Suspicious Post? (Letters)

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

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….

 

 

[Chris CrewParticipant @chriscrew66644]

It does sound a bit strange but I think the only response you will get at the sorting office is a shrug of the shoulders. Royal Mail has done its job in delivering the letters to the addresses it has been given, in other words it is only the messenger not the message.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Perhaps house has recently changed hands or at least occupant and they have been given the wrong address of where the previous tenant has gone. We still get mail in the church office for a previous secretary, previous tenant, and some random ones. Can happen with someone just getting the wrong number or a similar sounding road. Not like the village where the postie knows who to give sign-for mail to when someone is away.

[cogdobblerParticipant @cogdobbler]

You could always go and knock on the door of the original addressee/s and ask for clarification. Might be as simple as a wrong number or street name on the readdressing on behalf of a former tenant or share house occupant etc.

Or just mark them return to sender and post them back. Let the sending companies sort it out.

Not every unexplained delivery is a scam, even in this day and age. Incompetence is more prevalent than cunning and guile. (Just look at our politicians if you don’t believe that. 🙂  )

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