How to Get Seized Money Back From the Airport in NYC? 2025

Money that is improperly reported to customs and seized at the airport is more common than you might think, especially in big cities like NYC. Still, when it happens, it can be frustrating and embarrassing, not to mention the potential financial hardship. Your chances at a successful outcome can be greatly increased with the understanding of your rights and the process of how to get seized money back from the airport in NYC.

Why Your Money Might Be Seized

In the United States, anyone traveling in or out of the country has to report how much money they have with them if it exceeds $10,000. If someone fails to properly declare this amount to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, there can be serious consequences that start with customs or other law enforcement officials seizing your money.

It’s Not Just Cash

In many cases, you may be obligated to report more than money. Any form of currency needs to be reported to customs if the total value exceeds the limit. This may include:

• Cash in paper or coin form
• Traveler’s checks and cashier checks
• Personal checks, money orders, or promissory notes
• Gold in the form of bullion, coins, or medals
• Physical certificates of securities or stocks
• Mobile wallets, prepaid debit cards, and other kinds of prepaid electronic payment

It is also important to know that the limit applies to a whole group if they are traveling together. For example, a person traveling alone with $3,000 does not have to declare that amount. However, if there are four people traveling together and they each have $3,000 in cash, they are required to report that amount on their U.S. Customs form.

Failing to properly report all currency can lead to seizure and other penalties. However, you do not have to report everything that is related to finances. For example, credit or debit cards or other forms of payment that are not easily convertible to cash may not need to be declared.

How to Get Seized Money Back From the Airport in NYC

If U.S. Customs seizes your money, the first step is to stay calm. They may take possession of your money, but it still rightfully belongs to you. Fortunately, there is some recourse, and it is very common to have seized money returned. But fast acting is essential if you want a successful outcome. Take the following steps to set yourself up for a favorable result:

• Request a receipt. Law enforcement officials have to give you a receipt for everything they seize from you at the airport. The receipt should include the date and location, the amount seized, and contact information for the agency. If they fail to offer a receipt, request one. That is your proof that they seized your money.
• Obtain official notice. You are also supposed to receive an official notice that they seized your money. Within sixty days of the incident, the government is required to send this, and if they fail to do so, they may have to return your money. The notice will also include what steps you need to take.
• Prevent administrative forfeiture. Administrative forfeiture means that you give up the right to have your money returned to you if you do not take appropriate action as instructed in the official notice. There is normally a relatively short period to get started on the legal process, so it is important to take care of it right away.
• Get trusted legal help. While some minor legal issues may be handled without an attorney, you need a skilled lawyer when you are dealing with cash seizure at the airport, especially if it could lead to a criminal charge or investigation. The laws can be complex, and you have to act quickly to have your money returned and deal with any related issues that come up as a result. An experienced attorney can make sure your case is handled swiftly and, in many cases, without a hearing.

FAQs

Q: Can TSA Seize Money?

A: TSA agents can’t seize money themselves, as this does not fall under their purview. If

they suspect illegal activity, they can notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and detain the person until officers arrive. While TSA can’t seize your cash, other law enforcement officers do have the authority to do so if they believe it is linked to illegal activity or if it has not been properly reported.

Q: What Happens to Money Seized at the Airport?

A: Money seized at the airport is turned over to the federal government to be held in trust until the case is resolved. The money still belongs to the person it was taken from until they either give up their right to have it returned by not taking action or a court decides the money is subject to forfeiture.

Q: What Other Penalties Are There for Not Declaring Money?

A: In addition to having your money seized, failure to properly report money to customs can result in civil or criminal charges. You could be charged with a federal crime, with potential penalties of up to a $500,000 fine and imprisonment of up to ten years, and also be investigated for other financial offenses.

Q: What Evidence Will I Need to Prove My Case?

A: To prove your case, you need evidence that the money was obtained through legitimate sources and is not linked to illegal activity. This generally comes in the form of documentation like bank statements, invoices and receipts, business records, and affidavits by people who know about the cash, like a business partner, accountant, or employer.

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella has extensive experience with representing clients in seized cash cases as well as the financial allegations that can come up as a result. Jonathan Savella, Attorney at Law, treats each client with the personal time and attention they need. He has the skills and resources to help you get a positive outcome in your case. Contact our office right away to discuss your case.