Mail fraud — "Use of the Mails" Defined is a federal crime which involves using the United States Postal Service to commit a fraud. It is often used to perpetrate fraudulent schemes such as pyramid scams, identity theft, and other types of consumer fraud. The federal law prohibits any use of the mails for the purpose of executing such schemes or artifice to defraud. It is punishable by a prison term of up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000. There are several types of mail fraud — "Use of the Mails" Defined, including: — Mail fraud through false pretenses: This involves using the U.S. mail to perpetrate a scheme or artifice to defraud someone by making false representations or promises to obtain money or property. — Mail fraud through false representations: This involves using the U.S. mail to perpetrate a scheme or artifice to defraud someone by making false representations or promises without having any intent to perform or fulfill those promises. — Mail fraud through material misrepresentations: This involves using the U.S. mail to perpetrate a scheme or artifice to defraud someone by making false representations or promises concerning a material fact. — Mail fraud through fraudulently obtaining money or property: This involves using the U.S. mail to perpetrate a scheme or artifice to defraud someone by obtaining money or property through fraud or deceit.