Someone Else Getting Your Mail? How to Fix Misdelivered Mail (2025)
Is This a Big Deal?
Occasional misdelivery happens—carriers make mistakes, especially substitutes on unfamiliar routes. This is usually easy to fix.
Consistent misdelivery is more concerning and could indicate a systemic issue or, in rare cases, fraudulent mail forwarding. If your mail is regularly going elsewhere, take action immediately.
Discovering that someone else is receiving your mail is concerning—it means important documents, bills, and sensitive information might be in the wrong hands. Whether your mail is going to the wrong address or a previous resident's forwarding is affecting your delivery, this guide explains why it happens and how to fix it quickly.
Common Causes of Misdelivered Mail
1. Similar Addresses
123 Main St vs 123 Main Ave, or Apt 1 vs Apt 11. Carriers can mix up similar-looking addresses, especially with substitute carriers.
2. Your Name Not on Mailbox
If your name isn't clearly displayed, carriers may assume you don't live there and return mail or deliver to a different unit.
3. Incorrect Address in Sender's Records
Banks, utilities, and companies may have typos or old addresses in their systems, sending your mail elsewhere.
4. Fraudulent Mail Forwarding
In rare cases, someone may have fraudulently set up mail forwarding from your address. This is identity theft—report immediately.
How to Fix the Problem
Immediate Actions
- 1. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery — See images of incoming mail to know what's missing
- 2. Contact your local post office — Speak with the postmaster about the issue
- 3. Put your name clearly on your mailbox
- 4. Contact senders — Verify they have your correct address
- 5. Check for unauthorized forwarding — Ask USPS if any forwarding requests are on your address
- 6. If you receive someone else's mail: Write "NOT AT THIS ADDRESS" on it and place it back in your mailbox with the flag up
Verify Your Address Format
Use USPS Address Lookup to see how USPS standardizes your address, then make sure all senders use that exact format. See our guide to preventing address errors for more tips.
If You Suspect Identity Theft
- • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
- • Consider a credit freeze
- • Report to USPS Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455
- • Report to FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
- • File a police report
- • Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if someone else is receiving my mail?
Contact your local post office to verify your address is correct in their system. Ensure your name is on your mailbox, verify senders have your correct address, and use USPS Informed Delivery to monitor incoming mail.
Can someone else's mail forwarding affect my mail?
Yes, if a previous resident set up mail forwarding with your address as the "from" address, some of your mail might get forwarded to them. Contact USPS to investigate and stop unauthorized forwarding.
How do I check if someone set up mail forwarding without my permission?
Contact your local post office or call USPS at 1-800-ASK-USPS. They can check if any forwarding requests are associated with your address. If unauthorized forwarding exists, report it as fraud.
Track Your Important Mail
Send sensitive documents with certified mail for tracking and delivery confirmation.
Send Certified Mail OnlineRelated Guides
Last updated: