So, I get a letter in the mail from the IRS...

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mrsilv04

mrsilv04

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Yeah... THAT IRS. But NOT to me.

It was sent to my address (and I'm the only person who has ever lived at this address... I built the house in a newly developed subdivision around 20 years ago).

The recipient named is a company that I don't recognize, and a Google search comes up empty.

So... do I open it?

Do I simply mark on the face of the envelope "Unknown at this address... private residence, not a business... RETURN TO SENDER"...?
 
Take the extra step and return it in person to the Post Office and let them handle it. Might be a scam or might be legit but don't mess with it just in case it is legit.
 
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
I'd be worried if they have your address that you might be a potential victim of fraud. I'd open it just to make sure.


This... BUT Do NOT[/i] open it, it's not addressed to you and the USPS might prosecute.

I'd pack it in a larger envelope, and mail it back to the IRS explaining what you did in your initial post, and let them investigate.

And check your credit report.
 
Open and and see if anyone is trying to steal your identity. No civilized place on earth would prosecute you for opening a letter that was sent to your address!!
 
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Trash or recycle bin. If a mail phishing scam which it probably is 99.99%, you don't want to tell them this is a private residence, etc. Any response puts you on hot lists as a thank you. Cut it up.
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
No civilized place on earth would prosecute you for opening a letter that was sent to your address!!


Well, we are talking about the IRS and the USPS here.


On a side note, I once received a letter from the IRS. To my surprise, it was a letter saying that they owed me money. I got a check for $600 a few days later.
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
No civilized place on earth would prosecute you for opening a letter that was sent to your address!!


Lol the IRS is not civil!
 
You won't get prosecuted for opening mail delivered to your address. No AUSA will prosecute that. Not a one. Never.

Now, many scammers ship out very official-looking mail in an attempt to convince people that it's from a government agency.

Please photograph the envelope (cover the address for your protection) and post it here.

I say open it.
 
Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Yeah... THAT IRS. But NOT to me.

It was sent to my address (and I'm the only person who has ever lived at this address... I built the house in a newly developed subdivision around 20 years ago).

The recipient named is a company that I don't recognize, and a Google search comes up empty.

So... do I open it?

Do I simply mark on the face of the envelope "Unknown at this address... private residence, not a business... RETURN TO SENDER"...?


I get the same thing. I tried returning it. I got certified mail from the IRS, I refuse it. letter says I owe 140 bucks with this security company. jokers used my address with the IRS!
 
Is this a new scam ? I receive phone calls from IRS ( India ) all the time, now they actually mail you scam? wow.
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
No civilized place on earth would prosecute you for opening a letter that was sent to your address!!


That's not true and very bad advice. If you recognize the mail is not intended for you (as the original poster does) then you could be subject to federal prosecution. If you accidentally open a letter addressed to someone else (this is not what the original poster stated) then it is not illegal.

Under federal law it is illegal to intentionally stop a letter from being delivered to its intended recipient. Simply write "Not At This Address" and put it back in the mailbox.

As far as the original poster goes, just a little common sense would tell you to write "Not At This Address" on the letter, and put it back in the mailbox for pickup. But then, common sense isn't so common.
 
Originally Posted By: Garak
That's what I'd do - return it so marked.


Yes, DO NOT open it, return it to the IRS and I would include a letter expressing your concerns. They DO pay attention to things that might be identity fraud. You might call the IRS and ask for the identity fraud division address where you can send it to directly.
 
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I wouldn't even bother writing a letter to accompany it, unless the letters keep coming. I'm sure they'd check into it, at least in a cursory fashion, automatically. After all, they would be getting the letter back and someone would wonder why.
 
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit

As far as the original poster goes, just a little common sense would tell you to write "Not At This Address" on the letter, and put it back in the mailbox for pickup. But then, common sense isn't so common.


If only online forums were a place where those who don't know, ask.
 
I would "accidentally" open it. How do you know there is not personal info inside? I got a letter from IRS this year before I even filed wanting more info before they issued "my" refund. Someone filed using my info, I had to go online to verify my identity then had to file by mail to a special address.
 
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
No civilized place on earth would prosecute you for opening a letter that was sent to your address!!


That's not true and very bad advice. If you recognize the mail is not intended for you (as the original poster does) then you could be subject to federal prosecution. If you accidentally open a letter addressed to someone else (this is not what the original poster stated) then it is not illegal.

Under federal law it is illegal to intentionally stop a letter from being delivered to its intended recipient. Simply write "Not At This Address" and put it back in the mailbox.

As far as the original poster goes, just a little common sense would tell you to write "Not At This Address" on the letter, and put it back in the mailbox for pickup. But then, common sense isn't so common.



The first two paragraphs are solid advice. But why did you feel the need for the third? Why do you often feel the need to take little pokes at people? Do you look down your nose at nearly everyone you interact with, or just those online?
 
Its your house. Its your mailbox. It landed in your mailbox.

I've opened mail accidentally that belonged to a neighbor that inadvertently landed in my box. No big deal.

While it may "technically" be illegal to open mail not addressed to you, you also break 10-20 laws every single day just driving to work (speeding, improper lane change, coasting through stop signs). There is absolutely no way possible for you to be prosecuted for opening mail that was delivered to your mailbox.

So much fear mongering, the sky is falling gibberish in this thread. Just open it. If it fraudulently applies to you, than handle it. If it doesn't apply to you, throw it in the shredder.

Common sense aint so common no more.
 
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