18 U.S.C. § 503 – Postmarking Stamps (Forgery of Postmark)
This law makes it a federal crime to forge, counterfeit, possess, use, or sell postmarking stamps or impressions intended to appear as genuine postmarks.
This statute targets fraud involving postmarking stamps, dies, plates, engravings, and impressions used to indicate official postal markings.
It applies to the creation of forged or counterfeit postmarking devices or impressions, as well as the knowing use, sale, or possession of such items for fraudulent purposes.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly and with intent to defraud:
- Forge or counterfeit any postmarking stamp or impression to make it appear to be a genuine postmark
- Make any forged or counterfeited postmarking stamp, die, plate, engraving, or impression thereof
- Knowingly use or sell any forged or counterfeited postmarking stamp, die, plate, engraving, or impression thereof
- Possess any forged or counterfeited postmarking stamp, die, plate, engraving, or impression thereof with intent to use or sell it
Penalties.
A person convicted under this statute shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal postmark forgery statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
