My Mailman Keeps Delivering The Wrong Mail

Opening your mailbox and finding someone else’s mail is annoying and inconvenient. It puts you in an awkward situation where you might not know what what to do. So, what should I do if my mailman keeps delivering the wrong mail?

Call or visit your local postal service office if your mail carrier keeps delivering the wrong mail. If you get your neighbor’s mail, you can simply give it to them when you see them next. Never put mail in your neighbor’s mailbox, as that is illegal, even if it showed up at your house.

You can also put a note on your mailbox telling the mail carrier that you are getting the wrong mail. Otherwise, you can mark mail as “wrong address” and put it in the outgoing slot. Follow along as we explore what to do if your mailman keeps delivering the wrong mail.

Why Do I Keep Getting Someone Else’s Mail?

The reason you keep getting someone else’s mail is simply because of your address. In most cases, mail shows up at a particular address because that’s what the envelope says. For example, the previous resident of your home may have subscribed to services or received junk mail at that address.

While most people set up a forwarding address upon moving, that doesn’t always work. You can also get the wrong mail if someone writes the wrong address on a letter or online order. There could also be a problem with your mailbox, such as faded numbers and letters or low visibility.

Similar street names can also get mixed up at the post office. Finally, the problem may simply come down to a mix-up with your mail carrier. Mail carriers are prone to making mistakes like anyone else, so try to be understanding if they deliver the wrong mail.

What To Do If You Get Your Neighbor’s Mail

Save It

Your first instinct may be to immediately put your neighbor’s mail in their mailbox. However, that is a punishable offense, especially if a police officer or mail carrier sees it. Instead, you should hold onto the mail temporarily.

You can even document what has happened if this occurs often. That way, you can make a case to the postal service that it happens frequently and must stop. It isn’t necessary for a one-time occurrence, however.

Display It

Some people simply don’t have relationships with their neighbors, and that’s fine. However, that may make it awkward to return your neighbor’s mail to them. Luckily, you can simply place the mail in a noticeable spot near their home.

For example, you can place their mail in a bag and set it on their porch. The bag is a great idea to ensure the mail doesn’t blow away. You can also stick the mail between your neighbor’s storm door and front door, but only if you have a relationship with them.

That way, they won’t think it’s strange that someone opened their storm door. Otherwise, you can simply leave the mail in front of their door if you live at an apartment complex. Be careful with this option if you live at an outdoor apartment complex, as it may blow away unless you weigh it down.

Give It To Them

The easiest way to return your neighbor's mail is to simply give it to them. This is the only way to ensure they get the mail and it won’t blow away. Wait until you see them outside or know they’re home, and hand it to them.

They will likely appreciate it, and it should be a short exchange. However, you may need to have a conversion if this continually happens. It may be a matter of them mistakenly entering the wrong address or even the wrong unit number.

In that case, they should know about their mistakes, so it doesn’t happen again. After all, someone else may not be as honest if they receive their mail.

Put A Note On Your Mailbox

It’s not your mail carrier’s fault that you keep getting the wrong mail. However, they may be able to help solve the problem if you let them know. For example, you can stick a note on your mailbox notifying them that the person whose mail you get doesn’t live there.

Otherwise, you can wait until you see them and give them a note to pass on. Even a simple conversation can yield some great advice or get them to stop delivering the wrong mail.

How Do I Stop Incorrect Mail From Getting Delivered?

The best way to stop mail from getting delivered that doesn’t belong to you is to reach out to the USPS. This is often much easier than calling them, as you may have to wait a long time. Hopefully, you can submit a USPS Form 1500 to ensure you stop getting the wrong mail.

Your local post office should correct the problem within a few weeks. Keep in mind that it takes time for this problem to resolve, so you may still temporarily get the wrong mail. Never blame your mail carrier, as it’s not their fault. They simply deliver what they’re told to deliver.

What Should I Do if I Accidentally Opened Someone’s Mail?

If you accidentally open someone’s mail, it’s important to return it as misdelivered. In that case, you must of course seal the letter as well as you can before you can return it. The process is as simple as writing “wrong address” on the envelope.

Once you’ve done this, you can put it in an outgoing mail slot. From there, it’s up to the United States Postal Service to handle the rest. Going forward, it’s important to double-check the name and address on each letter you receive before opening it.

You may create an awkward situation if you return an opened piece of mail to a neighbor. However, you shouldn’t have a problem if you have a relationship with your neighbor and they understand it was an accident.

Can You Put Mail In Your Neighbor’s Mailbox?

You cannot put mail in your neighbor’s mailbox, even if it mistakenly arrived at your house. It’s even a crime to put an unmarked letter in a friend or family member’s mailbox. This is considered a violation of their privacy, and you may face fines and penalties.

Can You Throw Away Someone Else’s Junk Mail?

You should not throw away someone else’s junk mail if you receive it, even if it’s useless. The person who was supposed to receive it may find it useful and even need it.

You cannot shred or keep any mail that isn’t intended for you, even if it arrives at your house. Shredding or discarding mail is legally considered the same as stealing it. Simply write “wrong address” on it and put it in with the outgoing mail so it gets back to them.

Summing It Up

Write “wrong address” or “return to sender” on the envelope if you keep getting the wrong mail. Hold onto your neighbor’s mail if you receive it, and give it to them or put it on their doorstep. You cannot shred, keep, or throw away mail if it comes to your house and is addressed to someone else.

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