One way to protect your privacy would be receiving mail or packages using a fake name. Even though it isn’t illegal to write a fake name on a shipping address, there may be some consequences when mailing packages with nicknames only. You can receive packages using a fake name, but first, let’s see why courier companies do not recommend this.
You can your package without a name or you can put any nickname on the package if you have the delivery address to a house. If you live in an apartment building, and the package has your address but a different name, the driver may not be able to find you.
We recommend you always put a name on the package, preferably the correct name, to avoid misdelivery, failed delivery attempts, lost packages, or similar.
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When shipping through our platform, you always need to put a name on the package because the name and other correct information will ensure successful delivery.
Can I use a fake name for shipping or receiving mail and parcels?
It is not illegal to use a fake name when mailing, and in general, you can use a fake name or a pseudonym on the shipping address if the intent is not fraudulent.
Do you have to put a name on a package when mailing it to another address?
You may be wondering if the name on the shipping address matter and the answer is that yes it does make a great difference when using mailing with a real name. This information is used for the sole purpose of a succcessful delivery.
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However, you do not have to always put the real name. Instead, you can write a fake name when shipping but we advise you to give accurate details for successful delivery. Check out what happens if you mail a package without a name or with a fake name in the following scenarios:
- Shipping to an apartment building – Apartment buildings have just one address, and in most cases, the courier driver hands over the packages based on the name written on the shipping label. If you forgot to put the recipient’s name on the package, there is a chance that the shipment will be sent back to the sender.
- Shipping to a house – The shipment may be delivered to the right person even if you forgot to put the recipient’s name on the package or envelope. Remote areas, villages, or small communities are not as populated as urban areas, so the courier driver may have an easier time finding the right person based on the delivery address written on the package.
Read more about anonymous shipping by clicking the link below!
Shipping to a PO box address with a fake name or a pseudonym
Even though it depends on the local post office, you can ship to a PO box with a pseudonym in most cases. The only thing important is that you provide the correct PO box number.
Before you decide to ship to a PO box address under a fake name, keep in mind that some postal offices may require a list of authorised names for receiving mail. In this case, you need to register your pseudonym as a legitimate receiver.
Can I send a package with no name or a fake name through Eurosender?
At Eurosender, we always choose the safest delivery option, and you can contribute to this by providing us with the name of the receiver. For every shipment sent through Eurosender, we always ask for the recipient’s contact details, which includes the full name of the receiver, to avoid any unwanted scenarios. Are you wondering what could go wrong if you ship a package with no name or under a pseudonym? Continue reading to find out!
Writing a fake name on shipping address – The consequences
We already established that it is not illegal to write a fake on a shipping address unless you are using someone else’s identity or sending something illegal. However, there are still some risks associated with shipping parcels under a pseudonym or a fake name:
- Misdelivered package – If you send the package without a name, it may end up in the wrong hands if more people live at the same delivery address.
- Failed delivery attempt – The courier driver may not be able to locate the consignee, which means the parcel will either be sent back to the sender or held in the depot until further notice.
- Parcel held in storage – If the courier driver did not find anyone present at the address when delivering the parcel, in some cases, you would need to collect the parcel yourself from the postal office or closest logistics provider storage. Upon collection, you will have to present a valid ID to confirm that you are the intended receiver, which would make the situation more complicated if you had a fake name or pseudonym on the shipping address. You will have to present some proof of payment or order number to prove the parcel’s ownership if you do not have the fake name on the shipping address registered for a legitimate one.
- Lost package – The last reason you should avoid writing fake names on the shipping address is that after a couple of delivery attempts and back and forth from the warehouse, the package may get lost.
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What name to use instead of a fake one to receive a package?
Instead of writing a fake name on the shipping address, you can opt for a shorter variant of your name, using your initials and surname. For example, you can write “B. Smith” which would help the courier driver find you faster.
Shipping under a pseudonym from online stores
Did you want to use Mr Mickey Mouse as a pseudonym to receive a package bought online?
As weird as it may seem, some buyers use the most creative names when getting gifts for family members or friends as an inside joke or just a funny way to surprise the receiver. In most cases, the package can be delivered if the rest of the contact information is correct.
FAQs
If you forgot to put the recipient's name on the package, there is a chance that the shipment will be sent back to the sender. Shipping to a house – The shipment may be delivered to the right person even if you forgot to put the recipient's name on the package or envelope.
Can you send a package without sender info? ›
When you are mailing packages, you can leave the return address field blank. In most instances, when you are sending your parcel the standard way, the clerk will not ask you to fill out the return address field so you can leave it blank.
Can I ship something anonymously? ›
One way of sending untraceable mail and anonymous letter through the mail is to leave the envelope without a return address and drop it in a public physical box. The post office collects these letters and delivers them to a specific post office department to further scan them.
Do you need a name for a shipping label? ›
The Anatomy of a Shipping Label
Most of the information is automatically generated by the carrier. The main information you will need is: The sender's name and address. The recipient's name and address.
Can you send mail without a sender name? ›
The sender's address isn't necessary, but it is recommended. If there are any mistakes that prevent the delivery of the letter, the lack of a return address means the post office will be unable to send it back in order to fix any problems.
Can you send a package without a name or return address? ›
The return address is not required on postal mail. However, lack of a return address prevents the postal service from being able to return the item if it proves undeliverable; such as from damage, postage due, or invalid destination.
Can you ship anonymously with UPS? ›
Discreet shipping is great for sending items confidentially without anyone knowing the contents of the package. USPS, UPS®, and FedEx offer discreet shipping services at no extra cost.
How to order packages anonymously? ›
How To Receive A Package Without Giving An Address: 4 easy ways for 2022
- Package receiving service. A package receiving service is a great way to get items delivered without using your home address. ...
- Package locker systems. ...
- Sign up for a PO Box. ...
- Get your parcel delivered to a friend (or your office)
Let's take things one step at a time.
- Use an encrypted messaging app. ...
- Use an encrypted browser. ...
- Use a VPN. ...
- Use secure email services. ...
- Use a temporary email. ...
- Use encrypted storage. ...
- Don't post PII. ...
- Check app permissions.
Can I handwrite a shipping label? You can handwrite the shipping address (as long as it's eligible), but you will still need a carrier barcode, which needs to be generated by the carrier. Depending on the volume of orders you're fulfilling, handwriting shipping addresses can become time-consuming.
Can I handwrite a shipping label? Absolutely (as long as your writing is legible), however, some information, such as the barcode, will need to be generated from the carrier prior to shipping.
Can you send a letter anonymously? ›
Sending anonymous letters through the post is legal. On the other hand, sending threatening anonymous letters is illegal.
What if a package is delivered to my address but not my name? ›
When you receive a mistaken delivery, call customer service for the delivery company and explain the situation. Give them the tracking number on the package, as well as the name and address on the package if it's different from yours. The company will come and pick up the product within a reasonable time frame.
How do you blind ship a package? ›
To conduct a blind shipment, the shipment is prepaid and the request to ship blind is done before shipping. The name and contact information of the shipper (your supplier) is then taken off the bill of lading (BOL) before it gets shipped to its final destination.
How can you find out who sent you a package? ›
The post office requires a return address, it should be on the label. Phone whatever courier it's coming via and ask them to tell you who the shipper is. They usually will.
Can the UPS people open up your packages? ›
UPS reserves the right to open and inspect any package tendered to it for transportation.
What is anonymous mail USPS? ›
To enhance the safety and security of Postal Service employees and customers, the Postal Service is now updating the Aviation Security Program, also known as the Anonymous Mail Program, to restrict the method of deposit for all mailpieces bearing stamps as the only postage payment method that weigh more than 10 ounces ...
Is it illegal to send packages to strangers? ›
In the US, that's a crime. It's considered mail fraud, keeping your mail - your legal property - away from you and what they've done is a federal offense where they could serve time. Your problem, if you want to prosecute, is proving it.
Does USPS require ID to ship? ›
The Postal Service® requires customers to provide acceptable and current proof of identity to receive specific products or apply for some services. Not all primary forms of photo identification are accepted for USPS products and services.
How do you send something secret in the mail? ›
Use an Anonymous and Encrypted Email Provider
Although different providers offer different features, ProtonMail, Tutanota, StartMail, and Guerilla Mail are guaranteed to be more private than Gmail and Yahoo. We'll compare all these providers in depth later in this guide.
What Are the Best Anonymous Blogging Platforms?
- For many writers, the primary purpose of blogging is to build a personal brand. You may focus on ways to maintain some degree of privacy as a blogger, but you are still linking your identity to content that you post online. ...
- Telegra.ph. ...
- Write.as. ...
- Notepin.co. ...
- WordPress.
If you do not have a pouch, affix the folded label using clear plastic shipping tape over the entire label area. Be careful not to obscure or damage the bar codes or addresses. You can also print labels on label stock and affix them to your package.
How do I ship a package with a handwritten label? ›
Can you handwrite a shipping label? You can (as long as it's eligible). Ensure that you write the address and name in the upper left corner and the name and mailing address in the center-right of the package box. Also, note that you will need to get a generated barcode from your chosen courier.
Can I cross my name off a shipping label? ›
Here's an important tidbit: don't cross out the shipping address printed on your label and write a new one next to it!
Can I just write the shipping info on the box? ›
Addressing a package for shipment via USPS is pretty straight forward. You can either hand write the destination and return address directly on the box, or you can use a label or printed piece of paper taped to the face of the box.
Can I ship from USPS without printing a label? ›
The Label Broker feature supports customers who would like to ship with USPS but do not have access to a printer or shipping labels. You can print pre-paid and No Postage Necessary (e.g. Returns) shipping labels at most Post Office® locations and at USPS.com.
Can I hand write a Fedex shipping label? ›
Sure, you can neatly handwrite the shipping address yourself, but you'll still need a carrier barcode. Carriers generate shipping labels digitally as part of their shipping process, and each carrier has its own distinct requirements and templates.
Can packages be traced to sender? ›
Whether you are the sender or recipient, you can track your item: Online: Use USPS Tracking® on the United States Postal Service® website.
How do I find out who sent an anonymous package? ›
You can't. The tracking number will only give you the post office of origin, not the name of a person. In addition, the person could have mailed it from a post office 100 miles away from where they lived.
Can a package be sent without a tracking number? ›
First-Class Mail is an affordable service that does not include end-to-end tracking. However, you can pay for the extra service of tracking information. In the case of international mail, tracking is included with many, but not all, international mailing services.
Under the USPS Inspection Service inspection guidelines, first-class letters and packages are protected under the Fourth Amendment. This means that they cannot be searched or seized. The only way that an item sent through USPS can be seized and searched is with a search warrant.
Can I open a package sent to my address not mine? ›
No, it is illegal to intentionally open someone else's mail. However, if you accidentally open a stray piece of mail that ended up in your mailbox, it's not technically a crime. Can I keep mail delivered to me by mistake? If you receive mail addressed to someone else and keep it, you're still committing a crime.
How can I find out who the sender is of a package? ›
Identifying the Sender
Visit USPS.com and submit the tracking number. The tracking system may only provide you with the city, state and zip code of the sender, but this may be all the information you need to determine the sender's identity.
Is anonymous mail really anonymous? ›
An anonymous email account hides your real identity, doesn't track you, and encrypts your emails. Nobody should be able to trace anything back to you based on the emails you send. That said, your data is still at risk if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
Can you trace who sent you mail? ›
There are 4 primary methods by which you can trace an email sender's location: through their IP address, via a reverse lookup tool, by searching on social media platforms, and by examining the sender's time zone.
Can I receive a package without my name? ›
Can I mail a package with a nickname or without a name? You can your package without a name or you can put any nickname on the package if you have the delivery address to a house. If you live in an apartment building, and the package has your address but a different name, the driver may not be able to find you.
Is it illegal to track someone else's package? ›
A person may not knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person's property without the other person's consent.
Can you receive packages without an address? ›
Get a PO Box
PO Box is another popular choice that works best if you do not want to share your address. PO boxes are meant for receiving both mail and parcels. Your packages are safe here and you can pick them up during the service hours of the post office station.
