no3putts Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Actually I didn't, this happened to a friend of mine who just gave me a call. Here's his story: Doorbell rings and his daughter answers, she steps out the door and retrieves a box the mailman had dropped off. She begins walking it towards him. He notices an international air mail sticker. Hmmmm....he thinks. he was expecting some "cathedral candles" nearly two weeks ago. Thought they were gone forever. Than his daugher says..."I wonder what this is, it's so light." She hands him the box, his heart sinks. It feels REALLY light, almost like nothing is in it. Certainly not the cathedral candles he ordered. He tears it open, a single piece of paper. It says the contents of his delivery have been seized and he should expect to recieve correspondence from the gentelemen who opened his box before it got to his door in the near future. Any experience here? Need some advice for him.
Jimmy2 Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Tell the vendor also send a pic of the notice and everything else vender should make good. When notice comes in the mail just put it in the garbage and forget about it no biggie. Than start ordering again like nothing happened. And congrats he just broke his cherry....
no3putts Posted February 28, 2009 Author Posted February 28, 2009 Jimmy, Are you sure...cause my friend is F-R-E-A-K-I-N-G!! I don't know what to tell him. Tell the vendor also send a pic of the notice and everything else vender should make good.When notice comes in the mail just put it in the garbage and forget about it no biggie. Than start ordering again like nothing happened. And congrats he just broke his cherry....
Jimmy2 Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Most will tell you the same and will most likely give even more info on this i just gave the short version. But just tell him to forget about it and dont ANSWER the letter coming to him.
Ginseng Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Take it from someone who has researched this perhaps more extensively than any other. Tell your friend this. Throw away the box and note. When the next letter arrives in a few weeks, open it. Read it. Understand that this is part of the game and the risk involved. And then throw it away. It also would not hurt to have your friend speak with the shipper for their take on this. It will likely be consistent with what is being told to you here. However, if your friend should get a certified letter. Then he should worry. Wilkey
armedak Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Unless your friend receives the bad letter" request for informaion" certified, tell your frirend not to worry. Your firend probably will not, as I haven't heard of anyone receiving one of those, for quite some time. Hopefully, your friend ordered from a vendor who guarantees delivery. Best of Luck!!!
Guest rob Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 From what I have read, my understanding of this (as an observer) is that these letters and future requests for correspondence are un-constitutional. Therefore - throw them away.
habanohal Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 I have 7 of confiscation letters. All framed in my office room. It just adds to my collection . LOL
Ginseng Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 From what I have read, my understanding of this (as an observer) is that these letters and future requests for correspondence are un-constitutional. Therefore - throw them away. The constitutionality of these letters is an academic issue. The advice given here is of a more practical nature and entirely effective. Should your friend receive a letter requesting information about his purchases, though, advise him not to ignore that one. Doing so actually can incur some quite significant sanctions. Also, as far as I can determine, the letter your friend got and the "bad" ones are uncorrelated. Wilkey
kanuna Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 I am glad to see all the replys and advice. Now I know how to handle if I run into an issue as this....
kmax Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Been there done that MANY times. Wilkey has it right though. Right along the line sof what my attorney advised me.
anacostiakat Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Been there done that MANY times. Wilkey has it right though. Right along the line sof what my attorney advised me. If I ever need an attorney I'll give you a hollar, Brother!
Bolismoker Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 Another one here who has received the "letter" many times over the years. Have always done what has been stated above, and its never been a problem.
no3putts Posted February 28, 2009 Author Posted February 28, 2009 Just as an aide, I did contact the vendor before i got the letter, as the package was way passed due. And they assured me replacements were on the way. A real quality vendor. 1
Lanthor Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Part of the game if you live in the US. Nothin like getting a nastygram from Uncle Sam...
kanuna Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 hopefully never but if so i will hold my head proud and like above frame it.....lol (rather have the cigs than a letter)
FlyFishingDude Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 I have 7 of confiscation letters. All framed in my office room. It just adds to my collection . LOL I've heard of people collecting stuff, but this is good.
armedak Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Just as an aide, I did contact the vendor before i got the letter, as the package was way passed due. And they assured me replacements were on the way. A real quality vendor. Ahhhhh...... don't you mean "your friend" contacted the vendor??
Van55 Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 If the letter comes from ICE (i.e. U.S. Customs) as it most likely will, then it is safely ignored. It simply allows you the opportunity to contest the seizure and claim the seized goods. Since your friend never ordered whatever was sent, surely he won't try to claim the candles. Issue closed. If, on the other hand, the letter comes from U.S. Treasury (OFAC), that's another story.
DocRKS Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 So what does the "bad" letter mean.What happens? The 'bad' letter comes from OFAC --- they will ask for info on your purchases - remember - they have access to your bank records and CC purchases. If you get one of these - you are probably going to be parting with $$$$$ in fines and penalties..... Unlike the Customes Dept. letter - the OFAC letter is 'Not Suitable for Framing'....... this is a serious piece of correspondence.
Ginseng Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Gentlemen, In the interest of discretion, I think we might want to let this thread wrap up. If your friends have further questions, then please feel free to have them contact directly any of the experienced posters who've responded. For the mean time, I'm going to lock this unless a compelling reason to open it back up presents itself. You may PM me with comments. Wilkey
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