Recognize the Red Flags

Recognize the Red Flags

Double invoices

Creating separate sets of documents to provide to government agencies and to importers is an indication that one or both sets were manipulated to avoid paying customs duties.

Over-insuring shipments compared to the declared value

Insurance will only pay out the provable value of lost shipments, so an unusually over-insured shipment suggests that the true value is higher than reported.

Goods don’t match the description

Some schemes involve misclassifying the goods as a plausibly similar item to avoid higher duties or tariffs on specific materials.

Needless rerouting through other countries

Duties are assessed by the country of origin, so fraudsters may divert shipments to another country and falsely claim that the product was manufactured there.
Customs inspector at work – shutterstock_2384186489
Know If You Have a Case

Examples of Customs Fraud

  • Valuation Fraud
  • Misclassification of Goods
  • False Country-of-Origin
  • Structuring/Splitting Shipments

Why Experience Matters

We Will Guide You Through the Reporting Process

Hirst Law Group has extensive experience in helping whistleblowers  with customs fraud cases. Our past clients include corporate executives, competitors, customs brokers, and more.

Request Consultation

How Others Have Described Our Attorneys

Clients and legal professionals weighed in:

“Their work was truly outstanding, as was the support and guidance they provided to me. Hirst Law Group was fabulous!”

Client 19

“They made me feel heard, supported, and fought for me through the end. Excellent attorneys, but most importantly great human beings.”

Client 10

“Beyond their legal skill, their personal support made an immeasurable difference. I could not have navigated this process without them.”

Client 8

“Michael Hirst and his team are modern heroes.”

Client 3

“I highly recommend Hirst Law Group to anyone needing legal assistance. Words truly cannot convey just how much I appreciate the firm.”

Client 2

“An exceptional litigator who has performed a significant public service…  The successful outcome in this case significantly advanced the Department’s efforts to combat fraudulent health care practices.”

John Ashcroft
Former Attorney General of the United States

“Tireless efforts in preparation and brilliant performance at trial.”

Dale Bosworth
Former Chief of the United States Forest Service

A “quiet but tough negotiator.”

Stephen Klaidman
New York Times journalist and author, in his book "Coronary" (Simon and Schuster, 2007)