The case of the mysterious letter!
By jesssp
@jesssp (2712)
Canada
March 25, 2010 12:16pm CST
What would you guys do in this situation: Yesterday someone hand delivered a plain envelope in our mailbox with no return address or anything on it. It just said some guy's full name with "Private and Confidential" written underneath. They didn't knock on the door or anything, just popped it in the mail box and left. Now I don't really know what I should so with this mysterious 'private and confidential' letter!
I think the name is of the person who owned the home at least two owners previous to us, so it seems pretty strange that someone would just leave it in the mail box without making sure they still lived there. They obviously don't know him personally. It also seems strange that they wouldn't put any return name or address on it. I feel a little weird opening it up because the 'Private and Confidential' thing seemed to be emphasized. But still, if it's so important then maybe they should have taken a little more care to make sure it actually got to the right person!
So right now I'm thinking the best solution is to take a little peek inside so I can at least find out who sent it and let them know Mr. Soandso doesn't live here anymore. I tried looking up his name in the phone book but he wasn't listed. So aside from pitching it in the garbage I guess that's really my only option. What would you do with this mysterious mystery letter?
7 people like this
16 responses
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
25 Mar 10
I would open it. You never know what it might be. I think legally if it is in your box it is yours to open even if it is not addressed to you. One thing though - you gotta let us know if it was just a bill or something really interesting!!!
@kainalu55 (364)
• United States
25 Mar 10
hahaha...the funny thing is I was thinking the exact same thing! Now that i've read this..i just gotta know what's in that envelope! lol...
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
26 Mar 10
hi jesssp,
I think my curiousity would win out on this one. I'd have to take a peek and get back with the messenger and confess and at least they will know that the person no longer lives there. If there were no hints as to who to contact then I'd throw it in the trash.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
26 Mar 10
That's exactly what we ended up doing. I couldn't stand that suspense so my husband opened it and we found that it was a letter from a collection agency (who needs to really review their processes!). I'll give the number a call later today and see what they want me to do with it.
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
25 Mar 10
Personally, I would open it. When something comes into our mailbox marked for 'occupant', and since there is no TO name on it, it is assumed that it would be for the occupant of that house it was delivered to. Of course you'd be curious...who wouldn't?! If it wasn't meant for you, then you could re-address it, or put it into a new envelope and take it to the realtor who sold the house, they might have those peoples new address. OR, you could readdress it in a new envelope with their name on it and ask the mailman to take it back to the post office to be forwarded on. They usually keep a change of address on people.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
25 Mar 10
There was a name on it, as I stated in the discussion, but nothing else - no return address or name. Since the person it was intended for wasn't the most recent previous owner of the house our realtor wouldn't be any help. I guess I have no choice but to open it so I can at least find out who sent it and try to get it back to them. I've gotta admit, the curiosity's killing me!
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
14 May 10
Hi, jesssp. Chances are this person did not have an stamp on the envelope. And the postman did not deliver it. My guess is that this person just put it in the mailbox. I don't really know what to say. But it best that you don't open this letter, being that it was sent to the previous owner. Maybe you should give the letter to the real estate company that you bought the house from and maybe they will know what to do with this letter. I don't like it when someone would leave mail in my box without a return address. And, I surely smell trouble when someone would leave a letter in my box with no stamp on it, because you know good and well that the postal service carrier will not deliver it. Just be very careful that is all that I can say. And if things get out of hand, contact your local Postal Inspection.
@newtalent (1112)
• United States
26 Mar 10
I would pop in the mail box. Let the postal carrier deal with it. If it comes back in the mail to you then you just let the carrier know he does live here anymore and they can deal with the letter. It is not legal to open anyone else's mail not addressed to you to. It is also not legal to put a letter in the mailbox that has not been stamped and delivered by the mail carrier. This person also avoided paying postage. I know i would be curious but, it is not mine therefore, I am not the rightful recipient of the mystery letter so I would let the postal office deal with it. Take care.
@kainalu55 (364)
• United States
25 Mar 10
Hmmmm..now that's i hard one. I know that if it states private and confidential, it must be something important that is meant only for that particular person..but...what do you do when you have no idea how to get hime the letter? well, honestly, being the person that i am, i probably couldn't help myself but to take a peek! lol... i know it is wrong, but really you don't have any other option. Just from reading this post..i'd love to know what's in that mysterious letter...i guess my curiosity would get the best of me!
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
25 Mar 10
You could have a look at it.
Or you could turn it into the post office & let them deal with it. It's illegal to put any letter or solicitation in a persons mailbox w/o postage on it.
@tess_quinain (1149)
• Philippines
26 Mar 10
That was an interesting story to tell. Well, in my case, i am not really sure on what to do. But it's really up to you if you want to open it or not. I guess, if the letter is not for you, there's no need to open it.
But it really sounds interesting.
Let us know what is written on that mysterious letter.
@sulynsi (2671)
• Canada
28 Mar 10
I see so many documents marked Private and Confidential, to me its like "You've Won A Million Dollars" on the front of a letter.
The best suggestion I've seen is what was mentioned about giving it back, unopened to the post office. Its their concern.
Someone also mentioned the possibility of something dangerous inside the letter. I sure hope you didn't suffer any ill effects!
@magtibaygom (4858)
• Philippines
26 Mar 10
Try open the envelope and see what's inside. But take caution, some terrorist groups spread biological weapons of mass destruction like deadly Anthrax virus using mails and envelopes. Don't open it without wearing face mask or hand globes and other protective suits. The best way is to bring the envelope to the police and other authorities, file a police report, then have the proper authorities open the envelope for you.
@pandaeyes (2065)
•
26 Mar 10
I think if it was me I would have looked too.
You could mail it back to the collection agency who sent it with a message that this person left a long while ago just so that you don't find yourself bothered by someone else's bailiffs taking your belongings in lieu of monies owed.
@Matt90 (36)
• Switzerland
25 Mar 10
Hello!
I think that it would open at the bottom..is certainly not your fault if the sender has the wrong person..then you still trying to trace the true would be pointless to throw it..so.. try to read..if you'll see own account which is a crucial point..maybe you can find a solution to find the recipient..
;) kiss
