When U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) seizes currency at an airport or border crossing, they should issue a Custody Receipt for Seized Property and Evidence (Form 6051S). This receipt includes the FPF Number, which allows your case to be tracked at the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office where the seizure occurred.
The custody receipt serves as proof of the seizure and helps protect your rights. It shows the amount seized, the CBP officer involved, and contact details for FP&F. If you did not receive a receipt, this is a serious concern. Not all CBP officers act ethically, especially in cash seizure cases.
CAFRA Notice of Seizure
After the seizure, CBP must send a CAFRA Notice of Seizure—also known as a seizure notice or customs money seizure letter. This notice outlines the circumstances of the seizure, including the date, location, flight details, and alleged violations such as:
- Failure to report currency – 31 USC § 5316
- Structuring – 31 USC § 5324
- Bulk cash smuggling – 31 USC § 5332
CAFRA stands for the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act. Notices are sent via certified mail (U.S.) or registered mail (international). If CBP lacks a valid address or your country’s mail system is unreliable, you may receive the notice late—or not at all.
Why Timely Receipt Matters
Delayed receipt of the seizure notice jeopardizes your case. You typically have 30 days from the mailing date to respond—not from the date you receive it. CBP may date the notice on a Friday, mail it on Monday, and delay delivery, leaving you with little time to act.
We act quickly to obtain the seizure notice for our clients. Without it, you cannot begin the legal process to recover your money. If you haven’t received it within a few weeks, contact us immediately.
How to Respond to a Customs Currency Seizure
The CAFRA Notice of Seizure is a legal document and includes a complex Election of Proceedings form. Treat it with the same seriousness as a warrant or court summons. Your response determines the outcome of your case.
Do not rely on CBP’s instructions alone. The notice may contain misleading advice about proof requirements or documentation. Never admit to breaking the law in your response. Once you do, CBP may use that admission to justify keeping your money.
Instead, seek independent legal advice. We offer free consultations and can help you file a petition, claim, or offer in compromise.
Explore the Full Process of Currency Seizure & Recovery
To learn more about what happens after a seizure, how penalties are assessed, and how you can recover your funds, visit our comprehensive guide:
👉 A CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide to Recovering Seized Cash
Don’t navigate this process alone—get informed and take action.
⌛Take Back Control of Your Money Today
Don’t let a Customs money seizure derail your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the stress and complexity of currency seizures. With years of experience on almost 700 cases, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
đź’µAct Now to Protect Your Cash
- Contact Us for a Free Consultation: Let’s discuss your case and explore your legal options. We’ll listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored strategy to recover your seized money.
- Gather Your Documentation: Start collecting relevant documents—such as bank statements, tax returns, and travel records. We’ll evaluate this to determine the best way forward for you.
- Stay Informed and Prepared: We’ll keep you updated on your case and provide the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
đź•›Don’t Delay – Every Moment Counts
If your cash has been seized by Customs, time is critical. Contact us immediately to take the first step toward resolving your case and reclaiming your money.
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