Chicago Customs Officers Seize Over 161,000 Counterfeit Forever Stamps Coming from China

CBP Officers Stop 8 Shipments of Counterfeit Stamps from China, Worth Over $118,000

More than 161,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed in Chicago last weekend.

According to CBP, officers assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at the Chicago International Mail Branch stopped eight shipments arriving from China that contained 161,860 counterfeit stamps. If they were genuine, the stamps would have a face value of over $118,000.

Counterfeit Stamps Seized for Violating Trademark Laws

CBP said they seized the stamps for violating trademark laws and were able to identify them as counterfeit based on the low invoice value, routing, and the efforts taken to conceal them.

Counterfeiters’ Motive: Profit, Not Quality

“Counterfeiters only care about making a profit. 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 Director of Field Operations LaFonda Sutton-Burke said. “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.”

Photos of Seized Packages

Counterfeit Stamps on the Rise

According to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the sale of counterfeit stamps on social media marketplaces, e-commerce sites via third-party vendors and other websites is growing.

Warning Signs of Counterfeit Stamps

While the print quality of the stamps seized last week was poor, CBP said counterfeit quality is improving, and warned that the average consumer may not be able to tell the difference from an authentic stamp.

USPIS warns that counterfeit stamps are often sold in bulk and at a significant discount, ranging from 25% to 50% off their face value. The steep discounts are often a sign that the stamps are counterfeit.

Consequences of Using Counterfeit Stamps

Those who use counterfeit stamps knowingly could pay the price. The USPIS said forging or possession of counterfeit postage is a violation of federal law and could result in up to five years in prison.

How to Avoid Counterfeit Stamps

Items that are found to be mailed with counterfeit stamps are also subject to being opened and disposed of as the postal service will consider them to be abandoned.

In order to ensure stamps are not counterfeit, USPIS recommends purchasing stamps directly from the U.S. Postal Service in person or online.

Visit the USPIS website for more information on how to report counterfeit stamps and sellers.

FAQs

Q: What is the face value of the seized counterfeit stamps?

A: Over $118,000

Q: How many counterfeit stamps were seized?

A: 161,860

Q: Where did the counterfeit stamps come from?

A: China

Q: What is the penalty for using counterfeit stamps?

A: Up to five years in prison

Q: How can I avoid buying counterfeit stamps?

A: Purchase stamps directly from the U.S. Postal Service in person or online