What do you do with mail that isn't yours

What to do with mail that isn't yours? Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Don't open it: Resist the temptation to open the mail, as it may contain personal or confidential information that's not intended for you.
  2. Check for return address: Look for the return address on the envelope or package to see if it's addressed to someone else. If it is, you can:
    • Forward it: If you know the recipient's address, you can forward the mail to them. You can use a forwarding service or attach a new address label to the envelope.
    • Return it to sender: If you don't know the recipient's address, you can return the mail to the sender by attaching a note explaining the situation and sending it back to the original sender's address.
  3. Donate or recycle: If the mail is not addressed to anyone specific, you can:
    • Donate it: Consider donating the mail to a local charity or thrift store. They may be able to use the materials for their own purposes.
    • Recycle it: Many types of mail, such as junk mail, catalogs, and envelopes, can be recycled. Check with your local recycling program to see what types of mail are accepted.
  4. Report it: If you receive suspicious or unwanted mail, such as junk mail, spam, or phishing emails, you can report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local postal service.
  5. Be cautious: When handling mail that isn't yours, be cautious not to touch or handle sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal identification numbers.

Remember, it's always best to err on the side of caution when handling mail that isn't yours. If in doubt, it's usually best to return it to the sender or recycle it.