Is it illegal to throw away mail in your box that someone else's?
Asked by: Zola McGlynn DVM | Last update: July 14, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (5 votes)
Stealing, destroying, defacing, or interfering with the delivery of mail is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. To avoid potential legal troubles, here's what not to do with mail that isn't yours. Throw It Away. Tossing someone else's mail into the trash is tantamount to stealing it.
Can someone get in trouble for throwing away your mail?
While tempting, throwing away or destroying another person's mail is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. Despite the inconvenience, the proper thing to do is return the misdelivered item.
What to do when someone else's mail is in your box?
Tape it back up and drop it in a mailbox. Unless the address is incorrect, and you don't know a neighbor who matches it. In that case, tape it back up, and write “Return To Sender: No Such Addressee” on it, cross out the delivery address, circle t...
Is putting mail in someone else's mailbox illegal?
Mailboxes are considered federal property, protected by rules set by the United States Postal Service. Because of this, only authorized persons (mail carriers and the owner of the property of the mailbox) are legally allowed to place things into and retrieve items from the mailbox.
Can I throw away my ex's mail?
Yes, you can get into legal trouble by throwing away someone else's mail. 18 USC Section 1702 ( 18 US Code § 1702 - Obstruction of correspondence ) states: So, if you destroy your former roommate's mail, you have committed a crime that potentially subjects you to a fine, or prison, or both.
Throwing Away Someone Else's Mail Is A Felony — Here's How To Get Rid Of It Legally
Has anyone gone to jail for throwing away mail?
Feds: U.S. Postal worker arrested for throwing away mail, including an election ballot. A United States Mailman is accused of tossing away more than 1,000 pieces of mail, including 400 pieces of pollical mail and one election ballot, according to newly filed court documents.
Am I obligated to return mail that isn't yours?
Reporting / returning misdelivered mail
If you are receiving mail for the previous resident and do not know their address, simply return the mail piece back to the mailstream (by leaving in a Collection Box or other mail receptacle) with the notation "Not at this address" marked on the envelope.
Can I put my neighbor's mail in their mailbox?
As long as your neighbor isn't a complete jerk, putting something in their mailbox won't likely get you in trouble. However, if they did decide to lodge an official complaint or if a postal employee catches you it could cost you up to $5,000 in fines.
Is it illegal to put a flyer in someone's mailbox?
Yes, It's Illegal to Put Flyers in Mailboxes Here Are Other Ways to Distribute Them Legally | UPrinting.
How do I report someone putting things in my mailbox?
Use PS Label 33, Report Mail Theft, Tampering, or Vandalism of this Mailbox (see a sample on page 11), available from your local Post Office or the Postal Inspection Service, to alert employees that material in such receptacles is protected by federal law.
What to do if someone puts mail in your mailbox?
Place the mail back in the mailbox with a note indicating that it was delivered to the wrong address. Alternatively, you can drop it off at the post office counter or in a designated mailbox for misdelivered mail. Speak to Your Neighbors: If you're on good terms with your neighbors, consider reaching out to them.
What to do with mail that isn't yours?
A quick way to inform the mail carrier that the letter doesn't belong to you is to write "return to sender" on the back or front of the envelope. However, you should be careful not to tamper with the letter. Writing with ink is one way of tampering with the letter. To avoid tampering with the letter, use a sticky note.
Is it illegal to keep a misdelivered package?
Yes, it's a crime to keep a package meant for your neighbor. You can face theft charges for such a stunt, and the consequences are severe. Consider your defense options if you find yourself in this situation.
How do I report someone throwing away mail?
1-877-876-2455.
Is picking up someone's mail illegal?
HOW ARE PEOPLE CHARGED IF THEY ARE CAUGHT STEALING LETTERS OR PARCELS? If they are caught, they could face a sentence with imprisonment for up to three years. The crime may also result in charges for deception, fraud or embezzlement, depending on the circumstances leading up to the mail being in the wrong hands.
Can you sue someone for keeping your mail?
A: Under California law, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the post office and the carrier for withholding mail, returning mail to sender, and causing emotional distress.
Is putting mail in someone's mailbox illegal?
it is against the law in the US to place something in someone's mailbox if you are not a letter carrier (employed by the USPS or hired as a contractor). Any items placed in the mailbox also must have postage on them.
Is it illegal to put a card in someone's mailbox?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) strictly enforces regulations regarding mailbox use. Unauthorized materials placed inside mailboxes can result in fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations. More severe cases, particularly those involving fraudulent intentions, can lead to imprisonment.
Can you leave flyers on people's doors?
Some communities have ordinances against door-to-door solicitation (though in most places you can place a flyer on the front doors of residences). Check local laws to find out how to distribute flyers door-to-door.
Is a mailbox public property?
In the United States, mailboxes are considered federal property to protect against mail theft, mail tampering and vandalism. By making mailboxes federal property, the U.S. government can take action against individuals who tamper with or steal mail, as well as individuals who vandalize mailboxes.
Can I put an invitation in my neighbor's mailbox?
"No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle.
Is it a felony to put flyers in mailboxes?
In the United States it is illegal to place anything in a mailbox other than mail bearing postage or an indicia. Pretty much why you find flyers stuffed between the signal flag and the box itself or left on your door or car windshield.
Can I get in trouble for throwing away someone else's mail?
But while it might be tempting to simply throw it out, tossing mail into the trash could lead to serious legal consequences. U.S. Code § 1708 lays down strict penalties for destroying or tampering with mail, including steep fines and jail time.
Can someone use your address if they don't live there?
A resident temporarily living in a different state for school or work may want to forward mail to a domicile address. But someone who isn't the owner of a home or apartment must ask for permission. If permission is not requested and granted, that person is committing address fraud and maybe even mail fraud [*].
How do you stop someone else's mail from coming to your house?
When you're looking at how to stop mail from a previous resident, try writing a note and placing it outside your mailbox. Using strong tape, attach the note securely in an area where the mail carrier can see it easily. There's no specific wording you need to use in this case.