Why did some american colonists engage in smuggling and piracy?

The main reason why some American colonists turned to smuggling (more common) and piracy (less common) was economic. Simply put, it was a good way to make money. In addition, many people had so little respect for the laws they were breaking that they did not feel that it was morally wrong to do so.

I think it was because of some of the laws that were placed back then. The laws might have not been fair to them.

Archangel michael the healer