How to report opened mail
If you have opened mail that was intended for someone else, it's important to report it to the appropriate authorities to ensure that the mail is returned to its rightful owner. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Contact the sender: If you know who sent the mail, you can try contacting them to return the mail to them. You can do this by calling or emailing them and explaining the situation.
- Contact the post office: If you don't know who sent the mail or if the sender is unknown, you can contact the post office where you received the mail. They can help you determine who the mail was intended for and arrange for it to be returned to them.
- File a report with the USPS: If you're unable to contact the sender or the post office, you can file a report with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can do this by visiting your local post office or by contacting the USPS's customer service department.
To file a report with the USPS, you'll need to provide the following information:
- The date you received the mail
- The type of mail (e.g. letter, package, etc.)
- The sender's name and address (if known)
- The recipient's name and address (if known)
- A description of the contents of the mail
You can also report opened mail to the USPS online by filling out their "Report a Lost or Stolen Mail" form.
- Return the mail: Once you've filed a report with the USPS, you should return the mail to the post office or a designated location. Make sure to keep a copy of the report and any other relevant documentation, in case you need to prove that you returned the mail.
It's important to note that it's illegal to open mail that is not addressed to you, and it's considered a federal offense. If you're unsure about what to do with opened mail, it's always best to err on the side of caution and report it to the authorities.