Got a letter from customs do I answer yes?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 22
Got a letter from customs do I answer yes?
Applying for Global entry and this one question has me stumped on what to put. " Have you ever been found in violation of customs laws" I got a letter once from boarder and security about a 9 months ago about buying fake raybans. So would that mean I answer yes or are they looking for something else where I had to pay fine? Just wanted to check what the best course of action would be.
#2
Join Date: Dec 2018
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Answer "no".
Receiving a letter does not amount to being found in violation.
IANAL but what I would do. (Those raybans were bought in goodwill, rite?)
Receiving a letter does not amount to being found in violation.
IANAL but what I would do. (Those raybans were bought in goodwill, rite?)
#3
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Posts: 20,617
Take a look at this thread:
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
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All depends on what the letter said. Did it even propose a violation which may now be pending?
You may be assured that because it was issued by CBP, it will show up when CBP runs your background for GE.
I would answer the question truthfully and then bring a copy of the letter with me. If the issue arises, either directly or even in a general way, e.g. "is there anything else you want to say," you can provide the full facts and a copy of the letter.
You may be assured that because it was issued by CBP, it will show up when CBP runs your background for GE.
I would answer the question truthfully and then bring a copy of the letter with me. If the issue arises, either directly or even in a general way, e.g. "is there anything else you want to say," you can provide the full facts and a copy of the letter.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
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Posts: 4,548
Applying for Global entry and this one question has me stumped on what to put. " Have you ever been found in violation of customs laws" I got a letter once from boarder and security about a 9 months ago about buying fake raybans. So would that mean I answer yes or are they looking for something else where I had to pay fine? Just wanted to check what the best course of action would be.
Just out of the blue, never bought raybans, never had any coversations with CBP about raybans, no nothing- just an odd letter 'about' raybans with no possible linkage to anything you might have ever done?
Sheesh
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
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Posts: 5,191
OP-- must be more to this story.
Randomly had open/used Raybans in a personal sunglass case in your bag that they told you may be fake?
or, had multiple new pairs for 'gifts' with no proof of purchase, or told Customs they were a new purchase bragging about the unbelievable price paid. I suspect it is more along these lines...
(every time I hear someone who runs into charges for buying a knockoff purse etc, I assume it's going to be over a brand new item aquired on that very trip rather than one showing wear and tear from many trips plus normal usage).
Randomly had open/used Raybans in a personal sunglass case in your bag that they told you may be fake?
or, had multiple new pairs for 'gifts' with no proof of purchase, or told Customs they were a new purchase bragging about the unbelievable price paid. I suspect it is more along these lines...
(every time I hear someone who runs into charges for buying a knockoff purse etc, I assume it's going to be over a brand new item aquired on that very trip rather than one showing wear and tear from many trips plus normal usage).
#8
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Not saying it’s the same person but the circumstances remind me of a posting a while back about somebody having their GE revoked, or at least threatened to be revoked, because he had bought an illegally imported fake item. As I recall he was particularly angry as he had supposedly bought the item on Amazon and had no knowledge that it was a fake or illegally imported. I don’t recall the final resolution of that or if we ever heard the outcome. Point is, if true, the CBP might have the capability to get customer list in the case fakes and may try to track down the purchasers.