# The neighbors asked me to collect their mail **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 25, 2012, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574 "2012-08-25T03:42:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/1 "2012-08-25T03:42:20Z")
They’re on vacation for a week and forgot to tell the post office to put a stop on the mail. Will I get in legal trouble if I do this? They’re very nice people and I already promised I would. But it occurs to me that I might get in potential trouble somehow if someone sees me. If I can’t should I tell the mailperson to hold their mail for them? He’s a nice man who knows me by sight and name. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/2 "2012-08-25T03:50:42Z")
The mail carrier can’t hold their mail on your say-so. ---
**Author:** ![wellanuff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@wellanuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wellanuff)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/3 "2012-08-25T03:53:39Z")
People do this all of the time. You have their permission. There is no problem. …unless you think they are trying to entrap you. All of those years acting nice to allay your suspicions, then a likely story of “oh, we forgot to put a stop on our mail, won’t you please help us? Please?” …and then when you are apprehended by the police, “No, officer, we have never seen this person before. Why would we give her permission to steal our mail?” Then it is off to the federal penitentiary with you. You have to ask yourself, is this a chance I can afford to take? ---
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/4 "2012-08-25T03:54:14Z")
My neighbor got my mail and newspaper for a week with no problems. She is on the HOA and a very trustworthy person; she will do this for everyone who asks. It is good for the entire neighborhood as you don’t want your mailbox to overflow or newspapers to accumulate. I brought her a pound of saltwater taffy and the peace of mind it is a bargain price. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/5 "2012-08-25T03:58:31Z")
> [@wellanuff](#): > > People do this all of the time. You have their permission. There is no problem. > > …unless you think they are trying to entrap you. All of those years acting nice to allay your suspicions, then a likely story of “oh, we forgot to put a stop on our mail, won’t you please help us? Please?” …and then when you are apprehended by the police, “No, officer, we have never seen this person before. Why would we give her permission to steal our mail?” Then it is off to the federal penitentiary with you. > > You have to ask yourself, is this a chance I can afford to take? They’re very sweet people so I doubt they’d do such a thing. I’ll probaby have to do a quick five second walk and grab for a few days. ---
**Author:** ![Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/db5fbb/32.png) [@Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hirka_T_Bawa)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/6 "2012-08-25T04:15:23Z")
As far as I understand it, as long as you don’t open the mail, and you’re just holding it for them, you’re in the clear… The second you break the seal on a piece of mail however, then you’re in potential trouble. So, sure, get the mail for your neighbor if asked, no problems… But if they ask you to open something, then it all depends on how much you trust them. [I’m not a lawyer, not your lawyer, just my option based on common sense.] ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/7 "2012-08-25T04:22:20Z")
Havemwe become this legalistic in the society that a neighbor helping out another is a potential area of litigation? How sad. I do this for two people in my neighborhood, and one does it for me when I go on vacation. Personally. I think this is much safer for the neighborhood in general, and I feel more comfortable telling someone I know instead of a complete stranger at the post office. If someone says this is illegal, we’ve completely lost our way as a nation. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/8 "2012-08-25T05:30:20Z")
I’ve been on both ends of such a request. So far as I know, if you’re authorized by the addressee to collect their mail, you’re OK legally (DH has me open some items addressed to him and handle them myself, only bothering him with it if I need a signature or there’s information in said items he needs to be aware of, and as far as I know, even that’s OK, since I have the addressee’s permission to do so). ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/9 "2012-08-25T07:42:39Z")
How serious of a penalty is it to open someones mail? My sister opened mine under the guise of “I thought it was junk and was going to throw it away but then I thought I better open it to make sure first?” ---
**Author:** ![Turek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/turek/32/18782_2.png) [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/10 "2012-08-25T11:08:41Z")
> [@LavenderBlue](#): > > They’re on vacation for a week and forgot to tell the post office to put a stop on the mail. If they have an internet connection, they can do this online: > **[USPS.com® - Sign In](https://reg.usps.com/entreg/LoginAction_input?app=HOLDMAIL&appURL=https%3A%2F%2Fholdmail.usps.com%2Fholdmail%2F)** > > Create a USPS.com(registered trademark symbol) account to print shipping labels, request a Carrier Pickup, buy stamps, shop, plus much more. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/11 "2012-08-25T11:15:40Z")
My neighbor asked me for a cup of sugar. What liability am I incurring if she develops diabetes? ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/12 "2012-08-25T14:03:47Z")
I am astonished such a question has been asked. It is (to me) such a common place happening. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/13 "2012-08-25T14:16:19Z")
I used to have USPS hold my mail. The last time, though, when I went to pick it up, the person spent about 15 minutes looking for it and came back to the counter empty-handed. “Nope, no mail.” she said. Wait, what? Not even a single piece of junk mail in two weeks? I asked to talk to a supervisor…but she said SHE was the supervisor. I ended up coming back the next day, and a non-manager found my mail without a problem. Since then, I just have my apartment manager collect my mail for me. I give her a box with my name on it, she just dumps everything in there, and it’s waiting for me in the office when I get back. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/14 "2012-08-25T14:29:30Z")
Don’t pickup any packages with leaking contents, biomedical hazardous waste or radioactive stickers. Any exposed wires that could act as an antenna would be a no-no. Carefully probe under the packages for possible tripwires or pressure relief firing devices. Refuse to handle any package addressed from Langley, VA. Any package with sound/motion coming from within may contain live hamsters or a boa constrictor (but not both:eek::D). Do not open. It’s poor taste to reador view the porn first - wait for the invite;). Otherwise, just pick the mail up - it’s done thousands of times all over the country by neighbors for neighbors. Part of the job description. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/15 "2012-08-25T14:43:49Z")
Why in the **world** would you get in trouble for picking up your neighbors’ mail when they’re on vacation? Are you going to get arrested if you don’t have a notarized document giving you explicit permission to do so? You’re not skulking around their place at night and peeking through their windows before you get the mail, are you? ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/16 "2012-08-25T16:57:05Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > Why in the **world** would you get in trouble for picking up your neighbors’ mail when they’re on vacation? Are you going to get arrested if you don’t have a notarized document giving you explicit permission to do so? You’re not skulking around their place at night and peeking through their windows before you get the mail, are you? My dad is a retired mailman. I was taught that one does not touch other people’s mailboxes without extreme good cause. I talked to the local post office and they told me it was okay. ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/17 "2012-08-25T17:24:23Z")
Sometimes when I bring in the mail, I find a letter or magazine addressed to my wife. What sort of legal ramifications can I expect from touching her mail? Since I do it all the time, I doubt the police will just let me go with a warning. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/18 "2012-08-25T17:49:11Z")
> [@Chessic\_Sense](#): > > Sometimes when I bring in the mail, I find a letter or magazine addressed to my wife. What sort of legal ramifications can I expect from touching her mail? Since I do it all the time, I doubt the police will just let me go with a warning. :rolleyes: I asked a reasonable question about a simple scenario. There’s no reason to be this nasty. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/19 "2012-08-25T17:54:32Z")
> [@Chessic\_Sense](#): > > Sometimes when I bring in the mail, I find a letter or magazine addressed to my wife. What sort of legal ramifications can I expect from touching her mail? Since I do it all the time, I doubt the police will just let me go with a warning. Looking at some serious time, pal. Kiss your wife goodbye. ---
**Author:** ![Springtime\_for\_Spacers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Springtime\_for\_Spacers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Springtime_for_Spacers)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2012, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574/20 "2012-08-25T23:12:13Z")
If you’re not supposed to open other people’s mail then there’s an awful lot of secretaries and PAs breaking the law. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-neighbors-asked-me-to-collect-their-mail/632574.md?page=2)