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If you’re not sure what to do with mail that isn’t yours, it’s probably easier than you think to get rid of it legally. All you need to do is write “RETURN TO SENDER” on the front of the envelope and put it back in your mailbox. Your postal worker will take care of it for you from there.
Can I throw away mail not addressed to me?
Yes. It is a federal crime to open or destroy mail that is not intended for you. The law provides that you can not “destroy, hide, open, or embezzle” mail that is not addressed to you. If you intentionally open or destroy someone else’s mail, you are committing obstruction of correspondence, which is a felony.
How do I report wrong mail delivery?
Call USPS Postal Service Customer Service at (800) 275-8777 or contact your local Postal Service Consumer & Industry Contact office.
How do I sue someone for opening my mail?
If you are stating that the USPS is opening your mail, you need to file a complaint with the USPS. The best way is USPS.com. Also if it’s someone in your neighborhood or building that is opening your mail, then you need to TALK TO THE POLICE first about how to approach this.
How long do you have to return mail that isn’t yours?
If the intended recipient needs to be home at the time of delivery, it will take a long time for the item to arrive back to the sender. In these cases, the mail person will leave a note and the envelope or parcel will be kept at the Post Office for 15 days for the recipient to collect.
Is it illegal to keep someone else’s mail?
Can I keep mail delivered to me by mistake? If you receive mail addressed to someone else and keep it, you’re still committing a crime. U.S. Code § 1708 calls this concealing mail and specifically prohibits it.
Can I open someone else’s mail with their permission?
The federal law surrounding mail theft and obstruction only applies to unlawful receipt and opening of mail. With the addressee’s permission, you may absolutely receive, open, and manage another person’s mail.
Is it illegal to forward someone else’s mail?
It is the illegal and unauthorized request to change someone’s mailing address, without their consent. Going in person to a post office location is the easiest way for someone to follow through with this form of identity theft.
Can I get in trouble for opening my husbands mail?
Under the law, tampering with, hiding or opening mail addressed to someone else, even if to your spouse or ex-spouse, is a Federal crime. You may open mail addressed to your spouse or ex-spouse when: You are given explicit authority by your spouse or ex-spouse; or. The letter or mail is also addressed to you.
Can someone withhold my mail?
It is illegal (in the US) to withhold, steal, destroy or otherwise keep a person from receiving his/her mail without his/her permission. If a neighbor, for example, is going to be away for a few days, they might ask the Post Office to hold their mail until they return.
Can my wife open my mail?
Technically, it’s a violation of US federal law, Section 1708 of the US Code, Title 18. No individual is allowed to open the mail of anyone besides him or herself; being married does not change that fact. My wife and I never cared if the other opened mail addressed to the other.
Is opening someone’s mail a federal offense?
Is it a federal crime to open someone else’s mail? The short answer is “yes.” Opening or destroying mail that is addressed to someone else is a crime called “Obstruction of Correspondence.” It is a serious felony that could lead to prison time.
Can you open mail addressed to your house but not your name?
Yes. It is illegal to open mail that is not addressed to you personally . Intentionally opening , intercepting or hiding mail that is not your own is the felony crime of mail theft. It comes with some heavyweight penalties, including five years’ incarceration in a federal prison.
What should I do with my ex’s mail?
Here’s how to stop it – write “Return to Sender” on the mail, or “No longer at this address.” Also, mark out any bar codes. Then pop back into a mailbox. The piece will come up as undeliverable and will be hand-inspected.
What is considered mail tampering?
Definition of Tampering Theft, destruction and defacement of a piece of mail – a letter, postal card, package, box or bag – from a private mailbox, collection box, postal worker or mail truck is classified as mail tampering.
Is receiving mail a right?
All have the right to receive mail service, subject to safety considerations, but the term “delivery” can be a source of argument. Some get mail to their door, some have to pick up their mail some steps away at a community mailbox, lobby mailbox or lot line mailbox, as in rural areas.
Who investigates stolen mail?
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigates: Mail Theft.
Can I sue my ex for opening my mail?
Yes, you can do something. I suggest that you put in a change of address form with the post office regarding your name at that address.
Can I put my neighbors mail in their mailbox?
Yep. There is no potential penalty for putting your neighbor’s mail into their mailbox if it is was accidentally dropped off in your own box. If you live somewhere with cluster mailboxes and so can’t open up their box, leave it at their front door or, if you have a good relationship, hand it to them in person.
