Maine 4.18.1341 Mail Fraud, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1341 is a federal law that prohibits the use of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or any private or commercial interstate carrier to commit a scheme or artifice to defraud a person or organization of money or property. The law applies to both individuals and businesses, and covers any form of mail or delivery service used to perpetrate a fraudulent scheme that involves money or property. There are two main types of Maine 4.18.1341 Mail Fraud, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1341: direct mail fraud and wire fraud. Direct mail fraud occurs when the perpetrator sends out a fake invoice or other document through the mail in an effort to obtain payment for goods or services that were never provided. Wire fraud occurs when a person or organization uses electronic means, such as telephone or computer, to transmit fraudulent documents or messages. Both direct mail and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.