Currency Seizure

International travelers often contact me with the same distraught face as the man pictured to my left, after their money is confiscated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as a result of not properly declaring currency on hand. Declaration Form 6059B will look familiar to all international travelers as you fill it out when entering the U.S. Many times, the rationale for seizure is that parties traveling together split their currency, and even though together they have over the $10,000 minimum, the travelers advise they are each carrying less then the $10,000 minimum requirement for reporting (in question 13 of Form 6059B), resulting in ALL of the currency on hand being seized. Recently, CBP seized $82,000 of currency, and arrested the female driver, after discovering three packages of bulk currency hidden within a vehicle as a female driver attempted to exit the U.S. and enter Mexico. During this holiday season, this post will tell you what you need to know to assure it’s NOT YOU that has their currency seized when traveling internationally!
New Rule Today, CBP issued a final rule, “to broaden the definition of “members of a family residing in one household” to more accurately reflect relationships for U.S. citizens, residents and international visitors who are traveling together as a family.” CBP confirmed “the expansion of the term will include long-term same-sex couples and other domestic relationships which would allow more returning U.S. citizens, residents and international visitors to file a joint […]

The holidays are approaching… Do you intend to carry “monetary instruments” when traveling internationally? Read on, these TOP 5 Tips when carrying “monetary instruments” above $10,000 can save you a U.S. Customs Seizure Case.

Here are your top tips to assure you get it right, and you’re not screaming U.S. Customs Seized my Money, Oh No!

1. If you intend to carry over $10,000 in monetary instruments, including travelers checks and U.S. or foreign money, you MUST fill out the required form, FINCEN Form 105. Note, it is PERFECTLY acceptable to travel with currency, you JUST have to report it. Don’t be scared to do so.

2. Review U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s “Currency Reporting” flyer. Make sure you memorize what “monetary instruments” consist of:

• U.S. or foreign coins and currency;
• Travelers checks (in any form);
• Negotiable Instruments (including checks, promissory notes, and money orders – in a transferable form);
• Incomplete instruments (checks, promissory notes, and money orders) that are signed with a payees name omitted;
• Securities or stock in bearer form (in a transferable form)

3. Make sure you can explain proof of the legitimate source of the money.

4. Make sure you can explain proof of the legitimate intended use of the money.

5. Don’t divide currency for the purpose of evading reporting requirements.

• October 12, 2012 – CBP seizes $11,000 in currency […]