Package that I did not mail, sent back to me "Return to Sender".

[kingbowzer]

Ok, I don't understand what is going on here. About a month ago I received a letter from the USPS stating that a package I mailed did not have enough postage on it and that if the addressee did not agree to pay the needed postage, the package would be returned to sender. I looked at the address that was mentioned and looked back and saw where I had never mailed anything to said address. 

Today, I got a package dropped off by USPS marked that it had been returned to sender (me, apparently) and opened for inspection. My address was indeed the address in the corner for the return address printed on the shipping label but again, I did not recognize the address this item was suppose to goto and had never mailed anything to them. I opened the package and found that it contained children's toys and action figures. I have never seen these things in my life, much-less mailed them to anyone. What is going on here?

I can only guess that someone sold these items and used my address as their own? Why would someone do this? Is it some sort of scam? I don't know if this was an item purchased and sold on eBay or not, but figured sellers on here know a bit about shipping and was hoping to hear what y'all thought.

[mtgraves7984]

That's odd. Was it an eBay label?

[kingbowzer]

There are no eBay markings on it. Not sure if they had sold it on eBay and used a different postage service or if it was an item sold on another platform. Either way it is very odd. I don't understand why someone would send someone something and use someone else's return address rather than their own. I mean I suppose if they were sending something illegal and didn't want it traced back to them, but this person was mailing toys and action figures.

[bar-29368]

Well, one thing stands out straight away. It was sent Media Mail but wasn't, which is why it was opened for inspection and had postage due.

As to why the seller used your address, I don't know. Perhaps do a search in solds for any of the items?

[guangxi_hone]

Happened to me years back. Received heavy rod. Did not order, could not track the reason. Called sender but they did not assume responsibility. Have the rod still in my shed. Nobody ever claimed ownership.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bar-29368 wrote: .... It was sent Media Mail but wasn't, which is why it was opened for inspection and had postage due. ... 

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And if he didn't also cheat on the label weight (which says 8 ounces), then he could have shipped it as a First Class package for $3.52, which is just 72 cents more than he paid for Media Mail.

[whiteparrot2003]

Found this public info with contact #

https://www.usphonebook.com/mark-herzfeld/UQjM5MDNxczN2YjNwATOxkDO40yR

Maybe if you call he would accept a COD package or he could get a refund if it was a purchase.

[lex-talon]

 Had a seller mail me a video game using media mail and it was delivered to my address. I let the person know about it. FCM was only .33 more btw.

[whiteparrot2003]

No doubt it weighs more than 8 oz.  Trying to ship it media mail was a sure way to get it opened for inspection so probably nothing illegal involved LOL.

I wonder if someone else in his house ordered something (Brett?)

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@whiteparrot2003 wrote: ... Maybe if you call he would accept a COD package or he could get a refund if it was a purchase.

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The package was mailed on April 20, so probably this buyer has already gotten his refund.

[lilbama911]

RE: What is going on here? 

If you look at the label closely, you will see the name Pitney Bowles which is synonymous  with eBay Global Shipping Program.  Most likely, the package was shipped from an international seller to a buyer in the USA.   

In fact, if you really think about it, the seller didn't pull your name and address out of a hat.    The seller probably sells miscellaneous items, including children toys.    In the past, you probably purchased from this international seller which is why your address was in their data base. 

You received the package due to analyst error.  Perhaps  the person with an accent thought your last name sounded like the addressee's last name which is why the package was in your box. 

The actual buyer will settle everything with eBay Money Back Program.

[wastingtime101]

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@bar-29368 wrote:
Well, one thing stands out straight away. It was sent Media Mail but wasn't, which is why it was opened for inspection and had postage due.

As to why the seller used your address, I don't know. Perhaps do a search in solds for any of the items?

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Maybe USPS has the real seller flagged for abusing media mail so they're now using other addresses to get past USPS restricting their shipping privileges?

brian@ebay 

You looked into this the last time it was posted here, can you check into it again? If it's a seller abusing the system I'm sure you guys want to get that on your radar.

[wastingtime101]

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@lilbama911 wrote:

RE: What is going on here? 

If you look at the label closely, you will see the name Pitney Bowles which is synonymous  with eBay Global Shipping Program.  Most likely, the package was shipped from an international seller to a buyer in the USA.   

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I don't think that has anything to do with it. First of all, it's a Media Mail package. Second, all shipping labels purchased through eBay say Pitney Bowes. Sellers can also have accounts directly with Pitney - we use to have service with them at a job I had when I was young.

Pitney Bowes handles GSP shipments, but just because it says Pitney Bowes that doesn't mean it has anything at all to do with the GSP.

[kensgiftshop]

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@lilbama911 wrote:

RE: What is going on here? 

If you look at the label closely, you will see the name Pitney Bowles which is synonymous  with eBay Global Shipping Program. 

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All the shipping labels you print from Ebay, plus a few other sites say Pitney Bowes, so it doesn't mean it has anything to do with the GSP.

[ed8108]

You are now in the USPS system as having inappropriately used the US mail, hopefully there will be no future instances.