Thousands of counterfeit Forever postage stamps are seized in Chicago
Return to sender! (But make sure you do it legally.)
This reminder comes after Customs and Border Protection agents in Chicago seized nearly 162,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever stamps this past week, shipped from China.
Three things to know:
- The stamps were spread over eight different shipments, and had they been real, would have been worth over $118,000, according to CBP.
- The government agency says there has been an uptick in fraudulent stamps, especially around holidays like Valentine’s Day. And officials say the fakes have gotten better.
- Authentic stamps are produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the United States. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the most frequently encountered counterfeit stamp is the flag stamp.
Want just the right amount of economics sent to your inbox weekly? Subscribe to the Planet Money newsletter.
What else has gotten confiscated?
Back in May of last year, NPR’s Emma Bowman reported on the increased frequency of CBP officers seizing counterfeit fentanyl pills.
In 2023, more than 115 million pills containing illicit fentanyl were seized by law enforcement, compared to over 71 million in 2022, according to a study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.
Dive deeper with NPR:
- Read more of Bowman’s reporting about the fentanyl crisis here.
- Listen to The Indicator podcast for a quick hit of insight into work, business and the economy.
Standing by in San Antonio: the luxury plane from Qatar intended to replace Air Force One
The luxury jet needs a security overhaul. That usually takes a few years, meaning it might not be ready until Trump is out of office. Shortcuts could create national security risks.
For the first time, the U.S. is absent from WHO’s annual assembly. What’s the impact?
In the wake of President Trump's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, the agency is holding its first major meeting. How will that affect WHO — and the United States?
Federal judge blocks Trump’s takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled the USIP president and board members were unlawfully fired by President Trump and should be reinstated.
Pope Leo meets with Vance, who delivers an invitation to visit the White House
The meeting appeared part of an effort to reset relations with the Vatican after Pope Francis repeatedly criticized President Trump's migration policy. Vance also gave Pope Leo a Chicago Bears jersey.
Millions prepare for severe storms in the Midwest and South
Millions of people in central and eastern Oklahoma, as well as far northwest Arkansas, are in the path of numerous severe thunderstorms expected on Monday.
What we know about the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing
Authorities say they believe their prime suspect in the bombing was also the sole fatality of the attack.
