CBP Officers Seize Multiple Shipments of Counterfeit Stamps

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago O’Hare Airport have intercepted multiple shipments of counterfeit Forever Stamps, exposing a growing threat to the U.S. Postal Service and economy.

Key Insights

CBP seized nearly 162,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever Stamps from China, with a potential face value of over $118,000.
The seizure highlights an ongoing issue with counterfeit stamp production, particularly around high-volume card holidays.
Counterfeit stamps are becoming harder to detect, with improved quality fooling consumers.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is actively working to combat the sale of fake stamps online.
Consumers are warned to be cautious of bulk stamp purchases at significant discounts, a sign of potential counterfeits.

Massive Seizure Unveils Sophisticated Counterfeit Operation

In a blow to counterfeiters, CBP officers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport intercepted eight shipments containing nearly 162,000 fake U.S. Forever Stamps. The seizure, originating from China, represents a potential face value of over $118,000 if the stamps were genuine. This operation underscores the growing sophistication of counterfeit operations targeting the U.S. Postal Service.

The counterfeit stamps were identified through a combination of factors, including poor quality, low invoice value, suspicious routing, and attempts at concealment. Despite these telltale signs, officials warn that the overall quality of fake stamps is improving, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish them from authentic postage.

Thousands of counterfeit forever stamps seized by customs agents in Chicago https://t.co/1CwRmiC8ZE

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 15, 2025

Rising Trend in Counterfeit Postal Products

The Chicago seizure is part of a broader trend of increasing counterfeit U.S. Postal Service products, with a particular surge around high-volume card holidays like Valentine’s Day. This pattern suggests a strategic approach by counterfeiters to maximize profits during periods of increased demand for postage.

“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.”

This statement from LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director for field operations in Chicago, highlights the callous nature of these criminal operations and their disregard for the broader economic implications of their actions.

As the largest law enforcement organization in the United States, CBP plays a crucial role in border management and ensuring economic prosperity. The agency conducts routine inspections at 328 international ports of entry, intercepting a wide range of illicit items, including counterfeit goods.

Combating the Spread of Counterfeit Stamps

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is actively working to shut down websites selling fake stamps and partnering with e-commerce platforms to remove such merchants. In fiscal year 2022, the USPIS seized nearly $2.5 million in fake stamps from China, indicating the scale of this criminal enterprise.

Consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing stamps, especially when encountering bulk quantities at significant discounts. The USPIS warns that discounts of 20 to 50 percent off face value are a clear indicator of counterfeit stamps.

As the fight against counterfeit stamps continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious stamp sales. By working together, law enforcement and consumers can help protect the integrity of the U.S. postal system and prevent the economic harm caused by these fraudulent activities.