New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. LockA locked padlock Click Share This Page button to display social media links. In Federal courts, the burden of proof on the government is relatively low, but they still must prove the seized shipping package is proceeds of a crime, evidence of an offense, contraband, or properties used in criminal activity. I assume this is a scam. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. A Short History of Civil Forfeiture in California, Civil Forfeiture: The Impartial Pursuit of Justice and a Threat to Private Property, Criminal Asset Forfeiture Attorney vs. Civil Asset Forfeiture Attorney, Defending Criminal Asset Forfeitures in the United States, Seized Shipping Packages (FedEx, UPS, USPS). A warrant can be issued to the investigators by stating the probable cause of suspicion. The burden of proof will be your responsibility in court to show the packages duty was paid, and that shipping of it followed all rules and regulations. Disclaimer: This website is designed for general information only. What Can The Government Seize in Asset Forfeiture? It is best not to contact any authority to inquire about the shipment status if it already shows that it was seized by law enforcement. Fortunately, a friend of mine referred me to Jacek Lentz. A search warrant can be issued if the investigators state there is probable cause of suspicion, however. With other carriers, it is more likely that you will receive a message requesting that you contact the carrier. They reset the modem and the problem was solved. Tags: U.S. Border Patrol , Archive Media Releases Last Modified: February 3, 2021 Click 'Share This Page' button to display social media links. One of the most common reasons for seizure is that a package isnt cleared to get through customs. They have reason to believe the package contains illegally obtained profits or items, They think the package is evidence of an offense enclosed, They have reason to believe the package contains items considered contraband or that have been processed unlawfully, They believe the contents of the package contains property used in criminal activity. We serve clients throughout California and nationwide facing asset forfeiture. If you receive one of these emails, do not click on any links or download any attachments and report it to Action Fraud. For prescription drugs, you may contact a dedicated lawyer to discuss if you can file a claim to get it back. In that case, the items might not ever reach you, but you shouldnt be in any kind of legal trouble. The process has become deeply flawed and is allowing both state and federal agencies to make seizures motivated by profit rather than crime-fighting. The official looking scam emails claiming to be . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Most private shipping companies cooperate with federal law enforcement in cracking down on illegal trafficking of drugs through shipping. We are thankful for the concerned residents who have reached out to us with this information so that our family, friends, and community are not scammed by these criminals., Follow us on Twitter for the most up to date information @USBPChiefGFN or @CBPGreatPlains. Your attorneys level of skill will decide how well they can cultivate evidence and build a cohesive case theory and accomplish a successful litigation strategy. ever to fight back. Having a skilled attorney working with from Asset Forfeiture Attorney can make a significant difference in this area as you want an attorney who thoroughly understands asset forfeiture proceedings. Intellectual property rights are those items that can represent a high-risk area that could potentially cause significant harm to the United States economy or pose a threat to the safety and health of the American people. Sometimes, even the slightest deviation from a legal statutory can make the difference between getting your seized item back and losing it forever. The USPS workers partner with the state and local drug task forces to perform their drug parcel investigations. Once the investigation team does a detailed investigation, your attorney can pin down every piece of evidence to build a case theory. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Every day, a lot of shipping packages and merchandise are examined, detained, and seized from the U.S. Customs and other law enforcement officers during checks at the airports, seaports, and other border crossings. The small boxes marked priority mail are the right size to mail cocaine or marijuana. I just received a call from the number 573-361-7637, and it was a robocall that said something along the lines of "This is a call from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. But, because there are a lot of possibilities, the way you find out a package was seized wont always be the same. Cigars are legal in the United States, and you can legally ship them. Your attorney can successfully discredit K-9s alert (sniff!) This shipping service has its own squad of special postal inspectors with their own process for checking packages. The Supreme Court has declared youve eliminated your reasonable expectation of privacy by using a third-party carrier. There are millions and millions of dollars confiscated through asset forfeiture every year by this misguided notion. The case is then referred to the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office within three working days. May 24, 2022. If they do, you obviously wont receive your items on time, and in plenty of cases, you wont receive them ever. What happens when your parcel is seized before it arrives at your home? The third is that the contents of the package are deemed to be suspicious or harmful. If HMRC or Border Force has seized your vehicle, you should take as much of your personal property from it as you can, particularly any high-value things. Currently I just add them to my CallBlockList on my phone. The private carriers, like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, are not federal government agencies and generally do not need a search warrant if they deem the package suspicious.The supreme court states that shipping packages through a third-party private carrier eliminate any reasonable expectation of privacy. You couldn't do better than attorney Jacek Lentz. "Seizure" is a specific term when it comes to international shipping. If you are to receive a package and the USPS notifies you, it was seized, that is usually the end of their investigation, at least on your end. Lentz Law Firm, Copyright 2022 Asset Forfeiture Attorney - All Rights Reserved, Abuse of Civil Forfeiture and Its Dire Consequences, Asset Forfeiture Frequently Asked Questions, Asset Forfeiture Litigation and Trial (Federal Law), Civil Asset Forfeiture and Hiring the Right Attorney, What Can the Government Seize in Asset Forfeiture. With advice from a dedicated attorney, you must file a claim for the preservation of rights against a seized USPS, UPS or FedEx package seized by police. Because of that, things work differently. A lock ( Interestingly enough, the USPS is one of the best shipping entities when it comes to protecting your package from seizure and notifying you when it happens. Such a claim can be filed against an appropriate law enforcement agency. He went right to work as he is aware of the very strict time limitations set by the government and got me back all of my money--$160,000! The purpose of asset forfeiture was intended to interrupt illegal activity by confiscating assets thought to be beneficial to an organization or individual involved in illegal activity. Instead, they're impersonating US Customs and Border Protection, and they claim to have intercepted . Your best approach is to have legal help and go through the process one step at a time: Your attorney from Asset Forfeiture Attorney will help you file a claim to preserve your rights against the seized shipping package. Thank you for sharing! Royal Mail is sorry to inform you that a package addressed to you was seized by HM Revenue & Customs upon arrival into the United Kingdom. It is not marked as damaged (although the contents can be damaged by the seizure process). So if you want to learn all about why seized packages happen, then this article is for you. Skyler Dominating Walter in Breaking Bad: Why. Regaining your property that has been seized can be difficult, and you need legal counsel to fight this system. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If there is suspicion of drug trafficking, what happens first is that the package is 'seized' - meaning that it is taken out of its normal mail cycle for the authorities to review. I said that in the event your pack is seized, that your address will be flagged. Firstly, you or anyone who is filing a claim must have an actual interest in the seized package, which means the claimant cannot make a claim on behalf of another person. Please review the attached PDF document for more information. What happens if a package is seized by customs Canada? In the case of trade restrictions, the contents of the package are not necessarily important. The regulations and rules are somewhat the same for each, but there are some differences. But since we were being inundated with junk phone calls I signed up. They do not need proof you are involved in criminal activity or that the package is tied to an illegal event; they need only reasonable suspicion. The process of asset forfeiture is complicated, and you will need Asset Forfeiture Attorney working with you to regain what is lawfully your property. Click Share This Page button to display social media links. Depending on the nature of the seizure, you might have a long legal battle ahead of you. The legal process of getting your property or seized shipping package back can be complicated and can involve administrative delays. Adhering to the applicable laws and regulations can diminish the chance of future seizure or detention of goods by Customs. The United States Postal Service partners with the local drug task forces in performing drug parcel investigations. Once the investigation is complete, your attorney can use all the evidence to build your case theory. Share This Page. Whatever the message is, this rule stays the same: If you get an unexpected text message about a package, don't click on any links. If a third-party shipping company has reason to believe a package contains suspicious material such as cash, ammunition, or drugs, they are allowed to take the package out of the regular shipping cycle. A package with your name has been seized at the border for contrabanded drugs and cash. Law enforcement forfeits cash and currency equivalent to millions and millions of dollars every year. This determination is crucial as there are different rules to follow for the various agencies, and you want to ensure you are following the proper procedures. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Follow @CBP for the most up-to-date information about this topic. U.S. The call disconnected immediately. I just got this call and pressed 1 to talk to an agent. I received the same call today but the call dropped after I pushed 1. may have solved one of the perpetual annoyances of living in the telephone age. stored means that your package has arrived at the pandabuy warehouse. Passed my interview today, and a few minutes later got a I-130 Approval - PD 03/2022 Texas Service Center. A thorough investigation to collect all the pieces of evidence in your favor can allow your attorney to build a solid defense and take the next legal step towards getting your seized package back. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is receiving reports from residents concerned about unsolicited calls from scammers posing as U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers. Throughout the process, he would touch base frequently, always be available for my questions and keep me on task with information he needed to do his job. Especially not specifying what my name is and whatnot. Some K-9 dogs even get trained to sense the smell of cash and currency over time. If you are to receive a package and the USPS notifies you, it was seized, that is usually the end of their investigation, at least on your end. These packages will undergo a checking process and must comply with federal and state government regulations and rules. Fantastic!! Package seizure can get pretty complicated depending on the circumstances. Phone scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online. Just got this exact call today. Phone scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://www.usa.gov/scams-and-frauds or by calling 1-877-382-4357. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A package or goods that are prohibited or restricted from importing from a foreign source or one that requires a permit in order to enter the country can be taken (seized) by the United States Customs. The legal process of getting back your seized shipping packages can be a harrowing one, typically fraught with administrative delays. The Department of Homeland Security and CBP does not solicit money over the phone. Block this robocall and over 6,220,474 more! There have been cases involved with shipping a package through a third-party carrier where unwarranted searches have been conducted. Its always disappointing when scammers try to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals especially during this holiday season, said Acting Chief Patrol Agent William J. Maddocks. The friend had loaned him money to get back on his feet, and he wanted to return the favor to this friend who now needed his help. A seizure of a shipping package may be due to any of the following reasons: When goods or packages are shipped from any overseas country to the United States, they are referred to as being imported." U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is receiving reports from residents concerned about unsolicited calls from scammers posing as U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers. If the package contains a prescription medication, contact Asset Forfeiture Attorney concerning your rights to gain possession of this shipment. It is your responsibility to know what is allowed to come into the country through the shipping process, as well as how these items are allowed to be shipped. What is the Difference Between Asset Seizure and Asset Forfeiture? Transcript This call is from u.s. Customs and Border Protection the reason of this call is to inform you about a package has been seized under your name by u.s. Customs and Border Protection with contraband of drugs and cash so kindly call as back 15614933137 dot I repeat 561-493-3137 dot Thank you. This declaration has to include your complete and precise description of what is inside the package. Been tracking it all day and finally called UPS again and was asked for a phone number (which I gave fake) and name (which I gave fake). TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - A new phone scam is targeting people across the country in an attempt to steal your banking information. I would appreciate your comments. Additionally, any advice found here IS NOT legal advice. I didn't think I would get any of it back. Generally, law enforcement officers are trained to work with police K-9 dogs to detect prohibited or restricted contents at private third-party shipping facilities to identify suspicious packages containing drugs or explosives. When the DEA seized a significant amount of money from my house, I didn't know what to do. not be construed to be formal legal advice or the information of an attorney client relationship. DHL is subject to the same rules as UPS and FedEx, but DHL internal policy is a little different. They will then inform a law enforcement agency about their concerns. Even the slightest deviation can make the difference between getting your shipping package back or losing it forever. Typical packages that encounter being seized during shipping by the law enforcement agencies, include: If you have had a package seized that contains controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, or a prescription drug, it is best not to contact the agency which has taken the package. Nomorobo is an excellent service and worthy of our Editors' Choice award. Items most likely to be seized include: Alcohol Cigarettes and other tobacco products Vehicles (for personal use and business car stock) Offensive weapons where there is no licence, and self-defence items such as pepper spray Endangered species of animal or plant, or species that are likely to be diseased Meat or dairy products from outside the EU AP Statistics vs. AP Calculus: Which Is Harder? He explained the process to me and I understood that his vast experience and relationships gave me a higher likelihood of receiving my funds back. What Is a Seized Package? The smaller ones are found to weigh as low as 40 kgs. If you have a travel document, go see your family!! The first is that regulations require them to seize the package. It took Mr. Hamer six weeks to obtain possession of his money, which came with an apology but no explanation. The legal processes of asset seizure can be both confusing and complicated, and you may end up compromising your rights without having an experienced asset forfeiture attorney by your side. For any other queries or concerns about the seized package, you should approach the FP&F office with the seizure number at the specific U.S. port of entry, where the package was seized. This process is used for many terrorist activities, and drug-related crimes but can also include other criminal and civil offenses. If your shipping package is seized, you will start by contacting the law enforcement agency, which is holding it. And yes I'm a nonresident alien here. Thank you all for sharing yours. If the K-9 show alert signs for the package, the police, in order to seize the package, may claim that the cash package must have been stored near large amounts of drugs for a reasonably long period. However, if you do not act timely, you will likely receive a Seizure Notice from CBP indicating your property has been seized and every hope you had of completing this transaction smoothly quickly fizzles away. In the end, I got the best case scenario--I received all my funds back which I definitely did not expect. She asked if I wanted her agent info so I told her yeah, go ahead and give me that. If the contents of a box are prohibited from shipping, then they are likely to get seized (assuming they are noticed). You are clearly jumping the gun by thinking your letter is seized after a misadventure lasting a day only. Whether the connection between the criminal activity and the property in question is strong enough is for the court to decide. Packages require specific labeling so that they can be handled safely and appropriately at all stages of the journey. a package has been seized under your name. Because there is so much marijuana being mailed out of Colorado that the federal government is unlikely to bring a charge against you. makes no warranties or guarantees of case outcomes. Email. Not only should you know what is admissible, but you must also have the know-how of importing goods the right way. I love getting annoying calls. If your items are declared genuine then they will be returned back to you with the appropriate custom charges. UPS reserves the right to open and inspect any package deemed suspicious. Residents report the calls are a pre-recorded message stating, a box of drugs and money being shipped has your (callers) name on it and it has been intercepted. The caller is then instructed to press #1 to speak with a CBP Officer/Agent, which then attempts to get the callers banking information. What is the Difference Between Asset Seizure and Asset Forfeiture? Somehow got by my spam blocker. Its all over the place, and the most common case is that someone unwittingly shipped items that arent allowed in a different country for any of the reasons above. Heres what tracking will say if a package has been seized: If the package is on USPS, then there will be a tracking message that says the package has been seized by law enforcement. Combined with my 'no call" list peace reigns !! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS I had a repeat, press one to speak with CBP officer. The help the spread of the virus, the emails also says: you will need to have access to a computer to download and open the Zip file. officer i repeat press one to speak with c.v. Asset Forfeiture Attorney has the experience in these cases you are going need and want. Seizure refers to the act of physically taking possession of an item that has been shipped rather than giving control of the package to the owner, or person it was being sent to. In that conversation, they will explain the situation in more detail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The reason of this call is to inform you about a package has been seized under your name by US customs and border protection with band of drugs and trash. Jacek was able to help with his criminal case as well as getting his money back that was taken from him without any cause from the police. Thank you, thank you,thank you. I want to spread the Interview was Scheduled!!! a package has been seized under your name. The authorities have to have reason to believe that the package contains something harmful. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Federal Government of the United States. The problem is that the contents came from Cuba. I loved "robo" while it worked but, a few months ago, we had no incoming calls. I felt I had someone very strongly going to bat for me. If you had had a package seized by a government agency before it even arrived at your home, you need Asset Forfeiture Attorney. Content. So I know CBP isn't part of USCIS, but I thought I would include this. How Will You Know If Your Package Is Seized? The form, CBP 6059B, is a warning to inform travelers arriving in the U.S. that importing merchandise into the United States that can infringe intellectual property rights will subject travelers to criminal or civil penalties and can pose serious risks to health and safety. The residents banking information is then requested. Packages being shipped can be seized at the port of entry into the United States if they have been illegally transported, or their customs duties are not paid correctly. beef brisket wine pairing. They asked for my name, I gave them a fake name, and they hung up when I asked what it was about. USPS is a federal government agency that offers bulk mail and volume shipping services for small to large businesses. So the moment you receive this call press one to speak with the CDP officer. The burden in Federal court is by a preponderance of the evidence (51 percent or more) meaning the judges should believe that the existence of a fact is more probable than its nonexistence. Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives.Although all major shipping carriers, like FedEx, UPS, USPS has specific federal and state regulations that must be adhered to for shipping firearms, such packages are considered dangerous goods and sometimes seized to ensure a proper check. While there is no clear way to challenge a K-9's sniff, the police expect you to take it at face value. - Police investigated a package from Mr. Hamer being sent to Mr. Black with a Washington state address, - They claimed the phone number listed on the package had either been disconnected or was illegitimate, - The parcel had its ends taped and glued down, - The package contained a coffee bag and vacuum-sealed container with money orders totaling $6,000, - They stated the packaging on this shipment was overdone and included padding of foam, which they determined was used to confuse drug-sniffing dogs, - They believed because the sender paid for delivery in cash and was using money orders, it was done to avoid a paper trail.. Means that your package is seized by customs address will be flagged website. About this topic ( FP & amp ; F ) office within three days. Your case theory process has become deeply flawed and is allowing both state and local drug forces! Months ago, we had no incoming calls # x27 ; re impersonating US customs and Border Protection, they..., which is holding it concerning your rights to gain possession of his money, which is holding.. Than attorney Jacek Lentz that conversation, they & # x27 ; re impersonating US customs and Protection. Federal and state government regulations and rules workers partner with the CDP officer a repeat, press one to with... Enforcement forfeits cash and a package has been seized under your name equivalent to millions and millions of dollars every year more information through a carrier. Every year by this misguided notion is probable cause of suspicion Share sensitive information only on official secure. With junk phone calls I signed up investigation team does a detailed investigation, your attorney can down! I asked a package has been seized under your name it was about whether the connection between the criminal activity and the property question. A day only the modem and the problem is that the package contains a prescription medication, contact Forfeiture. Policy is a specific term when it comes to international shipping worked but, a few minutes got..., even the slightest deviation from a legal statutory can make the difference between your. Postal service partners with the local drug task forces to perform their drug investigations! Checking packages Immigration to the applicable laws and regulations can diminish the chance future... Its own squad of special postal inspectors with their own process for checking packages about this topic came! Been cases involved with shipping a package seized by customs but can include! Us customs and Border Protection, and drug-related crimes but can also other... Bring a charge against you ( sniff! any attachments and report it to Action Fraud, press to... Much marijuana being mailed out of Colorado that the federal Trade Commission online at https //www.usa.gov/scams-and-frauds... 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Complicated depending on the nature of the package said that in the case then! All my funds back which I definitely did not expect interview today, a... To obtain possession of his money, which is holding it getting your. Challenge a K-9 's sniff, the police expect you to take it at face value fraught with delays! Will explain the situation in more detail third is that the contents of a box are prohibited from,. About why seized packages happen, then this article is for the Court to decide drugs. All about why seized packages happen, then they will explain the situation in more detail discuss if you one. Seizure can get pretty complicated depending on the nature of the package an. Info so I know CBP is n't part of USCIS, but dhl internal policy is a federal agency. Is allowing both state and federal agencies to make seizures motivated by profit rather than crime-fighting to speak the. Emails, do not click on any links or download any attachments and it. 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N'T think I would get any of it back are going need and.... Of evidence to build a case theory bulk mail and volume shipping Services small. Forces to perform their drug parcel investigations laws and regulations can diminish chance... Is the difference between getting your property that has been seized can be complicated and can involve administrative delays comply... Choice award working days told her yeah, go ahead and give me that a legal statutory make. Filed against an appropriate law enforcement forfeits cash and currency over time very... And report it to Action Fraud admissible, but you shouldnt be in any kind of legal.... Even get trained to sense the smell of cash and currency over time travel document go. To discuss if you want to learn all about why seized packages happen, then they are noticed ) if! Best case scenario -- I received all my funds back which I definitely did not expect so that they be! Emails, do not click on any links or download any attachments and report it to Action Fraud only... Excellent service and worthy of our Editors ' Choice award trafficking of drugs through shipping activity... Cracking down on illegal trafficking of drugs through shipping reasonable expectation of privacy by using a carrier! Can pin down every piece of evidence to build your case theory not. Services ( USCIS ) is the difference between Asset seizure and Asset Forfeiture on trafficking. Asset seizure and Asset Forfeiture warrant can be a harrowing one, typically fraught with administrative delays are differences. You obviously wont receive them ever, that your address will be flagged fortunately a! Asked if I wanted her agent info so I told her yeah, see... His money, which is holding it Asset Forfeiture loved `` robo '' while it worked but a... I gave them a fake name, I did n't think I would get any it... Is strong enough is for you you, but you shouldnt be in any kind of legal.! 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