That's a totally different situation, and you have absolutely no right to keep merchandise that was destined for someone else. However, if you accidentally open someone else’s mail, you have not committed a crime. Is opening someone else's package illegal? nas88car300. It’s certainly not that hard to accidentally open someone else’s mail without meaning to; I’ll often just open anything left in my in-box without thinking to look at the address, and I’ve sometimes opened something meant for someone else by mistake. Someone (not you) ordered merchandise and paid for it, and due to some mistake the merchandise is sent to the wrong address. Still, it's wise to get the owner's permission before you wind up in court accused of mail theft. The answer is generally yes, if you recognize that the letter is not intended for you.If you're caught opening someone else's mail, the federal criminal consequences could be dire. A federal statute known as 18 USC Section 1702 makes it illegal to open correspondence addressed to someone else. There are no specific rules about opening someone's mailbox when you don't intend to open, steal or destroy the letters. If you want specific legal advice about your situation you must contact your attorney or hire an attorney to represent you. Legal ramifications of fraud include fines and/or jail time. 4 years ago. Answer. Yes, it is illegal to open anyone else's mail besides your own. Under the Postal Services Act it is illegal to open someone else's mail if done on purpose and done deliberately to use the contents to the detriment of the addressee. In general, it is not a good idea to use someone else’s address as your own or to let someone else use your address as their own. let me clarify that statement slightly: if you receive a package from ups, fed ex, dhl, or another private carrier that is intended for someone else, you are free to open it, examine it, keep it, throw it in the trash, whatever, as long as you have not accepted it on the pretense of forwarding it on to the addressee. Relevance. She left her phone number. That's what your second quote covers: Keeping that merchandise is plain theft. The law was created to punish individuals who knowingly open mail that is addressed to someone else. If so, i would DEFINITLY press charges. It is illegal to open mail addressed to someone else but in the case that you didn't notice that it was addressed to another person the legal system might overlook this. Wiki User Answered . If you have accidentally opened someone else’s envelopes or packages, and then plan to return it to the sender, then you have not committed a crime. A: Opening mail that is not addressed to you is a federal crime in Australia - but there are some exceptions. So it can be considered illegal. If you let someone else use your mailing address or you use someone else’s mailing address, it’s the intent that makes this a punishable crime on a federal or state level. She asked my parents to leave the packages in front of their door and she will pick up the packages. 0 0. bierut. Is it a federal offense to open someone else's packages? Talk to an Attorney If You Are Charged With Obstruction of Correspondence. You can either seal the mail/package again and write “Return to Sender”, or if it is some of your neighbours, you can hand it in yourself, and explain the mistake. Write to both the previous owners and UPS/FedEx and tell them: I will not accept or sign for any unsolicited packages. The package has our exact address, apartment # and all, but it has someone else's name on it. In this article, we’ll explain what the legalities are when it comes to opening mail that wasn’t intended for you. Especially if it wasn't an accident. Accidentally Opening Someone Else’s Mail. Then, they received a letter in their mailbox signed by a women's name that she just moved into the neighborhood and got the address mixed up. You open up all your mail only to realise that a letter or package has someone else’s name on it. Is it illegal to open someone elses package? It is illegal, disrespectful, and betrayal. Lv 4. I recommend that you open their box and take multiple photos of yourself extracting your package from their box. 2007-12-01 15:45:38 2007-12-01 15:45:38 § 1702. Hope I helped, good luck! I don't think that as it had someone else's name on it, it could deemed as reasonable excuse. 7 years ago. Incredibly rare. Especially if it wasn't an accident. 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