In Texas, wire and mail fraud charges are similar. Sometimes, a crime may involve both wire and mail fraud. But what are the differences between these two types of fraud? After all, they are separate charges with different consequences.
Today we will see what sets mail and wire fraud apart. We will look at the definition of each. We will see what is necessary for a person to wind up facing either charge.
What Is Mail Fraud?
Cornell Law School says mail fraud uses mail to further the act of defrauding someone. In a typical scenario, you defraud someone of their money or property. Mail fraud utilizes postcards, letters, packages and so on as a tool for fraud schemes. It does not matter if you use the U.S. Postal Service or an independent, private mail carrier. All mail is subject to mail fraud charges.
What Is Wire Fraud?
In comparison, wire fraud involves all electronic means of contact. This includes:
- Chat room conversations
- Faxing
- Telephone calls
- Emails
- Texts
In other words, any communication sent in a digital way. The requirements for a wire fraud charge differ from those for mail fraud charges. With mail fraud, sending any type of mail to any location results in a mail fraud charge. But for wire fraud, not every wire communication fits the bill. In order for you to face a wire fraud charge, the message in question must cross state lines. In other words, sending someone a message to defraud them while in the same state does not count.
It is important to keep these distinctions in mind. While there are similarities, these are still two separate charges. You must face them in different ways.