Federal prosecutors have indicted a San Diego man on charges of running a multimillion-dollar counterfeit postage stamp operation, unsealing the case on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Wayne Fister, 38, also known as Wayne Wong, is accused of obtaining counterfeit U.S. postage stamps from a manufacturer in China and selling them through an online marketplace, accumulating more than $6 million in proceeds. According to prosecutors, the scheme began in July 2024. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted multiple packages containing over a million counterfeit stamps destined for Fister.

Authorities allege that Fister used a significant portion of the illegal proceeds to purchase a home in San Diego. The indictment includes charges of mail fraud, selling counterfeit stamps, and money laundering. Fister pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a bail hearing on March 25, 2026.

If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 20 years in prison on the mail fraud charge, an additional 10 years for money laundering, and five years for selling counterfeit stamps — along with fines totaling up to $1.5 million.

The case is a reminder that counterfeit stamps are not a victimless offense: the U.S. Postal Service absorbs significant revenue losses when fake postage is used, which can affect service levels and rates for legitimate customers.