What Should I do if I am a Victim of a Mail Fraud Scheme?

Mail fraud schemes are common, as mass mailing is a cheap and easy way for fraudsters to contact a large number of people at once.  There are a number of different types of mail fraud schemes but they all have a basic aim which is to try and trick victims into sending sensitive account details (such as credit card numbers), checks or cash to the fraudsters.  Common schemes include fake lotteries, where the victim is told they have won a prize (such as cash or a holiday) but that they need to send some money for admin fees in order to process their prize claim, or that they need to buy more tickets in order to qualify for the prize, and also fake investment portfolios opportunities (real estate and bonds are most common).

If you do discover you have become a victim of a mail fraud scheme then you will need to contact the US Postal Inspection Service right away, and submit a mail fraud complaint and there is a dedicated USPS toll free fraud hotline on: 1-800-372-8347.  If you have provided the fraudsters with any personal account details such as your credit card number then you will need to contact your provider and get your card cancelled immediately, as this will prevent it from being used by the criminals to run up fraudulent charges on your account, and if you have sent a check you could phone your bank and try and cancel it before the criminals have a chance to cash it.

You should also report this fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), who have a toll free fraud hotline on: 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338).  It is important to make sure you have reported this fraud to your local law enforcement department and have an incident report number, as you may need this at a later date if you have to prove your case to recover any fraudulent charges or fees on your credit accounts.