Using Real Name/Address?

[randalg]

I've read several times on MesoRx (bodybuilder's forum) where the vendor blamed the recipient for having his package seized by not using his real name. I never understood how/why that would be the case. Does USCBP have software that checks every package's name and address against postal records for a match? According to what some have posted above where they had a package sent to a friend's house but with their name on it — either CBP does no such name/address matching or they only do it randomly.

I have a real nosy mail lady. One of my friends sent a package to my house for my dog and because it wasn’t the normal name she took it upon herself to turn it in. Opened up a bunch of my dog’s toys

If they opened that without a warrant they should have been in deep shit. And being addressed to your dog should not have been enough for a warrant.

 

[randalg]

@cthruit If you don't just want to find another operator, you could sign up send some legal low value stuff from China or whatever and see if they say anything or if it's just legal ass covering and they don't really care. If they ask questions or complain you can then just shut the box and move on.

 

[cthruit]

@randalg Good idea. I might try that.

 

[jaders]

@cthruit If you don't just want to find another operator, you could sign up send some legal low value stuff from China or whatever and see if they say anything or if it's just legal ass covering and they don't really care. If they ask questions or complain you can then just shut the box and move on.

That’s been my experience. I think it depends on the commercial store itself, what paperwork they use (I’m sure it’s meant to strike some fear.) I definitely had to fill out the USPS form you’re referring to. Don’t remember any reference to additional documents needed for certain items tho. Probably they’ve stepped up the intimidation factor as of late or maybe it depends on who you get it thru? I would never take out a box in a small town or even in a “red” state, tbh…

 

[heavymetalviolet]

I’ve always used mine

For awhile I had a PO Box so I didn’t have to listen to my husband bitch, but got tired of paying for it.

This was me too. I initially used my own address for some time, but then I got my first LL there and my overly inquisitive hubby wanted to know what it was and why we got it (I made up a story obviously). Got a PO box for some time after that, then moved to a different PO box (the shop owner was nearly as inquisitive as hubby and was very interested in what might be in some of the odd packages I was getting from overseas...pretty sure he opened one of them at one point but couldn't prove it, so I moved on and got a box elsewhere at a more commercial chain kinda place). Dumped it awhile back though when I lost my job; figured it was an unneeded expense at this point.

 

[heavymetalviolet]

@cthruit If you don't just want to find another operator, you could sign up send some legal low value stuff from China or whatever and see if they say anything or if it's just legal ass covering and they don't really care. If they ask questions or complain you can then just shut the box and move on.

That’s been my experience. I think it depends on the commercial store itself, what paperwork they use (I’m sure it’s meant to strike some fear.) I definitely had to fill out the USPS form you’re referring to. Don’t remember any reference to additional documents needed for certain items tho. Probably they’ve stepped up the intimidation factor as of late or maybe it depends on who you get it thru? I would never take out a box in a small town or even in a “red” state, tbh…

Very correct. The larger chain store has a lengthy mantra detailing how to spot potentially illicit shipments, has new people fill out all the forms, etc etc. It can be hit or miss, but small private mom and pop shops I found were more risky than the chains. The mom and pop shop had a guy who all but searched my packages, while the chain store employed young kids who made barely minimum wage and just wanted to get their jobs done and over as quickly as possible; that meant they weren't paying much attention at all to the person in box 12345 getting a small overseas package. They'd simply toss it in the box and move on. "Red" states can also depend on where you are as well...if you are in a podunk middle of nowhere town, look out. If you're in a major metro area, use common sense and keep your head down and you're likely OK unless they somehow catch on to you or you do something to draw attention to yourself.

 

[heavymetalviolet]

I’ve always used mine

For awhile I had a PO Box so I didn’t have to listen to my husband bitch, but got tired of paying for it.

my husband is so nosy too I have to try to intercept ALL my packages before he can get his grubby little paws on them

YES! This was one major reason I got a box for a time. He would always get the mail first and then want to know what I ordered and why it had all these international stickers on it. Too many questions!

 

[randalg]

One thing to watch out for is if you're tryna seed a box with some legit mail to blend in, don't send your bills there because it might get the box address added to your credit reports.

 

[Slantedfloor]

I’ve always used mine

For awhile I had a PO Box so I didn’t have to listen to my husband bitch, but got tired of paying for it.

This was me too. I initially used my own address for some time, but then I got my first LL there and my overly inquisitive hubby wanted to know what it was and why we got it (I made up a story obviously). Got a PO box for some time after that, then moved to a different PO box (the shop owner was nearly as inquisitive as hubby and was very interested in what might be in some of the odd packages I was getting from overseas...pretty sure he opened one of them at one point but couldn't prove it, so I moved on and got a box elsewhere at a more commercial chain kinda place). Dumped it awhile back though when I lost my job; figured it was an unneeded expense at this point.

Hah! This ^ Sinice we married ”later in life “ all accounts and monies have remained separate …if anything I’m eyeballing his packages (he lost his job last year and still has hobbies he spends too much on) But there’s still the issue of “that’s an odd country watcha order there ? …”beads and crafting supplies or maybe seeds “… I still like my odds better with my friendly mail guy !

 

[telephonelie]

I think you should use your name so that the transparency will be there between you and the mail person.

 

[randalg]

Hope this isn't considered a thread jack because it's related but let me know if not okay OP or mods - wondering if anyone has opened a box out of state. There are some goodies that are illegal in my state but legal in bordering states and it would be mighty convenient to order them to the box in the legal state and go pick them up now and then. Asking friends and family not an option because I don't want to discuss that hobby with them.

 

[wazup]

I think you should use your name so that the transparency will be there between you and the mail person.

This is an overblown fear unless you're having some really HTF stuff sent to you. Your local Post Office is unlikely to flag your package IMO; that would happen upstream from the last-mile stop. Generally, once your local mail carrier has the package in their hand, it's as good as delivered. (This, btw, is one reason why I always flag down my postal delivery person each year and give them a holiday gift. If they hear what might be pills, they can just as well assume it's thumbtacks or something like that, especially if you're on good terms ;-)).

 

[heavymetalviolet]

I think you should use your name so that the transparency will be there between you and the mail person.

Yep, or something darn close to it. If you are caught, one thing that would be asked is why you are using a fake name? (It adds credence to the suspicion that you may be doing something wrong and that you know if). On the other hand...I've had shippers (especially overseas) make all kinds of mistakes with my name, but it's a case of "right neighborhood, wrong spelling." For instance (NOT my real name), let's say my name is Amy. Shipper sends me packages addressed to "Aimee," "Anna," "Aileen", etc. You get the idea. In those cases you kind of have plausible deniability if you are caught ("Hey, my name is Amy, not Aileen"), and anyone can mail anybody anything, but you'd still have a task to prove that you aren't the one who ordered the goods. I've actually had shipments come with misspellings like the above on first AND last name, an incorrect address, and somehow they STILL got to me and weren't snagged. I think I just got lucky a time or three!

 

[felixcat]

I don't use my full name. If my name was Thomas Wilkins, I might use T Wilkins. Mainly this is because I have an unusual name combination and an uncommon last name. If you google my actual name, it's REALLY easy to find me, even without a location. So, try googling your name to see if you're easily "findable".

But I always put some form of the correct name. Because if I miss a delivery and get left a card to pick it up, I need proof (passport or bill) that matches the name on the package I'm collecting.

If you were doing huge orders all the time or very controlled stuff, it might be worth getting a box for sure.

 

[palmetto10]

Sometimes I ship packages to my work. I always use my real name when I do this and I do this to cut down on the amount of packages going to my house. I work somewhere where it's normal for people to get things shipped to work because we are here all day and they would rather have the package delivered here then sitting on their front porch.
Even if it's a international package, it raises no red flags with my work! I am a bit fortunate for being able to do this. The downside, if the vendor doesn't offer tracking, I am screwed! I can't use informed delivery for my work

 

[randalg]

@felixcat This is one where a name variation might help (Thompson vs. Thomas to go with your example) so if you had to show ID to pick up it'd be close enough and treated as just a clerical error. But have also read that post@l insp3kt0rs look for that kind of thing and have cited it in warrant applications (though if they apply for a warrant you are already got because judge gunna sign off no matter what).

 

[Priv]

Ive always just used my own name, I don’t place huge orders so always figured it wouldn’t be an issue if intercepted

 

[NewJack]

I don't use my full name. If my name was Thomas Wilkins, I might use T Wilkins. Mainly this is because I have an unusual name combination and an uncommon last name. If you google my actual name, it's REALLY easy to find me, even without a location. So, try googling your name to see if you're easily "findable".

But I always put some form of the correct name. Because if I miss a delivery and get left a card to pick it up, I need proof (passport or bill) that matches the name on the package I'm collecting.

If you were doing huge orders all the time or very controlled stuff, it might be worth getting a box for sure.

Same here @felixcat , just enough name info to create plausible deniability. Rather be charged with accepting delivery of a few PK's or benzos than wire fraud. Advent of AI is changing the landscape in a big way.

 

[jaders]

Sometimes I ship packages to my work. I always use my real name when I do this and I do this to cut down on the amount of packages going to my house. I work somewhere where it's normal for people to get things shipped to work because we are here all day and they would rather have the package delivered here then sitting on their front porch.
Even if it's an international package, it raises no red flags with my work! I am a bit fortunate for being able to do this. The downside, if the vendor doesn't offer tracking, I am screwed! I can't use informed delivery for my work

And would it ever be a problem that if a package got seized and instead a letter with the return address “US BORDER AND CUSTOMS showed up - would that get any notice? That worries me when I use a po box in a mail box center. Had it happen once a few years ago but not since, thankfully.

 

[NewJack]

I don't use my full name. If my name was Thomas Wilkins, I might use T Wilkins. Mainly this is because I have an unusual name combination and an uncommon last name. If you google my actual name, it's REALLY easy to find me, even without a location. So, try googling your name to see if you're easily "findable".

But I always put some form of the correct name. Because if I miss a delivery and get left a card to pick it up, I need proof (passport or bill) that matches the name on the package I'm collecting.

If you were doing huge orders all the time or very controlled stuff, it might be worth getting a box for sure.

Do vendors and and major carriers still accept a PO box; particularly with international shipments?