What Is It?

Customs fraud involves intentional misrepresentation or violation of customs regulations to evade duties, taxes, or import/export restrictions.

Organizations Involved

Import/export businesses, freight companies, and manufacturers are common offenders. For example, a company might underreport the value of goods to reduce import taxes or misclassify products to avoid restrictions.

Reportable Activities

Key violations include:

• Underdeclaring the value of imports
• Misclassifying goods to reduce tariffs
• Using counterfeit certificates of origin
• Smuggling restricted or banned items

To report government fraud effectively under whistleblower protection programs, it's crucial to consult a whistleblower law firm with expertise in such cases. Whistleblower lawyers can guide you through the process of filing a complaint under the False Claims Act, ensuring your submission is thorough and meets legal requirements. A whistleblower lawyer also helps protect your rights, offering confidentiality and safeguarding you from retaliation. By working with legal experts, you maximize your chances of a successful claim and potential financial reward while contributing to holding fraudulent actors accountable.

Read about programs and laws covering government fraud here