Mail fraud is a type of white-collar crime where people use the US Postal Service or other mail delivery services to commit fraud. It is an illegal act that involves using the mail to deceive, mislead, or defraud. It is a federal offense and can carry severe penalties. The most common types of mail fraud are advance fee fraud, chain letters, sweepstakes fraud, and identity theft. In advance fee fraud, a perpetrator requests a fee to be paid in advance for a promised service that never materializes. In chain letters, a perpetrator may solicit funds for a non-existent prize or product. Sweepstakes fraud involves sending out false communications that a person has won a prize in a lottery or sweepstakes. Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's identity to gain access to funds or services. Other types of mail fraud include telemarketing fraud, false charity scams, pyramid schemes, and fake check scams. With telemarketing fraud, a perpetrator may use deceptive or misleading tactics to obtain money over the phone or by mail. False charity scams involve asking for donations for a fake charity or cause. Pyramid schemes are illegal and involve recruiting participants to contribute money in exchange for the chance to earn money from recruiting others. Fake check scams involve receiving a check that appears to be genuine but is actually counterfeit or stolen.