§288 — Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure | U.S. Code

Summary

It is a crime to knowingly file or present a false claim for payment for lost registered or insured mail — like letters, packages, or their contents. It is also illegal to use false statements, fake papers or sworn statements, or to hide important facts to get that payment. The penalty can be a fine, up to one year in jail, or both; if the claim is less than $1,000, only a fine applies.

Title 18, §288

Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever makes, alleges, or presents any claim or application for indemnity for the loss of any registered or insured letter, parcel, package, or other article or matter, or the contents thereof, knowing such claim or application to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent; or Whoever for the purpose of obtaining or aiding to obtain the payment or approval of any such claim or application, makes or uses any false statement, certificate, affidavit, or deposition; or Whoever knowingly and willfully misrepresents, or misstates, or, for the purpose aforesaid, knowingly and willfully conceals any material fact or circumstance in respect of any such claim or application for indemnity— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Where the amount of such claim or application for indemnity is less than $1,000 only a fine shall be imposed.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 354 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 224, 35 Stat. 1133; Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 429, 53 Stat. 1203). Reference to persons causing, assisting, aiding, or abetting, was omitted as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title. Changes in phraseology were made.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–294 substituted “$1,000” for “$100” in fifth par. 1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $500” in fourth par.

§288 False claims for postal losses