Do Your Freebies Arrive OPENED?

[mrshairball]

For the last week or so, I have noticed that several items I have received in the mail have been tampered with. It started with the Kashi Bar, the tape on one end of the package was cut.

Another item or two have arrived with the sides of the packages looking funny, but today, EVERY single thing I got had been tampered with. The tape holding a manila envelope with coffee inside was cut all the way across. The side of the flap of a white envelope with coupons inside, torn aside so that maybe someone could see what it was. An envelope with a supplement ... you got it! Opened and the sticky glue just pressed back into place.

Should I call the post office? Wouldn't that just make it worse, like my goodies may never arrive at all? Are they looking for things they want to steal or just "looking"?

Thanks for any input.

[katlnhats]

Hi,
I've only had one thing arrive opened and it was a shampoo and conditioner sample. What I did was to e-mail the company and they sent me a coupon for a FREE full sized product. I only e-mailed them as mine looked like the packaging, yours sounds like someone might be messing with your mail. I'd report it to the post office and also take a couple of the packages in with you to show them...

Just my opinion.

Kat Good luck.

[WhaddaDeal006]

Yeah, that does not sound good. How do you get your mail? Is it an outside mailbox.....mail slot through you front door....locked drop box? (i.e. Can people access your mail after the Post Office delivers it?)

Anyways, I'm sure it is a crime (probably federal crime) to tamper with someone else's mail. The Post Office wouldn't (normally) inspect your mail unless they had a reason/suspicion and it was within their discretion/right to do this......this does not sound like the case.

Like kat said, I would inform the Post Office of this. A couple free samples won't hurt you if they steal them, but what if they find something more valuable or personal that you would miss? You should definitely report this, and if your mail is "vulnerable" between the time it is delivered and you retrieve it, maybe you can check into other safeguards for your mail.

Oh, and to answer your question: No. I don't recall any of my freebies being opened. A time or two an envelope was opened, but it appeared that it was never sealed by the sender.

[MSUhoneyMSU]

I would definatly contact your post office, or you can send a general email at [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] and then they will route it to the postmaster at your PO. Seems like your delivery person is checking out the samples before you get them! Imagine how many never even reach you.

[tlspiegel]

This is a Federal Crime. Report it.

[verwon]

First though, before you report it as a crime, you really should talk to someone at your post office. Sometimes, envelopes that look flat are put through the automatic processor and sorters and if they aren't completely flat, because they have a sample in there, they get hung up on the equipment and it makes it look as if they were torn open or cut open, but it really is just a complete fluke and accident.

[katlnhats]

Hi,
I agree, that's why I suggested taking a couple in with you to show them, as it may be happening from their machines or just more mail/less help with the holiday season approaching. Just by showing up and talking to them may make all the difference in the world, as you're getting things and I know it's frustrating, but it could be from the postal people rushing, or their machines not working quite right, as you're still getting them.
Good luck and let us know how you make out!

Kat

[dolphins032150]

I ordered the charmain extender and when I got it in the mail the boxed had been opened my extenders taken out and taped back up to look like they were still in there. My maillady got a ear full the next day!!!

[coffeebeaned]

Mail theft (or vandalism) in any manner, is a Federal Crime. I agree that you should report the incidences to your Post Master.

Additionally, you can help WARN the would be thief/vandals (no matter whom you suspect), by obtaining USPS Label #33 from your PO and affix it directly to your mailbox. For more information regarding this matter, visit the direct USPS Postal Inspector link here: http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/tipvandl.htm

[mrshairball]

Thanks coffeebeaned

Well, just to update this thread, I went out one day and chatted with my mail carrier about what was going on. She seemed on the up and up about not knowing anything, and said she will keep an eye on things.

I did file a report, after showing her the envelopes that had been opened and she said they definitely had been. The freebies are fun, but I'm not anywhere near as concerned about them as I am my son's boxes of medical supplies or gifts I purchase off the web.