"Unsolicited merchandise is yours to keep" - Does this apply to incorrectly addressed items also?

Just put it back in the mailbox. You aren’t sending new mail. Try it. It works.

You’re right – it’s either that or I throw the package in the dumpster, though. I figure it doesn’t matter which, really, especially since I have no way of finding the current address of the recipient and FedEx/UPS won’t come pick up their junk at a precise time that’s convenient for me that doesn’t involve leaving packages for days on my front walkway – there’ve been any number of break-ins in my complex recently, so that last option is not a sane option.

That makes sense…never thought of it that way. I guess my gut kept me from applying common sense to a government agency (or whatever you call the USPS).:smiley:

I received a commercial shipper package that wasn’t for me. I called the company, told them I’d leave on my porch. They thanked me and never picked it up. I called again and told them if it was still there on trash pickup day it would be gone. I actually opened it, discovered the contents appropriate for a co-workers offspring and gave it to him.

Two crimes confessed in one thread, one real one to illustrate a point. :stuck_out_tongue:

Searched for the phone number of the addressee but no luck.

Isn’t the delivery company still on the hook for the loss, though? They’re the ones who screwed up. So it’s not like you’re stealing from the person who lost the item from no fault of your own. You’re profiting from a mistake by a company that very often doesn’t care that they’ve essentially just paid someone else so that you can have a gift.

Now, if they aren’t liable for mistakes, then I don’t know why you would ever use these companies.

If you’ve received something of value which you are not entitled, you could face a civil suit for unjust enrichment. Most commonly used to recover bank deposits made in error, the term can as well apply to property or services. Doesn’t matter who was at fault - you don’t get to keep something you are not entitled to.

You don’t have to pay for it, you don’t have to volunteer to give it back, there is no criminal liability. But if you’re asked to return it, you will have to give it back, and a civil suit is likely to result in a settlement against you.

Courts might take into account how much time has passed. This is a civil suit, so it is possible you could get away with it. But it’s not likely.

Can’t you mark or attach a note to a letter or package saying “return to sender/incorrect address” and put it in your mailbox if thats where you found it?

Yeah, of course you could. I throw a bunch of trash delivered to my front steps with little tags. I’d fucking love to see some faggot lawyer try to sue my ass because I threw away garbage, or used it to fucking jerk off on. Go ahead, try, bitches.

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Colibri
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