I run my own business which I deliver products through my mail. I was unable to deliver some products, is this mail fraud?

Mail order fraud is defined as “any illegal scheme carried out through the United States Postal Service or an affiliated mail provider to deceitfully obtain money from an unsuspecting consumer.” If you have been upfront and honest to your customers about your delays and issues filling orders, than it will be difficult to show you are trying to deceitfully obtain money from unsuspecting consumers. If you cannot fill the orders, it would be wise to offer the option to your customers of either waiting out the delay, or refunding their money. If you stay silent about your issues and don’t contact customers, they will likely file mail order fraud charges against you because you are being deceitful in obtaining money and not providing goods. Mail fraud penalties can be a maximum of five years in prison and fines up to $100,000 per offense .