# Poll - Would you open an unexpected package from an unknown sender? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 31, 2020, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916 "2020-07-31T13:39:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/1 "2020-07-31T13:39:12Z")
Would you open an unexpected package from an unknown sender? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/1))_ In [this thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seed-scam-what-is-the-end-goal/916729), I expressed wonder that someone would open an unexpected package from an unknown sender, which was met by surprise by some people. Now I’m curious. Admittedly, my first job after college was in a mail room in the mid-nineties, when Ted Kaczynski was sending out his little surprises, so we’d gotten A LOT of training on letter bombs. Also, [this happened](https://www.wral.com/news/local/story/147337/) down the hall from me a week into my second job. So you could say I treat such things with suspicion. - This tended to happen to my friend from Northern Ireland, until his wife got wise and would take his phone when he’s been drinking. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/2 "2020-07-31T14:11:44Z")
I would not, and I likewise got suspicious package training because of the Unabomber (physics departments and grad students were potential targets). ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/3 "2020-07-31T15:24:26Z")
Is it addressed to me by name and address? ---
**Author:** ![urbanredneck2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/5f8ce5/32.png) [@urbanredneck2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urbanredneck2)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/4 "2020-07-31T15:29:23Z")
We were trained to look for suspicious odors or leaky packages. Also the way the mail works is all packages over a certain size and weight must be hand delivered to the post office. People cant just put them in mailboxes. So unless it smells funny or leaking, your probably ok. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/5 "2020-07-31T15:39:54Z")
As much of a dick as I often am, I cannot imagine anyone sending me a pipe bomb. Of course I’d open it. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/6 "2020-07-31T15:42:50Z")
The reality is packages get absentmindedly opened around here without even looking at the address label that closely. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/7 "2020-07-31T15:43:23Z")
I’d have a whole pile of boxes and letters that the local sheriff’s office would get tired of me calling about if I only opened crap that I personally knew the sender. The probability of me opening something that is dangerous is so low, I’ll take the chance. So far, I’m 100% safe. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/8 "2020-07-31T15:49:51Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > physics departments and grad students were potential targets This is surely the issue. If I’m in a potential target category - an abortion clinic, say - then no way am I opening anything suspicious. If not, the chance that a random person is being target is surely infinitesmal compared to a vast number of greater risks in life, and yes I’m certainly opening anything addressed to me. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/9 "2020-07-31T16:01:35Z")
> [@Folly](#): > > The reality is packages get absentmindedly opened around here without even looking at the address label that closely. Yeah. Twice I opened packages that were addressed to my neighbors, but left at my door. Of course, I order a ton of stuff online, so I’m getting packages almost every day. It’s not like getting a package is something that would strike me as unusual. I’d just assume it was for me until I opened it and found something that I’d have never ordered. Then, I check the address label. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/10 "2020-07-31T18:04:27Z")
I buy enough stuff from third party/ebay type sellers that getting packages from unknown addresses is not uncommon. If I got an unexpected box from an unknown sender properly addressed to me I would be surprised but would still open it to check it’s contents. I usually know what’s coming (if not from who) but I can’t rule out the notion that I ordered something a month ago and forgot it was en route in the meantime. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/11 "2020-07-31T22:03:40Z")
I would…and if the person was smart enough to put it in an Amazon box I wouldn’t even stop to wonder what it was, even if I didn’t think I had anything coming. Also, you open junk mail right? At least the stuff you think is junk mail but you’re not totally sure. There’s no reason someone can’t stick some anthrax into mail that looks like it’s from your bank or insurance company. Scam emails and phone calls do exactly that. Why not real mail too? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/12 "2020-07-31T22:11:06Z")
Not before holding it up to my ear and shaking it up real good. Certainly after that. ---
**Author:** ![Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mundane_super_hero/32/6304_2.png) [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/13 "2020-07-31T22:28:27Z")
No. Too many ‘Trailer-Park Trumpists’ out there looking to hurt people without paying the price, especially once the cheap gossips start spreading shit about someone’s politics. Their gossips move their tongues almost as fast as they drop their jeans. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/14 "2020-07-31T22:33:03Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > Not before holding it up to my ear and shaking it up real good. Now all the tiny venomous spiders are in your ear, angry at being shaken up. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/15 "2020-07-31T22:34:47Z")
> [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](#): > > No. Too many ‘Trailer-Park Trumpists’ out there looking to hurt people without paying the price, especially once the cheap gossips start spreading shit about someone’s politics. > > Their gossips move their tongues almost as fast as they drop their jeans. Huh?? ---
**Author:** ![Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mundane_super_hero/32/6304_2.png) [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/16 "2020-07-31T22:36:26Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > Huh?? Too many people know my politics IRL and feel some almost ‘religious obligation’ to try to punish me for them. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/17 "2020-07-31T22:43:45Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > I buy enough stuff from third party/ebay type sellers that getting packages from unknown addresses is not uncommon. If I got an unexpected box from an unknown sender properly addressed to me I would be surprised but would still open it to check it’s contents. I usually know what’s coming (if not from who) but I can’t rule out the notion that I ordered something a month ago and forgot it was en route in the meantime. Yup. I buy a fair amount of stuff from ebay, much of it from overseas, and occasionally also from etsy so it’s not unusual for it to show up weeks after I’ve mostly forgotten about it. I would 100% assume that it was something off of ebay or etsy if it had my name and address on it. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/18 "2020-07-31T22:45:07Z")
I, quite literally, would safely carry it to an open field\* and radiograph the living shit out of it, before I even _considered_ a remote opening of said package. . . as is my wont and training to do. Water bottle charges _are_ an authorized means of opening cardboard packages. \*This is assuming it was delivered by a commercial parcel service. Tripler Consider who you’re dealing with, here. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/19 "2020-07-31T22:46:06Z")
I’d be wary of packages that I wasn’t expecting, given that my pro-vaccination\*, anti-quackery activities online aren’t universally met with acclaim. A crude-looking package from a party I don’t know (or if the sender is “AMAZONE”) that’s hand-delivered is probably winding up in the trash, or if truly alarming-looking will result in a call to the sheriff’s office. \*after I had a letter to the editor published in my local paper supporting vaccination, a “health choice” group mailed a package to my office at work. Though I had misgivings, it felt like a book and that’s what it turned out to be (an antivax book, natch, that I was then able to review online). 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2020, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916/20 "2020-08-01T00:28:17Z")
I barely ever order anything from online sellers, so you’d think I’d know exactly when I was or was not expecting a parcel. However, I also have an incredibly shitty memory, so about half of parcel deliveries go like this: “WFT is this thing on my doorstep???” \< opens package \> “Oooh … NOW I remember!” ‘Unexpected’ is my usual expectation… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-open-an-unexpected-package-from-an-unknown-sender/916916.md?page=2)