I got my call this week. Be sure when you buy on eBay that they are not coming from overseas. Being a former state inspector probably helped he out of a tight. He thought it was funny that I spent money and got rotten cuttings. He only lives about 30 miles from me so after a long chat we will probably have dinner at Rays Millpond one night. But check the country of origin, I was bidding on my iPhone s I didn't check. It was my wife's account so they ask for her. Lol!

Were the cuttings intercepted by customs?

OOPS...
I'm glad you didn't get in trouble Hershell. Several stories in the forum about this sort of thing.
Those folks are watching, it's definitely good advice to anybody buying on eBay.

...and now your wife has been added to the list, and she's not even the one with the fig problem.
Her picture has been added to the USDA hall of shame :)

Yea, and you know she's guilty. Yea I did get the cuttings, nice and rotten.

I guess that would be a difficult phone call. How did they catch it? Do all packages get checked? My father-in-law is in Italy right now - for a month. If he wanted to get cuttings back to the states (hypothetically) what is the best method?

Do not buy them on eBay. They monitor it close. I asked about all of my rare citrus and he said if I had had it for years not to worry, but I worry. I have a lot of trees.

Before I buy on EBay, I always click on US Only. EBay will let overseas sellers advertise, collect their fees then turn in the buyers to USDA. Ethical??

Tony, "hypothetically" speaking, I would put the cuttings in the carry-on, and if they catch it, don't argue, and let them chuck the cuttings.
But there are SOO many available varieties right here, why take a chance?
If it were a matter of preserving a heritage, family tree, I might feel justified, and explain my reason to the authorities if I got busted.
Some things are worth fighting to preserve.

It really wasn't a difficult call. I expected it, I had been on the other end so to speak with state inspections so I guess I was prepared. I kept the cuttings for a while but got tired of them them and tossed them. I understand and appreciate there efforts.