San Diego Man Charged in $6M Counterfeit Stamp Scheme

Authorities say Wayne Fister sold millions of fake U.S. postage stamps online.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 38-year-old San Diego man named Wayne Fister, also known as Wayne Wong, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly selling millions of counterfeit U.S. postage stamps obtained from a Chinese manufacturer on an online marketplace. Prosecutors say the scheme netted Fister over $6 million, with a significant portion of the proceeds going towards the purchase of his home in San Diego.

Why it matters

The sale of counterfeit postage stamps is a serious federal crime that can undermine the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service and lead to significant financial losses. This case highlights the growing problem of online marketplaces being used to facilitate the sale of counterfeit goods.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Fister has been charged with mail fraud, counterfeit stamp sales, and money laundering for his alleged role in the scheme. Prosecutors say he obtained the fake stamps from a Chinese manufacturer and then sold them on an unnamed online marketplace, netting over $6 million in the process.

  • Fister was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2026.
  • Fister pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 11, 2026.

The players

Wayne Fister

A 38-year-old San Diego man, also known as Wayne Wong, who has been indicted for allegedly selling millions of counterfeit U.S. postage stamps online.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal agency that announced the charges against Fister and is prosecuting the case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Fister is scheduled to appear in federal court again on March 25, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of online marketplaces being used to facilitate the sale of counterfeit goods, which can have far-reaching consequences for consumers, businesses, and government agencies like the U.S. Postal Service.