Exposing Customs Fraud: Hidden Schemes and How to Stop Them

Episode Summary:

In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, attorney Stephen Teller breaks down the mechanics of customs fraud and how whistleblowers are vital in bringing these deceptive practices to light. Stephen shares stories from real cases involving tariff evasion, misclassification, country-of-origin fraud, and more. From smuggling goods to underreporting import values, Stephen highlights the legal risks importers take and how honest insiders can stop them — often with life-changing rewards.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 – Introduction to the episode and Stephen Teller 01:25 – How rising tariffs incentivize customs fraud 02:14 – Methods companies use to avoid tariffs: smuggling, misclassification, false declarations 04:10 – Example: misdeclaring roof racks as car seats to change tariff code 05:50 – Underreporting item value to reduce tariff percentage 06:18 – The Bid-Buy truck case: falsified prices and repeated fraud 08:30 – DOJ involvement and consequences of even “small” cases 09:45 – Aluminum import case: anti-dumping duties and willful underreporting 11:35 – Real-world consequences: company fined $3.4 million 12:50 – How the False Claims Act can lead to triple damages 13:45 – The blurred line between mistake and fraud 14:50 – Country-of-origin fraud: labeling and assembly loopholes 16:40 – Difficulty in proving origin-shifting fraud in multi-country assembly 17:55 – Whistleblower rewards: potential 15–25% share in government recovery 19:05 – Cable company case: $6.5 million payout to a whistleblower 20:10 – What to do if you see shady import activity in your job 21:25 – When to speak to your boss vs. when to call a lawyer 22:40 – How to protect yourself legally when speaking up 24:00 – Importance of documenting fraud reports and understanding your rights

About the Show:

False Claims, Real Consequences dives into the world of federal fraud litigation and whistleblower cases. The show features legal experts like Stephen Teller who shine a light on the inner workings of fraud schemes — and how the False Claims Act empowers insiders to stop them. Each episode delivers real-world legal insights, high-stakes case stories, and actionable advice for professionals navigating compliance, ethics, and justice.