Using Real Name/Address?

[jaders]

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?

I think it depends. I have a box in a postal services place but it has a “regular” address so no one ever asks about it. I don’t know if your address actually said PO BOX 1111 if that would be an issue tho…

 

[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?

I think it depends. I have a box in a postal services place but it has a “regular” address so no one ever asks about it. I don’t know if your address actually said PO BOX 1111 if that would be an issue tho…

Hi @jaders, guessing you may have a redirect service with your PO box provider? Probably a must these days. Thoughts?
> not sure if redirect is the correct term
Thanks

 

[zephyr1015]

My question is if you don’t use a real name then what happens when you have to pick up the package at USPS? They check ID.

 

[heavymetalviolet]

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.

This happened to me actually at my box. I got the 7 page LL at the box instead of my expected shipment...and the reshipment was actually already on its way to the same box address, much to my chagrin! Thankfully nothing came of the letter at the box (using a busy place helps with that as people don't pay attention to what you're getting), and so the only thing I had to worry about was getting the shipment without a second seizure. Once that was done, I quit the box for a while and got one in a new location, then went back to using the first one. No issues. Whew.

 

[NewJack]

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!

probably act out a convincing dyslexic Joe Gatto for the judge

 

[jaders]

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?

I think it depends. I have a box in a postal services place but it has a “regular” address so no one ever asks about it. I don’t know if your address actually said PO BOX 1111 if that would be an issue tho…

Hi @jaders, guessing you may have a redirect service with your PO box provider? Probably a must these days. Thoughts?
> not sure if redirect is the correct term
Thanks

Just saw this. Yes that term is an alternative but correct.

As far as a "must" it really depends on where you live and what your buying requirements are? I was losing way too many due to being too close to a particular POE that is very difficult to breach, so tried something on the other side of the country. and it's working better. But many folks don't seem to need to do this for several reasons.

Probably better to PM this info tho. Let me know if you have more questions! I'm happy to send a PM with more info...

 

[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.

This happened to me actually at my box. I got the 7 page LL at the box instead of my expected shipment...and the reshipment was actually already on its way to the same box address, much to my chagrin! Thankfully nothing came of the letter at the box (using a busy place helps with that as people don't pay attention to what you're getting), and so the only thing I had to worry about was getting the shipment without a second seizure. Once that was done, I quit the box for a while and got one in a new location, then went back to using the first one. No issues. Whew.

Do you mind saying how long did you wait to go back to your first location? I had one LL come to my box too, but that's been 3-4 years ago and never since. Definitely agree about using a busy place. I've heard some horror stories about PO Box locations where the person running it takes it upon themselves to "investigate." Yikes!!

 

[Dougfresh]

I switched over to a PO Box due to wife interceptions and 2 LLs back to back. I use a variation of names.

 

[heavymetalviolet]

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.

This happened to me actually at my box. I got the 7 page LL at the box instead of my expected shipment...and the reshipment was actually already on its way to the same box address, much to my chagrin! Thankfully nothing came of the letter at the box (using a busy place helps with that as people don't pay attention to what you're getting), and so the only thing I had to worry about was getting the shipment without a second seizure. Once that was done, I quit the box for a while and got one in a new location, then went back to using the first one. No issues. Whew.

Do you mind saying how long did you wait to go back to your first location? I had one LL come to my box too, but that's been 3-4 years ago and never since. Definitely agree about using a busy place. I've heard some horror stories about PO Box locations where the person running it takes it upon themselves to "investigate." Yikes!!

It was probably about 9 months to a year...interestingly the places were literally across from one another. Place #2 had the VERY inquisitive fellow...he was a nice guy but I think he definitely suspected something was up with me, and more than once I had packages that were "damaged in the mail" that had obviously been torn open and sifted through. In one case that happened and the envelope (priority mail) had been clumsily taped back together. I think they thought whatever was inside was stolen. Well, at the very top of that envelope was a wad of packing tape. Bwa ha ha. Evidently they missed that. I removed that and tossed the envelope as I left. I even had "legit" packages coming to Place #2 to make it look real (Amazon orders, Chewy, and even some client work for my freelancing business that I do from time to time). Place #1 had gotten the long LL so I was proper spooked and scared to use it again even though the reshipment they sent went there right after that without issue. But yeah, it was quite some time in between (unless you count the time they messed up and delivered one of my shipments for Place #2 to Place #1 in error!).

 

[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.

This happened to me actually at my box. I got the 7 page LL at the box instead of my expected shipment...and the reshipment was actually already on its way to the same box address, much to my chagrin! Thankfully nothing came of the letter at the box (using a busy place helps with that as people don't pay attention to what you're getting), and so the only thing I had to worry about was getting the shipment without a second seizure. Once that was done, I quit the box for a while and got one in a new location, then went back to using the first one. No issues. Whew.

Do you mind saying how long did you wait to go back to your first location? I had one LL come to my box too, but that's been 3-4 years ago and never since. Definitely agree about using a busy place. I've heard some horror stories about PO Box locations where the person running it takes it upon themselves to "investigate." Yikes!!

It was probably about 9 months to a year...interestingly the places were literally across from one another. Place #2 had the VERY inquisitive fellow...he was a nice guy but I think he definitely suspected something was up with me, and more than once I had packages that were "damaged in the mail" that had obviously been torn open and sifted through. In one case that happened and the envelope (priority mail) had been clumsily taped back together. I think they thought whatever was inside was stolen. Well, at the very top of that envelope was a wad of packing tape. Bwa ha ha. Evidently they missed that. I removed that and tossed the envelope as I left. I even had "legit" packages coming to Place #2 to make it look real (Amazon orders, Chewy, and even some client work for my freelancing business that I do from time to time). Place #1 had gotten the long LL so I was proper spooked and scared to use it again even though the reshipment they sent went there right after that without issue. But yeah, it was quite some time in between (unless you count the time they messed up and delivered one of my shipments for Place #2 to Place #1 in error!).

Dayum!! That all sounds very stressful as well! The whole point of using the PO Box is to hopefully lessen the stress...

 

[Roccobigs]

I go back and forth on the real name disclosure. One would think in our world of databases and electronic tracking that USPS and/or Feds would have some way to "tag" addresses and individuals. Sheeesh...I've had a handful of LLs and any schmuck shpuld be able to look at my inbound deliveries and find some easy pickings! Seriously...are we just naive with what Big Brother sees...
or does the sheer amount of postal volume just overwhelm them? Part of me thinks that they probably see enough to know that people like us in these forums are more patient clients and not distributors of any real weight. If anything we are the victims with all this crap by having to navigate the fentanyl mixing being done to our personal orders. I go back and forth on how much we really need to worry as far as Johnny Law is concerned. Just can't see too many judges issuing search warrants for 300 bucks of Tram or benzos.

 

[Roccobigs]

Then again...I've had brothers of mine go to prison 25+ years ago for 100 bucks of LSD and a bag of herb. I just can't really get a firm grasp on it

 

[jaders]

Then again...I've had brothers of mine go to prison 25+ years ago for 100 bucks of LSD and a bag of herb. I just can't really get a firm grasp on it

How long ago was that? And I’m curious where?

I agree very much with you that unless it’s some smaller or more rural location, most LE are overwhelmed these days trying to keep up with the massive fentanyl influx.

Personally i think it’s much better to look like a somewhat naive person looking to take care of their medical needs (as most of us are here,) than to take a lot of measures to “hide.” Just my opinion tho.

 

[heavymetalviolet]

Then again...I've had brothers of mine go to prison 25+ years ago for 100 bucks of LSD and a bag of herb. I just can't really get a firm grasp on it

How long ago was that? And I’m curious where?

I agree very much with you that unless it’s some smaller or more rural location, most LE are overwhelmed these days trying to keep up with the massive fentanyl influx.

Personally i think it’s much better to look like a somewhat naive person looking to take care of their medical needs (as most of us are here,) than to take a lot of measures to “hide.” Just my opinion tho.

I'd agree with your last sentence, and that's kind of what my lawyer buddy hinted at with his replies to my questions. It's better to come off as "oh, I didn't think this was so bad and I didn't mean any harm, I was just trying to get my (insert product) to help (whatever issue)" (but it's best to let him provide that defense for you) than to have them snag you as a dealer or some such. Apparently that's a lot harder to defend or come back from. I dunno.

The folks getting sentenced to 25+ sound like they're in the south somewhere in the US, and I'd bet the farm it's a red state that prides themselves on being "law abiding". They do give whacked out sentences for stupid stuff in that locale. You could shoot someone and get reduced to manslaughter, but get caught with a blunt and you're looking at 30 years. It's crazy. I knew a guy in above named region who, at 16, got into some dealing. He did rather well for himself. Had a nice car, paid for townhome, a beautiful girlfriend, you name it. Then one night he threw a party. A young lady attending indulged a bit too much in the party favors and passed away on premise. He was picked up and they wanted to get him for murder one. ALL of his stuff was seized. He got 20 years and served 15. I ran across him when he was getting ready to go back to school for accounting so he could open his own business, since as he put it, who's gonna hire a convicted felon and one with what I did on my record? SMH.

And yep, LE is definitely trying to stem the fent tide, but how they're going about it is obvs not working. Meh.

 

[bigmomma78]

I always use my real name and address which is probably unwise. I just don't like lying. Maybe I'll make the next shipment to rusty shackleford.

 

[sweetpea123]

I always use my real name and address which is probably unwise. I just don't like lying. Maybe I'll make the next shipment to rusty shackleford.

Me too, I feel like my mail person would honestly feel like it was a huge red flag if my name wasn’t on it.

 

[jaders]

I always use my real name and address which is probably unwise. I just don't like lying. Maybe I'll make the next shipment to rusty shackleford.

Me too, I feel like my mail person would honestly feel like it was a huge red flag if my name wasn’t on it.

Folks very often send their mail and packages to other folks houses for all sorts of reasons. I send some items to a good friend’s place because she’s home all day, and my housemate’s son sends most of his stuff to our house for a similar reason - we’re home a lot more than he is. We also allow an old neighbor to send “important” mail to our house since we have a mail slot so it’s much more secure than just an outside mailbox.

My point is that I honestly don’t believe the postal carriers think much about this sort of thing, imho. The only thing that MIGHT get their attention is a letter with a customs/border patrol return address. But even then, there are many items that can cause a seizure - illicit substamces being only one. Food items, knockoff sports products/jewelry etc. or cigars, etc.

The one good thing that a different name can help with is it gives a small amount of plausible deniability if anything really effed up ever came down the pike. I used my housemate’s deceased husband’s name for a recent order since I did have a knock and talk several years ago and as a rule never send anything directly to my house. I did take the chance tho since the vendor is known for stellar stealth. But still, having a different name gave me a bit of comfort, for sure.

As far as lying - the fact that the healthcare system is so willing to abandon their supposed duty to help us, I have zero problem lying about this issue if it helps ensure that I get what I need. I’m no fan of lying either, but here it bothers me not one iota…

 

[Jimmy345]

I use my real name on the off chance they ask for ID, because I do have to sign for it, but I use a PO box to distance myself from it a bit.

 

[Jimmy345]

Oh, and I did just get my first LL to this PO box last week, which I'm a little nervous about, but I decided to go ahead and have my reshipment sent there anyway, to see how it goes. It hasn't reached the country yet, but I'll follow up how it goes!

I've gotten an LL to a previous address I used and had no issues sending further shipments to that address, so I think it'll be fine. I've only gotten maybe 3 LL's in over a decade and never had follow-up issues, but I might be lucky!

 

[bigmomma78]

I've never gotten an LL. But this is the first time my before vendor just isn't shipping due to issues. I'm almost out of meds and freaking out. I paid in late June. No idea how long he is going to wait.