I expect we are all used to occasional post arriving with our address, but that being totally wrong for the name; most likely by sloppy records by the senders.

What though of this, today’s post?

Three letters each with hand-written “Redirect [to my own address]” messages on their named business envelopes, by the same hand, all originally to an address and its neighbour in a single road a couple of miles from mine.

1) Apparently a bill, from an energy company to a Mrs. Josie We—, of 46 XXXXX Lane.

2) Possibly an invoice, from a clothes retailer to a Mrs. Josie Wa……, of 46 XXXXX Lane – yes same address but different surname.

3) A letter in big brown envelope from NHS Business Services Authority to the neighbour or annexe-dweller, a Mr. S______  of 46A XXXXX Lane. To a private home rather than an NHS premises?

That seems too coincidental for comfort and made me think of the way fraudulent companies are using private address, although I could not see how they would benefit from letters from other, real firms arriving there. Also why would these one of these two? three? people, all totally unknown to me, or the local sorting-office pick my address as the redirection, instead of using the clear returns addresses on all three?

A report to Companies House elicited only rhubarb to a template. I replied by thanking them for totally misinterpreting my message,  and asking if they were using Artificial Indolence. They seem totally unconcerned so it’s hardly surprising they are exploited by criminal gangs.

I’ve also reported it to the Police, but said I think the original addressees are almost certainly totally innocent of anything. The address-spoofing works largely because the real owners do not even know what is happening.

I will take the three letters to the sorting-office tomorrow and explain my concerns and actions so far….