The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers a large number of correspondence daily, so it's not surprising that it makes mistakes from time to time. If the mail should go to the correct address, but is addressed to someone who does not live there, write “No to this address” on the envelope or package before it is returned. If you get mail delivered to the wrong address, all you have to do is return it to the postman or put it in the mailbox. You can also reject and return an email that you do not want to receive, as long as it is not open.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Return an email sent to someone who does not live at your address
Step 1. Write “No to this address” on the envelope or package
If you receive mail sent to the correct address, but the recipient does not live there, clearly write “Not to this address” somewhere on the envelope or package. Do not write "Return to sender" or any other type of message.
- Cross out the barcode on the envelope or package, in case you see it. In this way, the package will not be sent to your address again.
- Do not erase or cross out the address.
Tip:
If you continue to receive emails addressed to a person who does not live at your address, please inform the postman or contact your local post office. These people will make sure that you don't keep getting emails delivered by mistake.
Step 2. Give the package to the postman
If you are around when the postman makes the delivery, return the package and explain that the person to whom it is addressed does not live there.
You can also put the package back in your mailbox and raise the red flag. This way, the postman will pick it up the next time you make a delivery
Step 3. Put the package in a collection box if you cannot give it to the postman
As an alternative to delivering the package to the postman, you can place it in a USPS collection box. The post office will pick it up and return it to the sender or send it to the correct address.
Go to the USPS “Find Locations” page to find your nearest pickup box
Method 2 of 3: Return mail delivered to the wrong address
Step 1. Put the package back in your mailbox
If you receive an email sent to the wrong address, it means that the postman has put it in your mailbox by mistake. After collecting your mail, put the package back in the box and raise the red flag.
The flag on your mailbox will tell the postman that you have outgoing mail to return
Tip:
If you receive a package sent by Priority Express that has been delivered to the wrong address, please call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and request the number of the Express Notification Unit. Call the number to find out how to return the package.
Step 2. Deliver the package to the postman, if desired
In the event that you are nearby when the postman makes the deliveries, you can return the package delivered by mistake directly. Explain that it was sent to the wrong address.
You can also bring the package to the post office
Step 3. Do not mark or write anything on the package
When you return, do not write "Return to sender" or any other message on the package. Do not erase or cover the address or other information.
- Checking or deleting something could prevent the package from reaching its destination.
- In the event that the package must be sent to the sender, instead of sending it to the recipient, the post office has its own "Return to sender" mark for this purpose.
Method 3 of 3: Return Spam Emails Addressed to You
Step 1. Write “Rejected” on the package and deliver it to the postman
You can reject most emails and ask that they be returned to the sender, even if they are addressed to your name. If you receive a package that you do not want, just write "Rejected" and deliver it to the postman as soon as you can.
- Keep in mind that you will not be able to do this if you have opened the package, even if you have resealed it.
- You can reject most emails upon delivery or after receipt.
Step 2. Mark “Rejected” on the delivery notice if it is a trusted mail
Trusted email is the one you have to sign for. You can reject certain types of trustworthy emails before they are received or by checking the "Rejected" box on the delivery notification that the postman provides you.
- If the mailman leaves a delivery notification in your mailbox for you to sign, check "Rejected," sign the notification, and put it back in the mailbox.
- Some common types of trusted couriers include express priority delivery, registered mail, certified mail, cash on delivery, and packages over $ 200 insured.
Keep in mind:
many trusted mails cannot be rejected after delivery. If you want to return these packages after they have been received and signed, you will need to put them back in a package before they can be shipped.
Step 3. Put the mail back in a new postage package, if you opened it
If you've opened a package and want to return it to the sender, you can't just type "Rejected" and send it back. Instead, put it in a new box, envelope, or wrapper, and write down the return address. You will also need to put on a new postage.
- Once you've repackaged it, send it back as you normally would.
- If you want to return damaged or unwanted merchandise, the seller may provide you with a prepaid shipping label or compensate you for the postage.