ICYMI: Black Market BUST—Illinois CBP Seizes Fake Forever Stamps Worth Over $118,000!
CBP just stopped a shipment of over 161,000 counterfeit USPS Forever stamps from China—exposing a growing black market for fake postage. 🌐 #News #ChicagoIL #Illinois #Crime
CHICAGO, IL – Authorities in Chicago, Illinois just made a major interception—seizing a staggering 161,860 counterfeit USPS Forever stamps before they could hit the streets. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revealed the bust on Thursday, exposing a growing black market for fake postage that could cost the government millions.
Stamps Worth Over $118,000 Seized From China
CBP officers with the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team made the discovery last weekend at the Chicago International Mail Branch. Hidden inside parcels arriving from China, the fake stamps could have racked up more than $118,000 in losses had they been real.
Authorities say counterfeit stamps are becoming harder to spot, with fraudsters improving their printing techniques. But in this case, CBP noted the print quality was still “poor”—a detail that helped officers flag the fakes.
Authentic USPS postage is produced exclusively at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, ensuring high-quality security features.
Counterfeit Stamps Surge—Especially During the Holidays
The fake postage industry is on the rise, with CBP reporting a “real uptick” in counterfeit stamps, particularly around high-mailing holidays.
Criminals take advantage of spikes in mail volume during times like Valentine’s Day, when Americans send millions of cards and letters.
“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,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations-Chicago.
CBP Cracks Down on Fake Stamps Violating Trademark Laws
With counterfeit operations becoming more advanced, CBP remains on high alert to stop fraudulent postage from circulating. These fake stamps violate trademark laws, and authorities are determined to crack down on those trying to exploit the system.
“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,” Director Sutton-Burke added.
This latest seizure is a clear warning—scammers are getting bolder, but law enforcement isn’t backing down.
RELATED TOPICS: China | Crime | Illinois
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