Is there some kind of law against opening letters that are not addressed to you?

Question

I've heard mixed opinions on this. My Mother is constantly opening my letters. I live at her address but I am always the last person to know I have post and by the time I do know, it has already been opened and read. Is there something I can do about this? I have already tried talking to her on numerous occasions but she just doesn't stop! I am tired of having no privacy and I am trusting her less and less. I find it difficult to tell her anything as is and just when I was starting to open up to her more, she has done it again. Help.

Answer 1

It is a criminal offence officially, but you wouldnt be taken seriously if you did report her to the police.

I used to have the same problem when I lived at home. the only solution is to just move out, or get your post sent to a friends address.

Answer 2

Yes there is a law against opening someone else's letters it's called Invasion of Privacy. Just tell her you don't appreciate her opening your mail and if she does it again then you will have to report her and have her fined. This might teach her a lesson. Otherwise if you can afford it buy a box# and then your mail will be dropped off in the box at the Post Office and you get your own key and you can just go there and get your mail and you'll be the only one who can pick up the mail.

Answer 3

Before I answer this I have to say one thing:
Reading these results was a riot! Apparently, about half the population failed basic math - your name includes "85", based on that, you are 21-22 years old. My apologies for the others who missed the details.

ANYWAY - under U.S. code (Federal law) Title 18, part 1, chapter 83, sec. 1702:
"Whoever takes any letter, postal card, or package out of any post office or any authorized depository for mail matter... before it has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed, with design to obstruct the correspondence, or to pry into the business or secrets of another, or opens, secretes, embezzles, or destroys the same, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."

More information is available at the bottom of this webpage:
http://www.usps.com/privacyoffice/intelligentmail.htm

Parents normally have good intentions, but I think this is just the tip of the iceberg for you. You're 21-22 years old and even if you have a wreckless history of any kind, your mom must know she is violating federal law and your civil rights, which the U.S. Code is based upon, wheather she owns the property where you are getting the mail or not. It is YOUR mail and is to be opened by YOU. If you lower yourself to her conduct, you are only adding to the problem of her pettiness and problematic behavior and opening yourself to possible prosecution under the code above.

Your solutions:
1.) Attempt to discuss the problem with her for a resolution,
2.) Get a P.O. Box and submit a change of address to your business providers, or
3.) Move out

I wish you the best.

Answer 4

yes , but if your a minor and living in your parents house then you don't have a leg to stand on. the mail is addressed to her house then she has every right to open it. If the mail has someone elses name on it that doesn't live there she cant legally open it , she has to return it.

if your over 18 and want more privacy then get a po box. they only cost about 40 dollars a year.

note: you have to be over 18 to get a po box.

maybe instead of opening her mail (unless you want to pay her bills) or bitching about your "rights" you should try to find out 'why' shes opening your mail.

have you been untrustworthy or been in trouble? or maybe she's just being overprotective for some reason. best to just ask her.

another thing is , what are you trying to hide from her? if nothing then what difference does it make?

Answer 5

To my knowledge, it is technically illegal to open mail that is not addressed to you by name. However, if your mother owns the house, you would probably not get anyone to side with you. Because it is her property, she probably has a legal right to know what kind of correspondence is coming in and out. It doesn't make it any less rude on her part, but I doubt that what she is doing would be tackled by law enforcement.

Answer 6

Under United States It is against Federal Law to open someone's mail. Its a breach of your privacy.

Answer 7

Yes, actually there is in the United States. I'm unsure about the UK. Check online or with your local postal service. I would advise against turning your mom in for that though. Perhaps you could sit her down and tell her that you would appreciate her not opening your mail. Or be the first to get the mail when it arrives.

Answer 8

It is actually an offence to open mail not belonging to you - if the mail bears a name (addressee) then the mail is specifically for that person and to open it is an offence.

But, if you report it - it would be unlikely that any action would be taken - not classed as 'serious enough to warrant prosecution'.

Get your mail sent somewhere else or hire a P.O.Box - your mail can be sent there and you can collect when you like. Expensive way around the problem though.

Alternatively - start opening her mail and then see how she likes it.

Answer 9

That's terrible! My religion (Islam) prohibits anyone from opening letters that are not addressed to him/her. Violation of privacy is considered a serious offence.

Answer 10

If you are a minor there may be nothing you can do. I advise that you be glad that you even get your mail, so what if your mom knows what's inside. What's the worst she's gonna do, starve you and send you to your room? If she gets abusive, let the authorities know. If she's a friend in the form of your mother. let her read your mail. remember you're still getting it. cyoa