my friend's brother opens his mail all the time. even to the point of taking his credit card bill, opening it, and not telling him that it came in the mail. is it illegal to do that? and it is WITHOUT my friend's permission. a link to a source would be helpfull so i can show my friend. thanks!
2007-06-06 17:19:34 · 15 answers · asked by Amy A 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, opening up the personal property of others is a punishable, federal offense. If his friend removes it from the mailbox without his permission then it is considered theft.
2007-06-06 17:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by thearizonapenguin 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Opening another persons mail is very illegal and as such there is/are federal law(s) prohibiting such from being done. That being said if your friend has a problem with his brother opening his mail "all the time" then he should first approach him about it letting him know that this is something he should not be doing. If it continues inform that person of the steps you are willing to take if he does not discontinue this illegal act. Thirdly if this hasn't been stopped yet I would contact the postal office and make arrangements to pick up the mail at the office or if he wants his brother to face legal consequences he could call the police and file a report and press charges. All mail should only be opened by the intended party unless given permission by the intended party to open the mail. I don't have any links but if your friend needs confirmation of what I've said have him call the police station. Nothing will result out of it by inquiring if your friend is not wanting to yet take legal action.
2007-06-06 18:07:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes
2007-06-06 17:28:09 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He can always get a Post Office box, I am sure he doesn't feel like getting his own brother in trouble. He can always contact the local post office to get information on the possible punishments just to scare his brother.
2007-06-06 17:26:33 · answer #4 · answered by stephen v 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a federal offence to open some one else's mail
2007-06-06 17:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by moosies 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is illegal to open any mail that does not have your name written on it; whether family or foe.
2007-06-06 17:22:53 · answer #6 · answered by (^-^)-♪ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
...it's called a federal OFFENSE, unless of course it is with permission which in this matter, it is not.
Just tell your friend to advise his brother that he must discontinue opening his mail, OR he will report him to the authorities and have him arrested.
2007-06-06 17:25:05 · answer #7 · answered by rare2findd 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is illegal to open any mail unless it has your name on it.
2007-06-06 17:26:53 · answer #8 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not recomend it,even though it was put in the mailbox.There are guidelines to follow for miss sent mail.Contact your local post office for further details.
2007-06-06 17:27:19 · answer #9 · answered by nick 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is illegal at the federal level to tamper with someone else's mail...contact the USPS
2007-06-06 17:29:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋