Unsolicited Packages: What to Do When You Receive Someone Else’s Mail

Have you ever received a package or mail that was not addressed to you? It can happen to anyone, and sometimes, these packages may contain illegal items like gun parts, illegal drugs, stolen items, or even scammer counterfeit money. Understanding the legal and practical steps to take when you receive such packages is crucial. In this article, we will discuss the legal implications, how to handle misdelivered mail, and what to do in the case of unsolicited packages.

Legal Implications of Keeping Someone Else's Mail

It is essential to understand the legal consequences of keeping an unsolicited package. If the package was sent to a different person and you keep it, you could be guilty of mail theft or mail fraud, both of which are federal offenses. These charges can result in severe penalties, including up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Handling Unsolicited Packages

First and foremost, if you receive a package that was sent to someone else, you should not keep it under any circumstances. However, if you plan to keep a package that was addressed to you, you need to consider the legal implications and the concept of plausible deniability.

In most cases, if the package was sent to you and you believe it is unsolicited, you can keep it and have plausible deniability because it was sent in your name. However, if the package was sent to a different person, and you keep it, you are guilty of mail theft or mail fraud. These actions can be considered felony-level offenses.

Recognizing Phishing Attempts

Sometimes, unsolicited packages can be a sneaky way to perform phishing attacks. Someone might send a package with no name to try and get your name and payment details. Once they have this information, they might use it to order items in your name and have them sent to their address. Later, they might post about the items on social media to keep track of them. Therefore, it's crucial to be wary of unsolicited packages and take appropriate actions to protect yourself.

How to Handle Misdelivered Mail and Packages

Note that if you receive mail that was not addressed to you, you need to take specific actions to ensure it is returned safely to the sender. Here are some tips:

Wrong Address: If the mail or package is sent to a neighbor, do not remove it from the mailbox. Instead, raise the mailbox flag and inform the carrier. Additionally, if the neighbor's address appears in your USPS Informed Delivery account, you can search your address in USPS Address Lookup to obtain the correct 4-digit ZIP code. If the 4-digit ZIP code matches yours, you should explain to the neighbor that they need to update their address ZIP code with the sender to ensure the correct delivery. Barcodes and ZIP Codes: If the 4-digit ZIP code on the neighbor's mailer does not match your address, you should contact USPS Address Management for assistance. If the mailer appeared in your USPS Informed Delivery account, ensure the barcode or ZIP code is correct by searching your address in USPS Address Lookup. USPS Packages: For USPS packages, leave the package where it was delivered for a few days if it is safe and secure. This gives the intended recipient time to report the package missing, and gives USPS or the mail carrier time to retrieve it and deliver it to the correct address. If it is not secure, or it is not retrieved in a few days, drop it off at the nearest USPS location that services your address. Other Carriers: For packages delivered by UPS, FedEx, DHL, or Amazon, contact the carrier and inform them of the misdelivery or drop it off at their brick-and-mortar store. Correct Address/Wrong Name: If the mail is addressed to a past resident, write "NOT at this address" and place the package inside your mailbox with the flag up. Do not cross out the barcodes because the mail carrier needs this information to submit the proper paperwork to reduce future past resident mail. If you receive mail in a CBU cluster mailbox or a PO Box, give it to the clerk and mark out the barcodes if necessary to prevent looping back to your mailbox.

Conclusion

Receiving unsolicited packages can be concerning, but understanding the legal and practical steps to handle such situations can help prevent any unwanted or illegal activity. Following the guidelines provided in this article can help you deal with misdelivered mail and packages safely and effectively. Always be cautious and never keep packages that are not addressed to you.