What to do with abusive junk mails

The frustration of receiving abusive junk mail! Here are some steps you can take to deal with it:

  1. Don't engage: Avoid responding to abusive or harassing mail, as it can escalate the situation. Don't give them the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of you.
  2. Report to the sender: If the mail is from a specific company or organization, report the abuse to their customer service department or complaints email. They may not be aware of the issue and can take action to stop it.
  3. Contact the relevant authorities: If the mail is threatening or harassing, report it to the authorities, such as:
    • Your local police department or law enforcement agency
    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US (1-877-FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov)
    • The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) in the US (1-202-955-5030 or www.dmaconsumers.org)
  4. File a complaint with the USPS: If the mail is from a specific sender and you're receiving it through the US Postal Service (USPS), you can file a complaint with the USPS Consumer Affairs Office (1-800-275-8777 or www.usps.com/help/complaints.htm).
  5. Use the "Return to Sender" option: If the mail is from a specific sender, you can use the "Return to Sender" option on the envelope or package. This will send the mail back to the sender, and they may take action to stop sending it.
  6. Consider a "No Junk Mail" request: Some organizations, like the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), offer a "No Junk Mail" request service. You can register your name and address to opt-out of receiving unsolicited mail.
  7. Take a photo and document the mail: If you receive abusive or threatening mail, take a photo of it and document the details, including the sender's name and address. This can be helpful if you need to report the incident to authorities.
  8. Consider a mail-blocking service: There are services available that can help block unwanted mail, such as the USPS's "Mail Preference Service" or private companies like MailGuard or Junk Mail Blocker.

Remember to always prioritize your safety and well-being when dealing with abusive or harassing mail. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, consider seeking help from a trusted authority figure or organization.