Mail Fraud — Elements of the Offense (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1341) is a federal crime that occurs when someone uses the U.S. Postal Service or any other private or commercial interstate carrier to execute a scheme or artifice to defraud another person or organization. The offense is punishable by fines of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both. The statute requires the prosecution to prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 1. The defendant knowingly devised or participated in a scheme to defraud another person or organization; 2. The defendant used the U.S. Postal Service or any other private or commercial interstate carrier; 3. The defendant intended to defraud another person or organization; 4. The defendant had the intent to obtain money or property through the scheme or artifice. Types of Mail Fraud — Elements of the Offense (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1341) include: insurance fraud, credit card fraud, sweepstakes fraud, pyramid schemes, and telemarketing fraud.