If you open a letter, tape it back up, and write return to sender on it?

Question

Would they still return it to the sender?

Answer 1

Yes. Even though it has been opened and taped back up, we understand that it could have been opened in error. Not everyone looks at the addressee when they get mail to their home. If it comes to your home, you are going to assume it's addressed to you.

Answer 2

Umm, no -- that would be considered postal fraud, since you could insert other information into the envelope and carry on a 2-way communication this way, abusing the intent of the system. Intent is what is often argued in lawsuits, so be careful. It all depends on how ruined the letter looks. If you use a steam iron or clothes steamer, you can relax the glue enough to open the letter and still be able to re-seal it by licking it again. This works sometimes. Sometimes you can ruin the content of the letter, if the inks respond to heat or moisture.

But if it's important enough, sometimes it's worth the risk... :)

Even though you COULD claim you received it by mistake, I don't get the feeling that's why you asked -- but who knows...

Answer 3

rarely,... they will usually "return to sender" Only if the letter has Not been opened and if there is a return address.

Once you open it - you're obligated to pay the postage to mail it back. Otherwise, it goes away to a department that holds it in a state of quarantine, which eventually basically means it goes to the trash heap. If it isn't claimed.

Since the terrorism scares in the past, protocols may have changed

Answer 4

Hehe yea it works, but you have to be good at it. Some envelopes won't let you do that, but if it's just the lick-and-stick envelopes, you can put them in the freezer for a couple hours, then the glue will come undone very quickly with a gentle fingernail's nudge. A very thin layer of plain school glue will re-seal it without warping or bubbling the paper. Also have to make sure it's put back in the mail no later than the next day you get it. They'll look at the postmark date.

But you didn't hear it from me ;-)

Answer 5

An opened letter may not be examined in more detail than necessary in order for it to be returnable to the sender or, as regards letters referred to in Section 8 item 1, be distributed to the addressee.

I suppose it's okay to send it back to the mailer.

Answer 6

Opening a letter that isn't addressed to you is a federal crime. I would not suggest trying to return it to the sender if you've opened it.

Answer 7

If it is taped up nicely and it is strong they probably will. I would recommend putting the letter in a new envelope.

Answer 8

They may since it is sealed but by rule, NO after you open it. That is considered as accepting it. That makes it your properity, if you want to mail it you need the proper postage applied.

Answer 9

Yes they will. Also write opened by mistake on it.

Answer 10

you could always put in another envelope and mail back to be sure