Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1726: Postage collected unlawfully

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A postmaster or authorized mail recipient who fraudulently demands or receives postage, gratuities, or rewards beyond what law allows may be fined or imprisoned up to six months.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, being a postmaster or other person authorized to receive the postage of mail matter, fraudulently demands or receives any rate of postage or gratuity or reward other than is provided by law for the postage of such mail matter, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.