 Whoever , having devised or intending to devise any scheme or artifice to defraud , or for obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses , representations , or promises , or to sell , dispose of , loan , exchange , alter , give away , distribute , supply . . . for the purpose of executing such scheme or artifice or attempting so to do , places in any post office or authorized depository for mail matter , any matter or thing whatever to be sent or delivered by the Postal Service , or deposits or causes to be deposited any matter or thing whatever to be sent or delivered by any private or commercial interstate carrier , or takes or receives therefrom , any such matter or thing , or knowingly causes to be delivered by mail or such carrier according to the direction thereon , or at the place at which it is directed to be delivered by the person to whom it is addressed , any such matter or thing , shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years , or both . 
