What to do with mail with your address but someone else's name?

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.
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Why would I get mail with my address and someone else's name?

Most of the time, if you're getting mail intended for someone else it's for one of two reasons: (1) it's for a neighbor and your postal carrier made a mistake, or (2) it's for the previous tenant or homeowner who lived at your address.
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Can I open mail with my address but not my name?

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.
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How do I stop someone from using my address at my mail?

The easiest way to stop unwanted mail is to write "No Longer at This Address" on the unwanted envelopes and return them to your mailbox. The mailman will pick them up the post office will update its system to show that the previous resident no longer lives at your address.
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What to do if you keep getting mail for previous owner?

How to Stop Getting Mail for Previous Residents – Things to Do
  1. Write or Put Sticky Notes on the Envelope. ...
  2. Useful Method – Cross Out the Barcode. ...
  3. Put a Sticky Note on Your Mailbox. ...
  4. Speak to Your Mail Carrier. ...
  5. File a Complaint with the Postmaster. ...
  6. Don't Throw It Away. ...
  7. Don't Open the Mail. ...
  8. Don't Fill Out a Change of Address.
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Unauthorized Change Of Address; What Can You Do



How long do I have to forward previous owners mail?

There is no expiration date. IF someone's mail comes to your address and your not that person you always write “return to sender” etc. Unless you know they are passed away. In the past year I started getting junk mail addressed to my grandpa at my address.
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Can you open someone else's mail with your address?

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.
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Can I keep a package that was delivered to my address with someone else's name?

By the law you are not allowed to keep it because of it being someone else's name. You have to either physically take it to the post office and let them know that person doesn't live at your address.
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Can someone steal your identity with your address and full name?

Identity theft happens when someone uses information about you without your permission. They could use your: name and address. credit card or bank account numbers.
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Why would a stranger use my address?

Address fraud is a type of fraud in which the perpetrator uses an inaccurate or fictitious address to steal money or other benefit, or to hide from authorities. The crime may involve stating one's address as a place where s/he never lived, or continuing to use a previous address where one no longer lives as one's own.
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Can someone steal your identity with just your 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.
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What can happen if someone uses your address?

Depending on the severity of the crime, the legal penalties can include fines and imprisonment. A common example of committing address fraud is opening a bank account or credit account using a false or stolen address. Someone might submit a credit application containing another person's address or a fictitious address.
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What personal information does someone need to steal your identity?

What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. Identity thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver's licenses in your name.
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Can someone open a bank account in your name without you knowing?

Because there is no consumer victim to report a stolen identity, accounts opened by synthetic identities often go undetected.
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Is it an Offence to keep someone else's mail?

It's a crime. The Postal Services Act 2000 clearly states that it is certainly illegal to open someone's post, or delay it reaching the owner.
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What to do if Amazon package was delivered to your address but not your name?

If you confirm that the package addressed to you, wasn't ordered by you or anyone you know, report the package online by going to the Report Unwanted Package form. You can also contact Customer Service who will support you in reporting the issue to the investigations team.
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What is the penalty for obstruction of correspondence?

Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
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Do you have to return mail that's not yours?

If the mail has come to the right address, but it's addressed to someone who doesn't live there, write “Not at this address” on the envelope or package before returning it. If you get mail that's been delivered to the wrong address, all you have to do is give it back to your delivery person or drop it in a mailbox.
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What happens to your mail if you don't forward it?

If you fail to submit a USPS mail forwarding request when you move, the post office collects and stores your mail for a maximum of 10 days. After the 10-day period, the mail is returned to the sender where possible. If the USPS can't return the mail, they will discard it.
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Does return to sender work?

With return to sender, a mail carrier will pick up the mail item, whether it's delivered to the wrong address or person or rejected, and send it back to the sender. Did you receive mail that isn't yours and need to send it back? It happens.
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Can a scammer do anything with your address?

The scammers divert your mail to the new mailing address where they have access. They open your mail and access your bank statements, drivers license renewals, and other sensitive information they can use to rob you or conduct financial crimes under your name.
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What are the 3 actions Someone must take if their identity is stolen?

Explain that someone stole your identity and ask them to close or freeze the compromised account. Contact any of the three credit reporting agencies and ask that a free fraud alert be placed on your credit report. Also ask for a free credit report.
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How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.
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What are the four things you need to do if your identity is stolen?

What to do if your identity is stolen
  1. Contact the companies and banks where you know identity fraud occurred. ...
  2. Contact the credit reporting agencies and place fraud alerts. ...
  3. Ask for copies of your credit reports. ...
  4. Place a security freeze on your credit report.
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How can you tell if someone has stolen your identity?

How To Know if Someone Stole Your Identity
  1. Track what bills you owe and when they're due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
  2. Review your bills. ...
  3. Check your bank account statement. ...
  4. Get and review your credit reports.
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