Counterfeit Forever Stamps Seized in Chicago

Major shipments of counterfeit stamps were uncovered at Chicago O’Hare, revealing the vulnerability of the U.S. economy and postal service to international threats.

Key Takeaways

Nearly 162,000 counterfeit Forever Stamps from China seized at Chicago O’Hare.
Stamps potentially worth over $118,000 were marked as fake due to poor quality.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and CBP are actively combating counterfeit stamp distribution.
Counterfeit risks rise around high-volume mailing seasons.
Efforts have been made to educate consumers on identifying fake stamps.

Seizure of Counterfeit Forever Stamps

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Chicago International Mail Branch intercepted nearly 162,000 fake U.S. Forever Stamps. Designed to mimic authentic postage, these counterfeits were discovered within eight shipments arriving from China. Such operations undermine U.S. trademark laws and result in substantial economic losses when undetected.

The potential value of these counterfeits, if genuine, exceeded $118,000. The seizure highlights a growing issue for both the U.S. Postal Service and the broader economy. Counterfeit Forever Stamps, frequently sourced through online marketplaces, are posing a risk to unsuspecting consumers and genuine commerce.

Nearly 162,000 counterfeit #US Forever Stamps originating from #China were recently seized at a mail facility near the #Chicago O’Hare International Airport, … https://t.co/qiJ790Gxmd

— The Epoch Times – China Insider (@EpochTimesChina) February 17, 2025

Challenges in Addressing Counterfeiting

CBP officers continually adapt and incorporate new tactics to identify fake products, such as these Forever Stamps, utilizing expertise honed across the nation’s 328 international ports. The counterfeiters’ evolving methods, which increasingly replicate authentic stamps’ quality, present heightened challenges in detection.

“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,” LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke of the CBP said.

Sutton-Burke recognized the critical role CBP professionals play. This recent success exemplifies their competence in stopping such counterfeits from affecting U.S. postal efficacy.

Rise in Online Counterfeit Sales

As the holiday season approaches, a common peak time for mail, the USPIS is enhancing efforts to shut down fake stamp vendors online. Criminals exploit high-volume mailing periods like Valentine’s Day to market bulk fake stamps. These fake stamps are often offered at tempting discounts, ranging from 20% to 50% off, fooling customers seeking savings.

The USPIS and USPS stressed the crime of using or selling counterfeit postage. In FY 2022, over $2.5 million in fake stamps were seized originating from China, showcasing the scale of the issue. Partnerships with e-commerce platforms are pivotal in removing such counterfeit merchants and informing consumers.