Reviewed on: April 06,2026
InmateAid Website questions

What if My Inmate's Scanned Letter Got Cut Off in My Account

Hi there..i got a letter from a friend but the scan cut some of it off. Is.it.reposible to rescan so I can read the entire body of the message? Will I have to pay again since it's a technical difficulty?

If a scanned letter appears cut off in your account, the most common reason is that your inmate wrote on paper larger than the standard 8.5 x 11 size, such as
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer May 08,2014 · InmateAid Website questions
1

If a scanned letter appears cut off in your account, the most common reason is that your inmate wrote on paper larger than the standard 8.5 x 11 size, such as legal paper. The scanning process is set up for standard letter-size pages, and anything larger may not capture the full content in the digital image.

When this happens, InmateAid retains the original physical letter. Rescanning will not produce a better result if the issue is paper size, but the original can be mailed directly to you so you can read the complete letter. There is no charge for this. It is a technical limitation of the scanning process, not something you should have to pay to resolve.

If you find yourself in this situation, contact InmateAid directly and provide your mailing address. We will send you the original letter.

Going forward, it may be worth letting your inmate know through your next letter that standard 8.5 x 11 paper scans most reliably. Most facilities sell standard-size paper through commissary, and using it ensures the full content of every letter comes through clearly in your account.

Accepted Answer Date Created: May 08,2014
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.