Your address is something that is very personal to you and having someone else use it can be a bit frustrating. Below we highlight what you should do if someone keeps using your address.
Contents
What To Do If Someone Keeps Using Your Address
Do Not Open The Mail
If someone keeps using your address it’s important that you do not open the mail, especially if they are renewal notices or other government notices as you can get into trouble for doing so. The best way to deal with this is to contact whoever is sending the mail to your address. Explain to them that the addressee does not live on your property. The contact details of whoever is sending the mail should be at the back of the envelope.
Leave Parcels In Mailbox
If you cannot find the contact details of whoever sent the mail its best that you leave the mail or parcel in the mailbox. However, you should write “return to sender” or “not at this address” on the parcel that you received. This way the mailman can collect the parcels and return them to the sender. Doing this helps to protect you from fraudulent activities or crime.
Talk To Mailman
If you are able to wait for the mailman to pass by your house the next day you should do so. This gives you the opportunity to directly hand in the wrongly addressed mail to the mailman. Explain to him that the person written on the mail does not stay here. The mailman will know exactly what to do with the parcel.
Visit Local USPS Office
If there is a local United States Postal Service (USPS) office in your area you need to visit them and lodge a complaint. There is a chance that they will be able to help stop the packages and letters from appearing in your mailbox.
Contact Police
If you suspect that a person keeps using your address for illegal activities like to get proof of residence, insurance or drivers license you need to contact the police. However, you should not use the emergency police number as this is not technically an emergency even though it might seem that way. The police will launch an investigation into the matter and try to figure out whether that person is in fact committing a crime.
Why Someone Would Use Your Address
One might think that a stranger using your address might not mean any harm but it actually does. This is because scammers now use fraudulent address in a bid to scam people. A person can use your address if he or she wishes to evade some taxes and this is a serious crime. A person can also use your address in a bid to prove that they have a residence yet they do not. If you suspect that someone is using your address for fraudulent activities you should report them to the police or the United States Postal Inspection Service.
How Do I Stop Someone From Using My Address?
The best way to stop someone from using your address is to report them to the United States Postal Inspection Service. Their number is (877) 876-2455 or you can contact them online using this link. You need to give them all the details that they ask you so that they can be in a better position to help you. Reporting someone helps to ensure that they get caught and are held accountable for their actions.
Is It OK For Someone To Use Your Address?
As long as you do not know the person it is not ok for someone to use your address. This is because they can commit fraudulent activities using your address and this could lend you in big trouble with the police. If you notice that someone is using your address without your permission you should follow any of the steps noted in this article.
What Happens If You Use Someone Else’s Address?
Depending on the state that you reside in, if you use someone else’s address you can either get jail time or you can be fined. However, a thorough investigation can be done to determine whether you were wrong or whether you were framed by someone else.
Can I Stop Someone’s Mail From Coming to My House?
Yes, you can stop someone’s mail from coming to your house. All you have to do is write “return to sender” or “not at this address” the USPS will return the mail to the sender and they will eventually note that the addressee does not reside there. If the problem persists you can visit your local USPS office and lodge a complaint so that they can address the issue.
Can You Open Mail Addressed To Your House But Not Your Name?
You cannot open mail that is addressed to your house but not your name. This is because it is a federal crime. If you try to destroy the mail you will be charged with Obstruction of Correspondence. This is a serious crime which can lend a person in jail. Therefore, never open mail that is addressed to your house but not your name.
Does Return To Sender Work?
Yes, return to sender works especially if you do it more than once. Your local postal service will notice that the addressee does not leave on the stated address and will try their best to find that persons new address or block those kinds of parcels from coming to your house.
Can I Keep A Package That Was Delivered To My Address By Mistake?
No, you cannot keep a package that was delivered to your address by mistake especially if it has someone else’s name on it. Therefore, you should just write. “not on this address” or “return to sender” so that the mailman can take it back.
Conclusion
If you have someone that is using your address without your knowledge it’s important to follow any of the above steps. This is because it is a crime for someone to use your address without your knowledge.