Yes, it is illegal to open someone else’s mailbox in the United States because it is considered mail tampering. First of all, the act of opening someone else’s mailbox is a clear violation of the private property laws, and on top of that, if you take their mail and you intend to do so, then of course, that is a criminal offence as well. So no doubt, as per the federal law, if you’re caught and found doing something like this, you’ll have to bear the consequences as well.
What Exactly Is Mail Tampering?
Put simply, mail tampering is an illegal act that deals with the improper handling of another person’s mail in any way like if the mail is taken, opened, hidden, or destroyed, it must be done with the intention. The U.S. Code (Title 18, Sections 1701–1710) specifies that it is a criminal offense to perform such unlawful acts deliberately, and the offenses are punishable under federal law.
However, do not forget that everything depends on the intent. In case you happen to open mail by mistake, there is no problem with that. If it is on purpose, that is the point where it becomes a big deal in terms of law, no two ways about that!
Can You Open Someone Else’s Mailbox? Absolutely Not!
Mailboxes that hold mail from the United States are under the protection of the federal government. It is allowed for only three persons to open them: the mailman who delivers the letters, the owner of the mail, or a person authorized by him.
In case you unfasten, open, or take out mail from a person’s box that is meant for another without their permission, it is regarded as unauthorized access, a crime under federal law. Just in case you put something into the box like a local circular, without attaching a postage, it is also considered illegal in the strictest sense of the word.
Bottom line: if it’s not your mailbox, don’t touch it.
What If You Get Mail That Isn’t Yours?
Think of a scenario where you are getting a letter at your address; however, it is a letter for another person, possibly the ex-tenant or a neighbor. I beg you, do not open it to see what is in there. If you are aware that the mail is not for you and still choose to open it, then you are labeled as tampering with the mail.
If this happens unintentionally, no big deal, like simply tape it up, put a note saying “Opened by mistake” or “Not at this address” on the envelope, and return it to your mailbox for the carrier.
Simple rule: no permission, no opening.
Got Someone Else’s Mail? Here’s What You Should Do
Wait! Don’t just throw it away, even if it’s junk. Here’s what to do instead:
- Simply jot down “Return to Sender” or “Not at this address” on the envelope and place it back in your mailbox.
- What if it happens multiple times? Then go to your nearest post office and tell the personnel.
- Besides that, get in touch with the sender (a bank or a company) and request them to change the information in their records.
- In case your parcels have been delivered to the wrong address, refrain from opening them. Get in touch with the carrier (USPS, UPS, or FedEx) and inform them about the error.
That’s all you need to do. Don’t keep it, and definitely don’t toss it.
