§ 288. — False claims for postal losses.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 18USC288]
TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I--CRIMES
CHAPTER 15--CLAIMS AND SERVICES IN MATTERS AFFECTING GOVERNMENT
Sec. 288. False claims for postal losses
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.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 698; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXIII,
Sec. 330016(1)(G), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 104-294,
title VI, Sec. 606(a), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3511.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Sec. 354 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch.
321, Sec. 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.
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.
