10 Federal Crimes You Won't Believe Exist

In the nearly 250 years since America became a country, the U.S. government has come up with a wide range of federal laws to protect the citizens of the United States. While many of these laws safeguard our best interests, some of them seem downright strange. From transporting dentures across state lines to mislabeling turkey ham, here are 10 unbelievable federal crimes that can land you in jail.

1. Writing a Check for Less Than $1

Need to pay someone a dollar? Be careful, because issuing a check for less than $1 could result in a six-month stint in jail.

2. Transporting Dentures Across State Lines

Ever thought about sending false teeth across state borders? Well, according to federal law, non-dentists who ship their product out of state could face up to one year in jail.

3. Issuing a False Weather Report

Planning on playing a prank with a fake weather report? Think again. Knowingly giving false weather information is a federal crime and could result in three months in jail.

4. Providing a Pirate With Provisions

It might sound like something out of an old maritime tale, but helping a pirate by providing them with supplies could lead to years behind bars.

5. Damaging a Government-Owned Light

Breaking a lamp might not seem like a big deal, but breaking or damaging a government-owned light could lead to six months behind bars.

6. Roller Skating in an Undesignated Area of a National Park

While roller skating might sound like harmless fun, doing it in a national park where it's not allowed could result in a six-month jail sentence.

7. Importing African Rats Without Permission

Bringing African rats into the United States might sound like a strange endeavor, but if you don't have permission from the CDC and they're not properly processed, you could face up to one year in jail.

8. Mislabeling 'Turkey Ham'

If you're in the business of labeling food products, be sure to adhere to the strict guidelines. Mislabeling "Turkey Ham" could land you in jail for up to one year.

9. Using Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl Without Permission

You might love Smokey Bear's message about preventing forest fires, but using his likeness or slogans for commercial purposes without permission could land you in prison.

10. Taking a Samsung Galaxy Note® 7 Smartphone on a Plane

After a series of incidents involving the Samsung Note 7 catching fire, it's now a federal crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine, to carry one onto a plane under an Emergency Restriction/Prohibition Order.

Although many federal laws serve to maintain order and protect citizens, some might just make you scratch your head in disbelief. So, before you inadvertently find yourself on the wrong side of the law, take a moment to ensure you're not accidentally breaking one of these bizarre federal laws!

Reference: 13 Federal Crimes That Are Almost Too Bizarre To Believe