What to do if you get a package with your name on it that you didnt order?

Your Legal Rights

While you do not have to return or pay for unordered merchandise, if you decide to keep it, you may wish to mail a letter to the sender—via certified mail—explaining that you did not order the merchandise and plan to keep it.

Why did I receive a package in my name that I didn t order?

When a customer receives a package they didn't order, it may be a scam called "brushing". "Brushing" scams occur when bad actors send packages to publicly available names and addresses.

Can I keep a package that was delivered to me by mistake in my name?

You have the legal right to keep it as a free gift, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Sellers aren't permitted to ask for payment for unordered items, either, and the FTC says consumers are under no obligation to even tell the seller about the wrongly delivered merchandise.

What to do if you receive a package to your address but different name?

When you receive a mistaken delivery, call customer service for the delivery company and explain the situation. Give them the tracking number on the package, as well as the name and address on the package if it's different from yours. The company will come and pick up the product within a reasonable time frame.

What to do if you get an unknown package?

If the item is an unknown liquid or substance, contact the local authorities. Notify the retailer. If the package received is from a third-party retailer like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, or WISH report it to them and ask them to remove any reviews under your name.

Amazon scam warning, beware of deliveries you didn't order

Is it legal to keep a package accidentally delivered to you?

You have the legal right to keep it as a free gift, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Sellers aren't permitted to ask for payment for unordered items, either, and the FTC says consumers are under no obligation to even tell the seller about the wrongly delivered merchandise.

Can I legally keep a package I didn't order?

Is this legal? Under state and federal law, recipients of unordered merchandise may keep the goods and are under no obligation to pay for or return them. The recipient may treat the merchandise as an unconditional gift—and may use or dispose of the merchandise as he or she sees fit.

Can I pick up a package not in my name?

Can a customer have someone else pickup their held mail? If picking up mail for someone else, the customer needs written authorization (and their own photo ID).

Is it illegal to open a package with someone else's name on it?

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 someone do anything with my name and address?

Can thieves steal identities with only a name and address? In short, the answer is “no.” Which is a good thing, as your name and address are in fact part of the public record. Anyone can get a hold of them. However, because they are public information, they are still tools that identity thieves can use.

How do I return a package that aren't yours?

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.

Who is responsible if a package is stolen?

If it appears that your package has been stolen, contact the seller or retailer that sold you the item. Retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but you're usually entitled to a refund or a replacement.

What happens if you get someone else's package?

If you get mail that doesn't belong to you, then you should not open it. Don't throw it away, either. Instead, take the mail to the correct recipient or write “return to sender” on the package or letter. You can also return it to the post office directly.

Can you open a package that has your address but not your name?

No, you cannot. If it is addressed to somebody else with the wrong address (yours) but the correct name (theirs), it would be theft by conversion.

What happens if I open a package that isn't mine?

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.

Is it illegal to open misdelivered packages?

UPS misdelivers a parcel to you instead of another dwelling or building, and you know it's not yours, you open it and keep the contents, you are committing theft.

Does the name on a package matter?

We recommend you always put a name on the package, preferably the correct name, to avoid misdelivery, failed delivery attempts, lost packages, or similar.

Can someone send me a package without my address?

When using postal services, you can mail something without a return address, whether sending a package or an envelope. However, courier companies will not allow you to send a box with the sender's details missing.

Can someone with the same address pick up a package?

Anyone with the tracking number who lives at the recipient address can pick up the package on your behalf. They should bring government-issued photo identification that matches the recipient address (mobile phone screen-shots not accepted).

Do I have to return a package that is not mine?

You could also try asking your neighbors if your package was sent to their address. Is it illegal to keep someone else's packages? It's not illegal to keep a package that you didn't order. The Federal Trade Commission states that you don't need to pay or return a package that was accidentally sent to you.

Can you refuse a package and return to sender?

Check the box “Refused," and the mail carrier will not complete the delivery and will return to the sender. This option works for mail that requires a signature, such as certified and registered mail, Priority Mail Express, collect on delivery, and mail insured for over $200.

What is package brushing?

“Brushing” is when a scammer finds a consumer's personal information and ships goods that they did not order. The fraudster then writes reviews in the recipient's name with the objective of falsely boosting the ratings or reputation of a company.

What to do if Amazon package was delivered to your address but not your name?

Report the unordered package to Amazon customer service at (888) 280-4331. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission online or by phone at (877) 382-4357.

How common is package theft?

Here are some of our key findings: Nationally, 49 million Americans have had at least one package stolen in the past 12 months. The prevalence of victims ranged from a high of 29 percent in Alaska to a low of 12 percent in Maine.

What can you do if someone steals a package from the front of your house?