperate with your credit card company.
4
Contact the Better Business Bureau or similar organization. The Better Business Bureau is a voluntary organization, but they can often assist you with disputes with member organizations. Periodically, non-member organizations will also respond to a BBB challenge. Other similar organizations that may be able to help include:^{[5]
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- A consumer protection division of a state
- The local Chamber of Commerce
- State or local licensing agencies
5
Contact an attorney. If the perpetrator can be located and served, it may be worthwhile to file a lawsuit. Most attorneys will provide a free consultation to see if this is feasible.