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Customs Fraud

When it comes to the importing and exporting of goods in the U.S., some experts believe that the government loses hundreds of millions of dollars each year due to shipping and customs fraud. While officials and regulatory agencies work hard to stop fraudulent actions on the part of individuals and companies, they often rely on private citizens to take action against those who would defraud the federal government.

If you are aware of a company, business, or individual who is engaging in fraudulent shipping or importing activities, you may be able to take legal action in the form of a Qui Tam lawsuit. The Federal False Claims Act allows private citizens to bring lawsuits on behalf of the federal government, and provides monetary awards for money recovered. For more information, contact the Qui Tam attorneys of Tycko & Zavareei at 202-973-0900 to discuss your case.

Examples of Customs Fraud

Customs fraud may include:

Misrepresenting the type or nature of the goods being transported or imported
Falsifying the value of the items being shipped
Misrepresenting the weight of the goods being sent or imported in order to pay less on duties
“Trans-shipping” or sending goods to a different country than the intended destination to avoid paying certain shipping fees

Because customs fraud takes money away from the federal government, U.S. taxpayers also lose money that could be spent on government aid programs, social programs, and infrastructure. By pursuing Qui Tam action, private citizens can help uncover fraudulent schemes and help recover money that is rightfully the property of the U.S. government.