Reporting Tariff Fraud in North and South Carolina
Brave whistleblowers like you are essential in trying to hold fraudsters accountable for swindling taxpayers and the government.
Reporting Tariff Fraud in North and South Carolina
When goods are imported into the U.S., the government frequently requires importers to pay a tariff, also called an import tax or customs duty. These tariffs are a source of revenue for the government to provide public services, as well as a tool to regulate trade – often with the stated purpose of protecting and encouraging U.S. industries.
Because tariffs generally raise the cost of imported goods, fraudsters often create scams to avoid paying some or all of them. Those committing tariff fraud are costing the government – and U.S. taxpayers – money, and tariff fraud is escalating sharply.
The False Claims Act (FCA) allows the government to recover funds illegally withheld by fraudsters, plus damages. And if you blow the whistle on tariff and customs fraud, you could share in that recovery.
Whistleblowers can receive a life-changing reward — up to 30% of the recovery in a successful case – all for doing your patriotic duty and trying to hold scheming importers accountable.
If you have observed or suspect tariff fraud, let’s talk. Our conversation is free and confidential and we can give you recommendations on how to move forward. Call us today at 1-888-292-8852 or send us a message to have us call you.
What is tariff fraud, and who does it affect?
Tariff fraud, also commonly called customs fraud, is the deliberate misrepresentation of import information regarding imported goods, such as their value, classification, and origin or route, to evade or reduce tariffs.
These scams affect the American government and public in the following ways:
- Loss of Government Revenue: Tariff fraud reduces government income needed for critical public programs that would otherwise be collected through legitimate tariffs.
- Unfair Competition: Tariff fraud gives dishonest importers a price advantage over tariff-compliant domestic businesses. Unreported tariff fraud rewards cheaters.
- Harm to Domestic Industries: Tariff fraud can undermine domestic industries protected by tariffs, leading to job losses and economic instability.
- Security Threats: Tariff fraud can be linked to other illegal activities, including smuggling or financing of illicit activities, such as terrorism.
What are common types of tariff fraud?
Common types of tariff fraud include:
- Misclassification of Goods: Importers may intentionally describe their goods incorrectly on customs documents to qualify for a lower tariff rate.
- Undervaluation of Goods: Importers may falsely declare a lower value for their goods to reduce the percentage-based tariff owed.
- Falsification of Country of Origin: Importers might falsely claim that goods originated in a country with lower tariffs or no tariffs.
- Trade Re-Shipping and Re-Labeling (also called Transshipment): Importers might ship goods through an intermediate country to disguise their true origin and take advantage of lower tariff rates.
- False Documentation: Importers might forge or alter invoices, packing lists, or other documents to deceive customs officials.
Fortunately, federal law provides an avenue for brave whistleblowers like you to come forward with information about these tariff scams, no matter how you encounter them:
- If you work for an importer, and you observe false statements and records about how much its imported goods cost, you may be able to hold your employer accountable for lying to the government.
- Or if you work for the government and notice inconsistencies or false claims made by an importer aimed at reducing the tariff they have to pay, you may have evidence for a tariff fraud whistleblower case.
Not sure what you’re seeing or worried you might be complicit? Call for a confidential chat today at 1-888-292-8852 or contact us online.
How can an experienced whistleblower lawyer help me report tariff fraud?
Whether you work for the government or for an importer, a lawyer can help you report tariff fraud by:
- Listening to you confidentially.
- An experienced whistleblower attorney can help you identify the often subtle fraud you may be sensing around you.
- Your lawyer can also help you gather evidence quietly and quickly.
- In addition to filing a False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuit with the government, an experienced whistleblower attorney knows who to talk to in the government to try to get them to take your case. If they do take your case, it’s likely to succeed.
- Your attorney helps you cooperate with the government if it accepts your case. If the government declines your case, an experienced whistleblower attorney can help you pursue the case anyway (if it’s in your best interests).
- All the while, your attorney helps protect you from retaliation. And if you do suffer any retaliation, your attorney can pursue significant extra compensation for you.
- In a successful case, an experienced whistleblower attorney knows how to negotiate with the government to try to get you the maximum reward – up to 30% of the government’s recovery!
You should discuss your suspicions with a tariff fraud lawyer before speaking to anyone else – especially co-workers and HR. This helps you protect your privacy and preserve your eligibility for a reward potentially worth millions.
Watch this video to learn how we help you navigate the whistleblower process:
Is there a reward for reporting tariff fraud in North or South Carolina?
Yes, under the False Claims Act (FCA), tariff fraud whistleblowers in North and South Carolina can receive up to 30% of the government’s recovery in successful cases – which can be millions of dollars.
If you suspect that your employer or another entity is involved in misrepresenting the value of imports in order to pay fewer tariffs to the U.S. government, it is important to act quickly. The first person to come forward is usually the one who receives a whistleblower reward when one is given.
Blowing the whistle on tariff fraud with Carolina Whistleblower Attorneys
Our team is led by Bill Nettles, former White House-appointed attorney, which means we have the real case experience to handle your tariff fraud claim and help to protect you every step of the way from any retaliation or harassment.
Our mission is to hold fraudsters accountable, and our client success stories prove our dedication to seeking justice.1,4 We have a You-First Policy, which means we put your needs and concerns first. Always. We will only take your FCA tariff case if we think there’s a good chance of success, and you won’t owe us anything unless you receive a reward.2
We can use our significant financial, technological, and staffing resources to investigate and file your claim and hopefully take it to a successful resolution – including a significant potential reward for your bravery.
If you have knowledge of or suspect tariff fraud against the government, contact Carolina Whistleblower Attorneys today for help, answers, and recommendations – completely confidentially. Call 1-888-292-8852 for your free case evaluation.