For-Never Stamps: Counterfeit U.S. Postal Service Stamps Seized by Customs Agents
Chicago Seizure Highlights Growing Problem of Counterfeit Stamps
Federal agents in Chicago seized nearly 162,000 counterfeit U.S. Postal Service “forever” stamps last weekend.
Multiple Shipments from China Contain Fake Stamps
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Chicago international mail branch stopped eight shipments from China containing 161,860 fake stamps, the agency said Thursday.
Stamps Would Have a Face Value of $118,000 if Genuine
If genuine, the stamps would have a face value of about $118,000, the agency said.
Counterfeit Stamps of Poor Quality, but Quality Improving
The agency said the stamps seized were of poor quality, but it said quality is improving, and consumers may not be able to distinguish the fake stamps from real ones.
Counterfeiters Prioritize Profit over Consequences
“Counterfeiters only care about making a profit,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations in Chicago. “They don’t care about the effect that fake postage has on your ability to send important mail and overall impacts the U.S. economy.
CBP Officers Highly Trained to Identify Counterfeit Stamps
“Our officers and specialists are some of the most highly trained in the nation, and their level of expertise is evident with these seizures. CBP officers were able to identify these very realistic counterfeits and stop them from reaching their destinations.”
Uptick in Counterfeit Stamps Around Holidays
The agency also said there is an uptick in counterfeit U.S. Postal Service stamps, especially around holidays such as Valentine’s Day.
Five Million Counterfeit Stamps Seized in 2024
Customs officers and postal inspectors seized more than 5 million counterfeit stamps in fiscal year 2024, according to the postal service.
Flag Stamp Most Commonly Counterfeited
The most commonly seen counterfeit stamp is the flag stamp.
Fake Stamps Sold Online at Discounts
According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the number of fake stamps being sold online has increased. Scammers use social media marketplaces, e-commerce sites via third-party vendors and other websites to sell counterfeit stamps.
Discounts of 25% to 50% Off Face Value
Fake postage stamps are often sold in bulk and at discounts of 25% to 50% off face value. The postal service said it does not sell stamps at a discount, and while some legitimate sellers offer discounts, the markdowns are slight.
Seizure Based on Low Invoice Value and Efforts to Conceal Stamps
Officers seized the stamps for violating trademark laws. The stamps were determined to be fake based on “the very low invoice value, the routing, and the extraordinary efforts undertaken to conceal the stamps,” the agency said.
Felony Charges for Forging or Possessing Counterfeit Stamps
People caught forging or in possession of counterfeit postage stamps could face up to five years in prison, the postal service said.
Conclusion
The seizure of 161,860 counterfeit U.S. Postal Service stamps in Chicago highlights the growing problem of fake stamps being sold online and the importance of vigilance in identifying and stopping these counterfeits.
FAQs
* What is the value of the seized stamps if genuine?
The stamps would have a face value of about $118,000 if genuine.
* How many counterfeit stamps were seized?
161,860 counterfeit stamps were seized.
* What is the most commonly seen counterfeit stamp?
The flag stamp is the most commonly seen counterfeit stamp.
* What is the punishment for forging or possessing counterfeit stamps?
People caught forging or in possession of counterfeit postage stamps could face up to five years in prison.
* How many counterfeit stamps were seized in 2024?
More than 5 million counterfeit stamps were seized in fiscal year 2024.
