Counterfeit Stamps Confiscated By CBP in Chicago

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago O’Hare Airport intercepted a massive shipment of counterfeit Forever Stamps, thwarting a potential $118,000 fraud scheme.

Key Takeaways

CBP seized 162,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps from China at Chicago O’Hare Airport.
The fake stamps had a potential face value of over $118,000 if genuine.
Counterfeit stamp operations are on the rise, particularly around high-volume card holidays.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working to shut down websites selling fake stamps.
Consumers are advised to be cautious of stamps sold at significant discounts, as they are likely counterfeit.

Massive Counterfeit Stamp Operation Uncovered

In a recent operation at Chicago O’Hare Airport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted eight shipments containing a staggering 162,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps originating from China. The seized stamps, if authentic, would have a market value exceeding $118,000, highlighting the scale of this illicit operation.

CBP officers identified the counterfeit stamps through their expertise in detecting fraudulent goods. The fake stamps were flagged due to their inferior quality, suspiciously low invoice value, unusual routing, and attempts at concealment. This interception is part of CBP’s ongoing efforts to protect U.S. consumers and businesses from counterfeit products that could harm the economy.

Rising Trend in Counterfeit Stamps

The seizure at Chicago O’Hare Airport is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend in counterfeit U.S. Postal Service stamps. Law enforcement officials have noticed an uptick in these illegal operations, particularly around high-volume card holidays such as Valentine’s Day. The quality of counterfeit stamps has been improving, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish them from genuine ones.

“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,” LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director for field operations in Chicago, said.

The rise in counterfeit stamps is not only a threat to postal operations but also to the broader U.S. economy. These fake stamps deprive the U.S. Postal Service of legitimate revenue and can lead to disruptions in mail delivery services. Moreover, the proliferation of counterfeit stamps on e-commerce and social media platforms has made it easier for unsuspecting consumers to unknowingly purchase and use fraudulent postage.

Combating the Counterfeit Stamp Trade

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is actively working to dismantle the networks dealing in fake stamps. Their efforts include shutting down websites selling counterfeit stamps and partnering with e-commerce platforms to remove merchants offering these illegal products. In fiscal year 2022 alone, the USPIS seized nearly $2.5 million worth of fake stamps originating from China, underscoring the magnitude of this issue.

To combat this growing problem, both the USPIS and USPS issued warnings in 2023 about the criminal nature of using or selling counterfeit postage. They also provided guidance to help consumers identify potential fakes. One key indicator is the price: counterfeit stamps are often sold in bulk at significant discounts, sometimes 20 to 50 percent below face value, which should raise red flags for potential buyers.