Mixing
A stranger asks for my delivery address, how much information should I give?
There's this person online with whom I have only interacted a few times. They had asked me for a small favour, which I did. They then wanted to give me something in return as a thank you. They were going to post it, so they wanted my address.
I am countries away and I'm not used to mail, especially international mail. I hate that I'm paranoid like this when I genuinely look forward to their gift, but I need to know to what extent do I share my details?
privacy
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
|
show 8 more comments
There's this person online with whom I have only interacted a few times. They had asked me for a small favour, which I did. They then wanted to give me something in return as a thank you. They were going to post it, so they wanted my address.
I am countries away and I'm not used to mail, especially international mail. I hate that I'm paranoid like this when I genuinely look forward to their gift, but I need to know to what extent do I share my details?
privacy
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
13
What was the favour and what is the gift?
– Revetahw
Nov 20 '18 at 21:41
4
The more likely scam would be that they ask you to cover the delivery cost (and never send you anything), or they "accidentally" send you too much and ask you to pay the difference, or it's a delivery-man scam (which would be avoided by not accepting the delivery in person), or one of countless other scams that might build on the rapport you have.
– NotThatGuy
Nov 20 '18 at 22:32
3
You could look at mailbox services. E. G. accessstorage.com/business-services/mailboxes (I've no personal experienxe with this specific one, just my first google result)
– JohnLBevan
Nov 21 '18 at 8:35
2
There are a lot of "identify this possible scam" requests on money.stackexchange.com. personally, I would have asked this one over there, but ymmv
– Mawg
Nov 21 '18 at 10:14
12
Someone is offering a disproportionate reward for a small favour. If it is not a scam, saying "no need to repay me, happy to help" is a kind and generous response. If it is a scam, the same response protects you from an appeal to greed. See @ccto response.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
|
show 8 more comments
There's this person online with whom I have only interacted a few times. They had asked me for a small favour, which I did. They then wanted to give me something in return as a thank you. They were going to post it, so they wanted my address.
I am countries away and I'm not used to mail, especially international mail. I hate that I'm paranoid like this when I genuinely look forward to their gift, but I need to know to what extent do I share my details?
privacy
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
There's this person online with whom I have only interacted a few times. They had asked me for a small favour, which I did. They then wanted to give me something in return as a thank you. They were going to post it, so they wanted my address.
I am countries away and I'm not used to mail, especially international mail. I hate that I'm paranoid like this when I genuinely look forward to their gift, but I need to know to what extent do I share my details?
privacy
privacy
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
edited Nov 20 '18 at 20:05
schroeder♦
73.3k29160195
73.3k29160195
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
asked Nov 20 '18 at 15:44
cluelessAndDesperate
277123
277123
13
What was the favour and what is the gift?
– Revetahw
Nov 20 '18 at 21:41
4
The more likely scam would be that they ask you to cover the delivery cost (and never send you anything), or they "accidentally" send you too much and ask you to pay the difference, or it's a delivery-man scam (which would be avoided by not accepting the delivery in person), or one of countless other scams that might build on the rapport you have.
– NotThatGuy
Nov 20 '18 at 22:32
3
You could look at mailbox services. E. G. accessstorage.com/business-services/mailboxes (I've no personal experienxe with this specific one, just my first google result)
– JohnLBevan
Nov 21 '18 at 8:35
2
There are a lot of "identify this possible scam" requests on money.stackexchange.com. personally, I would have asked this one over there, but ymmv
– Mawg
Nov 21 '18 at 10:14
12
Someone is offering a disproportionate reward for a small favour. If it is not a scam, saying "no need to repay me, happy to help" is a kind and generous response. If it is a scam, the same response protects you from an appeal to greed. See @ccto response.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
|
show 8 more comments
13
What was the favour and what is the gift?
– Revetahw
Nov 20 '18 at 21:41
4
The more likely scam would be that they ask you to cover the delivery cost (and never send you anything), or they "accidentally" send you too much and ask you to pay the difference, or it's a delivery-man scam (which would be avoided by not accepting the delivery in person), or one of countless other scams that might build on the rapport you have.
– NotThatGuy
Nov 20 '18 at 22:32
3
You could look at mailbox services. E. G. accessstorage.com/business-services/mailboxes (I've no personal experienxe with this specific one, just my first google result)
– JohnLBevan
Nov 21 '18 at 8:35
2
There are a lot of "identify this possible scam" requests on money.stackexchange.com. personally, I would have asked this one over there, but ymmv
– Mawg
Nov 21 '18 at 10:14
12
Someone is offering a disproportionate reward for a small favour. If it is not a scam, saying "no need to repay me, happy to help" is a kind and generous response. If it is a scam, the same response protects you from an appeal to greed. See @ccto response.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
13
13
What was the favour and what is the gift?
– Revetahw
Nov 20 '18 at 21:41
What was the favour and what is the gift?
– Revetahw
Nov 20 '18 at 21:41
4
4
The more likely scam would be that they ask you to cover the delivery cost (and never send you anything), or they "accidentally" send you too much and ask you to pay the difference, or it's a delivery-man scam (which would be avoided by not accepting the delivery in person), or one of countless other scams that might build on the rapport you have.
– NotThatGuy
Nov 20 '18 at 22:32
The more likely scam would be that they ask you to cover the delivery cost (and never send you anything), or they "accidentally" send you too much and ask you to pay the difference, or it's a delivery-man scam (which would be avoided by not accepting the delivery in person), or one of countless other scams that might build on the rapport you have.
– NotThatGuy
Nov 20 '18 at 22:32
3
3
You could look at mailbox services. E. G. accessstorage.com/business-services/mailboxes (I've no personal experienxe with this specific one, just my first google result)
– JohnLBevan
Nov 21 '18 at 8:35
You could look at mailbox services. E. G. accessstorage.com/business-services/mailboxes (I've no personal experienxe with this specific one, just my first google result)
– JohnLBevan
Nov 21 '18 at 8:35
2
2
There are a lot of "identify this possible scam" requests on money.stackexchange.com. personally, I would have asked this one over there, but ymmv
– Mawg
Nov 21 '18 at 10:14
There are a lot of "identify this possible scam" requests on money.stackexchange.com. personally, I would have asked this one over there, but ymmv
– Mawg
Nov 21 '18 at 10:14
12
12
Someone is offering a disproportionate reward for a small favour. If it is not a scam, saying "no need to repay me, happy to help" is a kind and generous response. If it is a scam, the same response protects you from an appeal to greed. See @ccto response.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
Someone is offering a disproportionate reward for a small favour. If it is not a scam, saying "no need to repay me, happy to help" is a kind and generous response. If it is a scam, the same response protects you from an appeal to greed. See @ccto response.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
|
show 8 more comments
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
In the end, it all comes down to trust and risk. How much do you trust this person and how much do you want to give as far as details goes, what can someone do to harm you when they have your data? That you're asking here tells me you're not really sure if you can trust this person. There are risks involved (such as real life threats or maybe a possible scam) but it is not easy to identify risks without knowing the full situation, as you explained it rather vaguely.
To me the whole situation sounds kinda phishy to be honest. Are you sure you didn't fall for a phishing or scam attempt by helping this other person?
Most countries do have PO boxes and other rent-able post solutions such as Poste Restante (as suggested by Molot in the comments) so you don't have to give out your own personal details.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
27
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
19
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
2
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
2
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
1
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
|
show 3 more comments
Many countries' postal systems have general delivery by which you can receive a package held at a post office for you to pick up, without having to give the sender an address. This might be an option for you.
In order for anyone else to assess how risky the situation is, I think you need to elaborate more on your relationship with the sender and the favor you performed for them. The vague way you've stated it is a big red flag for scams, involvement in money laundering, etc. but it may be that you've just poorly stated the situation out of a wish for privacy. At the very least though you should mention (or at least reflect upon for yourself) whether you had any relationship with the person prior to their asking you for a favor and whether you expected to be compensated in any way for the favor.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
7
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
add a comment |
The whole favour thing--which they initiated--sounds rather like a setup aimed at getting your personal info. So I would recommend being very cautious here, and graciously declining their offer. Ask them to "pass it on" or "pay it forward" or something. The more they demand to get your info, the more suspicious you have a right to be.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
12
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
1
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
add a comment |
Depending on the country you are in, your physical address is enough to do quite a lot of damage, or at least cause a huge amount of nuisance. Common examples:
- An antagonist using your address to order delivery of unwanted, pay-on-delivery things (pizzas being the canonical example, but I've also been subject to Internet pranksters sending evangelicals to my home to try to convert me)
- Being "doxed" and have your private information put online for stalkers/harassers to take advantage of
- In the US, Swatting, which has resulted in deaths and significant property damage
- Your address can also be used to socially-engineer others into e.g. giving up other identifying information, seizing domain names, or making you an unwitting part of a "lost delivery" or "brushing" scam
So you are probably right to limit sharing your mailing address to people you don't know if you can trust with the information.
As other answers have stated, you can minimize your exposure by using a PO box or similar; you may also be able to find mail hold-and-forward facilities that can handle individual pieces of mail or parcels (which usually charge by the piece of mail and whatever additional handling is necessary for the forwarding itself); this can be much more convenient to you than a PO box, as well as less costly overall since you don't need to rent it on a monthly basis.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
add a comment |
Be careful about personal information. There was a crime in Austria reported some days ago, where people ordered stuff online to some strangers addresses and then redirected it through an app from the delivery service. Of course they never paid anything but the strangers got payment reminders.
I've got a news article about this, but unfortunately only in german. (Try a translater): https://wien.orf.at/news/stories/2948455/
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
add a comment |
Just giving out the address is no problem, as long as you limit it to the address. Don't you have phone directories "white pages" or similar where you live?
Think about it, hundreds of people probably have your home address. Of course, any of them could send you something illegal, immoral etc but as long as you act reasonably (E.g., you open an envelope and there is something that looks like drugs in, as long as you immediately call the police and you live in a reasonable country, nothing will happen to you. Rather, you will be greeted as some local hero if some local paper hears of the story.) there won't be any problems.
Same goes for this situation.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
4
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
3
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
1
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
3
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
|
show 2 more comments
You could ask them to send it to a local post office or delivery centre, that way you can only give them a very approximate location of where you are, ie city or town.
In the UK, you can do so as specified here: https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/choose-local-collect/
Although I'm not sure on how specifically to do so in other countries, but it gives you an idea, and I'm sure there will be similar services offered in this way where you are.
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
add a comment |
In the UK, Belgium and Holland, most corner shops are part of one or more logistics networks, and hence drop-off points for senders; with many also pickup points. Often (via say Amazon.UK or Bol.com etc) you can choose them as destination from webshops. These same networks should fit in the chain that gets the package to you.
It's a very reasonable idea to tell the sender: You'll be out at work (though I use my work address for such, which has a receptionist!) so would hate to miss the gift. So go to the cornershop where they know you by sight or name, ask if you can get it delivered in your name ["A.E. Neumann, C/O The Corner Shop, 12 High Street, Mummerset"] there. This doesn't unload the risk onto them, as its your name and their location so not relevant to any bank account or so.
But consider they might find your real address even then. E.g., in the UK, I was surprised when googling my name for free it clearly hints my longterm partners (several addresses shared over time; precise up to city quarter if not paying for the data; a mixture of Electoral roll data before opting out, and other sources).
I wouldn't judge this approach risky; in the real world there's thousands of instances where your details have been taken at a higher risk. I once got one UK parking fine (escalated over months of non-paying) while not owning a car, having no driving license, nor living (nor having lived) in the country; somebody had declared to the parking attendant that it was my car, and passed my details (collected from a B&B guest registration years before, in another country, because very very specifically misspelled)! Of course in ID-card-less UK there's no trace of the original declarant (I bet the then-owner), and I think no legal way for an individual like me to find the car owner's info from their numberplate. To get the bailiffs off eventually took months, hours of paperwork, various registered letters, and a statement from the DVLA (the UK "DMV") that I wasn't the owner.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
2
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
add a comment |
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8 Answers
8
active
oldest
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8 Answers
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In the end, it all comes down to trust and risk. How much do you trust this person and how much do you want to give as far as details goes, what can someone do to harm you when they have your data? That you're asking here tells me you're not really sure if you can trust this person. There are risks involved (such as real life threats or maybe a possible scam) but it is not easy to identify risks without knowing the full situation, as you explained it rather vaguely.
To me the whole situation sounds kinda phishy to be honest. Are you sure you didn't fall for a phishing or scam attempt by helping this other person?
Most countries do have PO boxes and other rent-able post solutions such as Poste Restante (as suggested by Molot in the comments) so you don't have to give out your own personal details.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
27
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
19
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
2
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
2
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
1
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
|
show 3 more comments
In the end, it all comes down to trust and risk. How much do you trust this person and how much do you want to give as far as details goes, what can someone do to harm you when they have your data? That you're asking here tells me you're not really sure if you can trust this person. There are risks involved (such as real life threats or maybe a possible scam) but it is not easy to identify risks without knowing the full situation, as you explained it rather vaguely.
To me the whole situation sounds kinda phishy to be honest. Are you sure you didn't fall for a phishing or scam attempt by helping this other person?
Most countries do have PO boxes and other rent-able post solutions such as Poste Restante (as suggested by Molot in the comments) so you don't have to give out your own personal details.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
27
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
19
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
2
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
2
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
1
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
|
show 3 more comments
In the end, it all comes down to trust and risk. How much do you trust this person and how much do you want to give as far as details goes, what can someone do to harm you when they have your data? That you're asking here tells me you're not really sure if you can trust this person. There are risks involved (such as real life threats or maybe a possible scam) but it is not easy to identify risks without knowing the full situation, as you explained it rather vaguely.
To me the whole situation sounds kinda phishy to be honest. Are you sure you didn't fall for a phishing or scam attempt by helping this other person?
Most countries do have PO boxes and other rent-able post solutions such as Poste Restante (as suggested by Molot in the comments) so you don't have to give out your own personal details.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
In the end, it all comes down to trust and risk. How much do you trust this person and how much do you want to give as far as details goes, what can someone do to harm you when they have your data? That you're asking here tells me you're not really sure if you can trust this person. There are risks involved (such as real life threats or maybe a possible scam) but it is not easy to identify risks without knowing the full situation, as you explained it rather vaguely.
To me the whole situation sounds kinda phishy to be honest. Are you sure you didn't fall for a phishing or scam attempt by helping this other person?
Most countries do have PO boxes and other rent-able post solutions such as Poste Restante (as suggested by Molot in the comments) so you don't have to give out your own personal details.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
edited Nov 21 '18 at 10:56
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
answered Nov 20 '18 at 15:53
Kevin Voorn
1,167517
1,167517
27
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
19
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
2
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
2
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
1
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
|
show 3 more comments
27
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
19
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
2
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
2
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
1
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
27
27
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
"In the end, it all comes down to trust. How much do you trust this person" It's beyond that - in the end, it all comes down to risk. How much wreckage could this person create with this trust.
– Beanluc
Nov 20 '18 at 22:02
19
19
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
+1, but don't forget Poste Restante - it is free, in some areas even more available than boxes, and offer similar protection to PO box, you only reveal general area where you live, or post office that's convenient for you. And this does not even have to be post office near your home, depending on country you may be able to select one near your work or at arbitrary address, or it may be one post office available for poste restante in whole city. Sender will not know anything more than the fact you can drive to this particular office.
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:15
2
2
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
Or you could have it sent to your office, if this is something which is allowed/common where you live.
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:22
2
2
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
@WoJ exposing where you work is arguably more risky, as it gives a fast and easy way for blackmail "Do what I want or I send ___ to your employer".
– Mołot
Nov 21 '18 at 10:23
1
1
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
@Mołot: maybe. This really depends on the risk context ("I do not want the guy to know where I live so that I am not robbed" vs. your example)
– WoJ
Nov 21 '18 at 10:32
|
show 3 more comments
Many countries' postal systems have general delivery by which you can receive a package held at a post office for you to pick up, without having to give the sender an address. This might be an option for you.
In order for anyone else to assess how risky the situation is, I think you need to elaborate more on your relationship with the sender and the favor you performed for them. The vague way you've stated it is a big red flag for scams, involvement in money laundering, etc. but it may be that you've just poorly stated the situation out of a wish for privacy. At the very least though you should mention (or at least reflect upon for yourself) whether you had any relationship with the person prior to their asking you for a favor and whether you expected to be compensated in any way for the favor.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
7
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
add a comment |
Many countries' postal systems have general delivery by which you can receive a package held at a post office for you to pick up, without having to give the sender an address. This might be an option for you.
In order for anyone else to assess how risky the situation is, I think you need to elaborate more on your relationship with the sender and the favor you performed for them. The vague way you've stated it is a big red flag for scams, involvement in money laundering, etc. but it may be that you've just poorly stated the situation out of a wish for privacy. At the very least though you should mention (or at least reflect upon for yourself) whether you had any relationship with the person prior to their asking you for a favor and whether you expected to be compensated in any way for the favor.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
7
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
add a comment |
Many countries' postal systems have general delivery by which you can receive a package held at a post office for you to pick up, without having to give the sender an address. This might be an option for you.
In order for anyone else to assess how risky the situation is, I think you need to elaborate more on your relationship with the sender and the favor you performed for them. The vague way you've stated it is a big red flag for scams, involvement in money laundering, etc. but it may be that you've just poorly stated the situation out of a wish for privacy. At the very least though you should mention (or at least reflect upon for yourself) whether you had any relationship with the person prior to their asking you for a favor and whether you expected to be compensated in any way for the favor.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
Many countries' postal systems have general delivery by which you can receive a package held at a post office for you to pick up, without having to give the sender an address. This might be an option for you.
In order for anyone else to assess how risky the situation is, I think you need to elaborate more on your relationship with the sender and the favor you performed for them. The vague way you've stated it is a big red flag for scams, involvement in money laundering, etc. but it may be that you've just poorly stated the situation out of a wish for privacy. At the very least though you should mention (or at least reflect upon for yourself) whether you had any relationship with the person prior to their asking you for a favor and whether you expected to be compensated in any way for the favor.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
edited Nov 20 '18 at 19:15
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
answered Nov 20 '18 at 18:49
R..
4,54711418
4,54711418
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
7
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
add a comment |
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
7
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
Short of renting a PO box at the post office, this is the best option, the disadvantage being that you will not receive notification of reception, you just have to check in with the post office until it gets there.
– Drunken Code Monkey
Nov 21 '18 at 6:08
7
7
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Depends on the country and system. For example Australia Post now offers a "Parcel Collect" option which is effectively a form of Poste Restante with notifications (when addressed with a customer number you sign up for). Check what your local postal services offer.
– Bob
Nov 21 '18 at 7:23
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
@DrunkenCodeMonkey Agreeing with Bob. In Germany we also have the option to receive SMS or eMail notifications upon receiving mail which was delivered to a post office.
– GxTruth
Nov 21 '18 at 16:32
add a comment |
The whole favour thing--which they initiated--sounds rather like a setup aimed at getting your personal info. So I would recommend being very cautious here, and graciously declining their offer. Ask them to "pass it on" or "pay it forward" or something. The more they demand to get your info, the more suspicious you have a right to be.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
12
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
1
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
add a comment |
The whole favour thing--which they initiated--sounds rather like a setup aimed at getting your personal info. So I would recommend being very cautious here, and graciously declining their offer. Ask them to "pass it on" or "pay it forward" or something. The more they demand to get your info, the more suspicious you have a right to be.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
12
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
1
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
add a comment |
The whole favour thing--which they initiated--sounds rather like a setup aimed at getting your personal info. So I would recommend being very cautious here, and graciously declining their offer. Ask them to "pass it on" or "pay it forward" or something. The more they demand to get your info, the more suspicious you have a right to be.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
The whole favour thing--which they initiated--sounds rather like a setup aimed at getting your personal info. So I would recommend being very cautious here, and graciously declining their offer. Ask them to "pass it on" or "pay it forward" or something. The more they demand to get your info, the more suspicious you have a right to be.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
answered Nov 20 '18 at 21:26
CCTO
2613
2613
12
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
1
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
add a comment |
12
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
1
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
12
12
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
"Pay it forward" great advice. Just because I do a favour for a stranger, doesn't mean I now have to trust that stranger. It's called a confidence trick, not because I give the trickster my confidence, but because he gives me his. He asks me for a favour, to make me trust him.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:13
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
Here is some info on 'pay it forward'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
– chasly from UK
Nov 25 '18 at 10:59
1
1
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
The OP could use customs complications and lack of familiarity with international mail as tactful reasons to prefer pay-it-forward to a physical gift.
– Patricia Shanahan
Nov 25 '18 at 16:54
add a comment |
Depending on the country you are in, your physical address is enough to do quite a lot of damage, or at least cause a huge amount of nuisance. Common examples:
- An antagonist using your address to order delivery of unwanted, pay-on-delivery things (pizzas being the canonical example, but I've also been subject to Internet pranksters sending evangelicals to my home to try to convert me)
- Being "doxed" and have your private information put online for stalkers/harassers to take advantage of
- In the US, Swatting, which has resulted in deaths and significant property damage
- Your address can also be used to socially-engineer others into e.g. giving up other identifying information, seizing domain names, or making you an unwitting part of a "lost delivery" or "brushing" scam
So you are probably right to limit sharing your mailing address to people you don't know if you can trust with the information.
As other answers have stated, you can minimize your exposure by using a PO box or similar; you may also be able to find mail hold-and-forward facilities that can handle individual pieces of mail or parcels (which usually charge by the piece of mail and whatever additional handling is necessary for the forwarding itself); this can be much more convenient to you than a PO box, as well as less costly overall since you don't need to rent it on a monthly basis.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
add a comment |
Depending on the country you are in, your physical address is enough to do quite a lot of damage, or at least cause a huge amount of nuisance. Common examples:
- An antagonist using your address to order delivery of unwanted, pay-on-delivery things (pizzas being the canonical example, but I've also been subject to Internet pranksters sending evangelicals to my home to try to convert me)
- Being "doxed" and have your private information put online for stalkers/harassers to take advantage of
- In the US, Swatting, which has resulted in deaths and significant property damage
- Your address can also be used to socially-engineer others into e.g. giving up other identifying information, seizing domain names, or making you an unwitting part of a "lost delivery" or "brushing" scam
So you are probably right to limit sharing your mailing address to people you don't know if you can trust with the information.
As other answers have stated, you can minimize your exposure by using a PO box or similar; you may also be able to find mail hold-and-forward facilities that can handle individual pieces of mail or parcels (which usually charge by the piece of mail and whatever additional handling is necessary for the forwarding itself); this can be much more convenient to you than a PO box, as well as less costly overall since you don't need to rent it on a monthly basis.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
add a comment |
Depending on the country you are in, your physical address is enough to do quite a lot of damage, or at least cause a huge amount of nuisance. Common examples:
- An antagonist using your address to order delivery of unwanted, pay-on-delivery things (pizzas being the canonical example, but I've also been subject to Internet pranksters sending evangelicals to my home to try to convert me)
- Being "doxed" and have your private information put online for stalkers/harassers to take advantage of
- In the US, Swatting, which has resulted in deaths and significant property damage
- Your address can also be used to socially-engineer others into e.g. giving up other identifying information, seizing domain names, or making you an unwitting part of a "lost delivery" or "brushing" scam
So you are probably right to limit sharing your mailing address to people you don't know if you can trust with the information.
As other answers have stated, you can minimize your exposure by using a PO box or similar; you may also be able to find mail hold-and-forward facilities that can handle individual pieces of mail or parcels (which usually charge by the piece of mail and whatever additional handling is necessary for the forwarding itself); this can be much more convenient to you than a PO box, as well as less costly overall since you don't need to rent it on a monthly basis.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
Depending on the country you are in, your physical address is enough to do quite a lot of damage, or at least cause a huge amount of nuisance. Common examples:
- An antagonist using your address to order delivery of unwanted, pay-on-delivery things (pizzas being the canonical example, but I've also been subject to Internet pranksters sending evangelicals to my home to try to convert me)
- Being "doxed" and have your private information put online for stalkers/harassers to take advantage of
- In the US, Swatting, which has resulted in deaths and significant property damage
- Your address can also be used to socially-engineer others into e.g. giving up other identifying information, seizing domain names, or making you an unwitting part of a "lost delivery" or "brushing" scam
So you are probably right to limit sharing your mailing address to people you don't know if you can trust with the information.
As other answers have stated, you can minimize your exposure by using a PO box or similar; you may also be able to find mail hold-and-forward facilities that can handle individual pieces of mail or parcels (which usually charge by the piece of mail and whatever additional handling is necessary for the forwarding itself); this can be much more convenient to you than a PO box, as well as less costly overall since you don't need to rent it on a monthly basis.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
answered Nov 21 '18 at 2:00
fluffy
1,264189
1,264189
add a comment |
add a comment |
Be careful about personal information. There was a crime in Austria reported some days ago, where people ordered stuff online to some strangers addresses and then redirected it through an app from the delivery service. Of course they never paid anything but the strangers got payment reminders.
I've got a news article about this, but unfortunately only in german. (Try a translater): https://wien.orf.at/news/stories/2948455/
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
add a comment |
Be careful about personal information. There was a crime in Austria reported some days ago, where people ordered stuff online to some strangers addresses and then redirected it through an app from the delivery service. Of course they never paid anything but the strangers got payment reminders.
I've got a news article about this, but unfortunately only in german. (Try a translater): https://wien.orf.at/news/stories/2948455/
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
add a comment |
Be careful about personal information. There was a crime in Austria reported some days ago, where people ordered stuff online to some strangers addresses and then redirected it through an app from the delivery service. Of course they never paid anything but the strangers got payment reminders.
I've got a news article about this, but unfortunately only in german. (Try a translater): https://wien.orf.at/news/stories/2948455/
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
Be careful about personal information. There was a crime in Austria reported some days ago, where people ordered stuff online to some strangers addresses and then redirected it through an app from the delivery service. Of course they never paid anything but the strangers got payment reminders.
I've got a news article about this, but unfortunately only in german. (Try a translater): https://wien.orf.at/news/stories/2948455/
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
answered Nov 21 '18 at 7:21
Lithilion
1,1172415
1,1172415
add a comment |
add a comment |
Just giving out the address is no problem, as long as you limit it to the address. Don't you have phone directories "white pages" or similar where you live?
Think about it, hundreds of people probably have your home address. Of course, any of them could send you something illegal, immoral etc but as long as you act reasonably (E.g., you open an envelope and there is something that looks like drugs in, as long as you immediately call the police and you live in a reasonable country, nothing will happen to you. Rather, you will be greeted as some local hero if some local paper hears of the story.) there won't be any problems.
Same goes for this situation.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
4
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
3
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
1
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
3
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
|
show 2 more comments
Just giving out the address is no problem, as long as you limit it to the address. Don't you have phone directories "white pages" or similar where you live?
Think about it, hundreds of people probably have your home address. Of course, any of them could send you something illegal, immoral etc but as long as you act reasonably (E.g., you open an envelope and there is something that looks like drugs in, as long as you immediately call the police and you live in a reasonable country, nothing will happen to you. Rather, you will be greeted as some local hero if some local paper hears of the story.) there won't be any problems.
Same goes for this situation.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
4
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
3
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
1
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
3
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
|
show 2 more comments
Just giving out the address is no problem, as long as you limit it to the address. Don't you have phone directories "white pages" or similar where you live?
Think about it, hundreds of people probably have your home address. Of course, any of them could send you something illegal, immoral etc but as long as you act reasonably (E.g., you open an envelope and there is something that looks like drugs in, as long as you immediately call the police and you live in a reasonable country, nothing will happen to you. Rather, you will be greeted as some local hero if some local paper hears of the story.) there won't be any problems.
Same goes for this situation.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
Just giving out the address is no problem, as long as you limit it to the address. Don't you have phone directories "white pages" or similar where you live?
Think about it, hundreds of people probably have your home address. Of course, any of them could send you something illegal, immoral etc but as long as you act reasonably (E.g., you open an envelope and there is something that looks like drugs in, as long as you immediately call the police and you live in a reasonable country, nothing will happen to you. Rather, you will be greeted as some local hero if some local paper hears of the story.) there won't be any problems.
Same goes for this situation.
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
answered Nov 20 '18 at 22:49
d-b
1634
1634
4
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
3
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
1
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
3
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
|
show 2 more comments
4
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
3
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
1
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
3
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
4
4
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Downvoted because in my opinion (and as explained in other answers below) there are risks involved.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:10
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
Give three examples of where people have got into trouble after ONLY giving out their postal address and where sending this information to an outsider was the culprit.
– d-b
Nov 21 '18 at 11:21
3
3
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
Read the answer of fluffy down below for some possible risks. I'd like to add postal fraud to that as seen in the answer that Lithilion gave, which is a common thing in the Netherlands to do for example.
– Kevin Voorn
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24
1
1
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
@d-b even if an address associated with a name itself were not in any way misusable by a motivated player, we still don't know what other information that person already has from other sources about OP, so handing out the address might only be one further puzzle piece they require to achieve their nefarious goals. Not saying there is anything nefarious going on though, to gauge that is ultimately up to OP.
– Darkwing
Nov 21 '18 at 17:21
3
3
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
I live in 2018 so I haven't seen a "white pages" in at least a decade
– Azor Ahai
Nov 21 '18 at 17:47
|
show 2 more comments
You could ask them to send it to a local post office or delivery centre, that way you can only give them a very approximate location of where you are, ie city or town.
In the UK, you can do so as specified here: https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/choose-local-collect/
Although I'm not sure on how specifically to do so in other countries, but it gives you an idea, and I'm sure there will be similar services offered in this way where you are.
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
add a comment |
You could ask them to send it to a local post office or delivery centre, that way you can only give them a very approximate location of where you are, ie city or town.
In the UK, you can do so as specified here: https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/choose-local-collect/
Although I'm not sure on how specifically to do so in other countries, but it gives you an idea, and I'm sure there will be similar services offered in this way where you are.
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
add a comment |
You could ask them to send it to a local post office or delivery centre, that way you can only give them a very approximate location of where you are, ie city or town.
In the UK, you can do so as specified here: https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/choose-local-collect/
Although I'm not sure on how specifically to do so in other countries, but it gives you an idea, and I'm sure there will be similar services offered in this way where you are.
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
You could ask them to send it to a local post office or delivery centre, that way you can only give them a very approximate location of where you are, ie city or town.
In the UK, you can do so as specified here: https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/choose-local-collect/
Although I'm not sure on how specifically to do so in other countries, but it gives you an idea, and I'm sure there will be similar services offered in this way where you are.
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
edited Nov 22 '18 at 14:37
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
answered Nov 22 '18 at 14:20
Sam
1012
1012
add a comment |
add a comment |
In the UK, Belgium and Holland, most corner shops are part of one or more logistics networks, and hence drop-off points for senders; with many also pickup points. Often (via say Amazon.UK or Bol.com etc) you can choose them as destination from webshops. These same networks should fit in the chain that gets the package to you.
It's a very reasonable idea to tell the sender: You'll be out at work (though I use my work address for such, which has a receptionist!) so would hate to miss the gift. So go to the cornershop where they know you by sight or name, ask if you can get it delivered in your name ["A.E. Neumann, C/O The Corner Shop, 12 High Street, Mummerset"] there. This doesn't unload the risk onto them, as its your name and their location so not relevant to any bank account or so.
But consider they might find your real address even then. E.g., in the UK, I was surprised when googling my name for free it clearly hints my longterm partners (several addresses shared over time; precise up to city quarter if not paying for the data; a mixture of Electoral roll data before opting out, and other sources).
I wouldn't judge this approach risky; in the real world there's thousands of instances where your details have been taken at a higher risk. I once got one UK parking fine (escalated over months of non-paying) while not owning a car, having no driving license, nor living (nor having lived) in the country; somebody had declared to the parking attendant that it was my car, and passed my details (collected from a B&B guest registration years before, in another country, because very very specifically misspelled)! Of course in ID-card-less UK there's no trace of the original declarant (I bet the then-owner), and I think no legal way for an individual like me to find the car owner's info from their numberplate. To get the bailiffs off eventually took months, hours of paperwork, various registered letters, and a statement from the DVLA (the UK "DMV") that I wasn't the owner.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
2
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
add a comment |
In the UK, Belgium and Holland, most corner shops are part of one or more logistics networks, and hence drop-off points for senders; with many also pickup points. Often (via say Amazon.UK or Bol.com etc) you can choose them as destination from webshops. These same networks should fit in the chain that gets the package to you.
It's a very reasonable idea to tell the sender: You'll be out at work (though I use my work address for such, which has a receptionist!) so would hate to miss the gift. So go to the cornershop where they know you by sight or name, ask if you can get it delivered in your name ["A.E. Neumann, C/O The Corner Shop, 12 High Street, Mummerset"] there. This doesn't unload the risk onto them, as its your name and their location so not relevant to any bank account or so.
But consider they might find your real address even then. E.g., in the UK, I was surprised when googling my name for free it clearly hints my longterm partners (several addresses shared over time; precise up to city quarter if not paying for the data; a mixture of Electoral roll data before opting out, and other sources).
I wouldn't judge this approach risky; in the real world there's thousands of instances where your details have been taken at a higher risk. I once got one UK parking fine (escalated over months of non-paying) while not owning a car, having no driving license, nor living (nor having lived) in the country; somebody had declared to the parking attendant that it was my car, and passed my details (collected from a B&B guest registration years before, in another country, because very very specifically misspelled)! Of course in ID-card-less UK there's no trace of the original declarant (I bet the then-owner), and I think no legal way for an individual like me to find the car owner's info from their numberplate. To get the bailiffs off eventually took months, hours of paperwork, various registered letters, and a statement from the DVLA (the UK "DMV") that I wasn't the owner.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
2
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
add a comment |
In the UK, Belgium and Holland, most corner shops are part of one or more logistics networks, and hence drop-off points for senders; with many also pickup points. Often (via say Amazon.UK or Bol.com etc) you can choose them as destination from webshops. These same networks should fit in the chain that gets the package to you.
It's a very reasonable idea to tell the sender: You'll be out at work (though I use my work address for such, which has a receptionist!) so would hate to miss the gift. So go to the cornershop where they know you by sight or name, ask if you can get it delivered in your name ["A.E. Neumann, C/O The Corner Shop, 12 High Street, Mummerset"] there. This doesn't unload the risk onto them, as its your name and their location so not relevant to any bank account or so.
But consider they might find your real address even then. E.g., in the UK, I was surprised when googling my name for free it clearly hints my longterm partners (several addresses shared over time; precise up to city quarter if not paying for the data; a mixture of Electoral roll data before opting out, and other sources).
I wouldn't judge this approach risky; in the real world there's thousands of instances where your details have been taken at a higher risk. I once got one UK parking fine (escalated over months of non-paying) while not owning a car, having no driving license, nor living (nor having lived) in the country; somebody had declared to the parking attendant that it was my car, and passed my details (collected from a B&B guest registration years before, in another country, because very very specifically misspelled)! Of course in ID-card-less UK there's no trace of the original declarant (I bet the then-owner), and I think no legal way for an individual like me to find the car owner's info from their numberplate. To get the bailiffs off eventually took months, hours of paperwork, various registered letters, and a statement from the DVLA (the UK "DMV") that I wasn't the owner.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
In the UK, Belgium and Holland, most corner shops are part of one or more logistics networks, and hence drop-off points for senders; with many also pickup points. Often (via say Amazon.UK or Bol.com etc) you can choose them as destination from webshops. These same networks should fit in the chain that gets the package to you.
It's a very reasonable idea to tell the sender: You'll be out at work (though I use my work address for such, which has a receptionist!) so would hate to miss the gift. So go to the cornershop where they know you by sight or name, ask if you can get it delivered in your name ["A.E. Neumann, C/O The Corner Shop, 12 High Street, Mummerset"] there. This doesn't unload the risk onto them, as its your name and their location so not relevant to any bank account or so.
But consider they might find your real address even then. E.g., in the UK, I was surprised when googling my name for free it clearly hints my longterm partners (several addresses shared over time; precise up to city quarter if not paying for the data; a mixture of Electoral roll data before opting out, and other sources).
I wouldn't judge this approach risky; in the real world there's thousands of instances where your details have been taken at a higher risk. I once got one UK parking fine (escalated over months of non-paying) while not owning a car, having no driving license, nor living (nor having lived) in the country; somebody had declared to the parking attendant that it was my car, and passed my details (collected from a B&B guest registration years before, in another country, because very very specifically misspelled)! Of course in ID-card-less UK there's no trace of the original declarant (I bet the then-owner), and I think no legal way for an individual like me to find the car owner's info from their numberplate. To get the bailiffs off eventually took months, hours of paperwork, various registered letters, and a statement from the DVLA (the UK "DMV") that I wasn't the owner.
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
answered Nov 21 '18 at 13:03
user3445853
107
107
2
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
add a comment |
2
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
2
2
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
What does this add to the other 6 answers?
– Tom K.
Nov 21 '18 at 14:18
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
You can find the registered keeper's name and address from DVLA provided you have "reasonable cause": gov.uk/government/publications/…
– Martin Bonner
Nov 21 '18 at 14:59
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@MartinBonner Ah, I didn't know that! Probably has been the case since long; this was when Altavista still held sway, so it wasn't that obvious for us to find out from outside of the UK.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:27
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@TomK. It adds that I describe a feasible way of avoiding the risk in the first place without exposing a neutral/friendly party (the Cornershop). Then I try to weigh the newly-taken risk --- it's still nonzero, so why not "don't do it!" as answer? --- with the background noise of fraud risk, using the parking fine example. My focus isn't on the particular case and whether to do/not do it; my focus is on once you've decided to do it, how to minimize the risk.
– user3445853
Nov 28 '18 at 11:37
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
@user3445853 Ah. Altervista. Yes. Right. a) The form would not have been on the government website (there wasn't a government website then); b) the rules may well have changed since then.
– Martin Bonner
Nov 28 '18 at 12:38
add a comment |
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13
What was the favour and what is the gift?
– Revetahw
Nov 20 '18 at 21:41
4
The more likely scam would be that they ask you to cover the delivery cost (and never send you anything), or they "accidentally" send you too much and ask you to pay the difference, or it's a delivery-man scam (which would be avoided by not accepting the delivery in person), or one of countless other scams that might build on the rapport you have.
– NotThatGuy
Nov 20 '18 at 22:32
3
You could look at mailbox services. E. G. accessstorage.com/business-services/mailboxes (I've no personal experienxe with this specific one, just my first google result)
– JohnLBevan
Nov 21 '18 at 8:35
2
There are a lot of "identify this possible scam" requests on money.stackexchange.com. personally, I would have asked this one over there, but ymmv
– Mawg
Nov 21 '18 at 10:14
12
Someone is offering a disproportionate reward for a small favour. If it is not a scam, saying "no need to repay me, happy to help" is a kind and generous response. If it is a scam, the same response protects you from an appeal to greed. See @ccto response.
– Ben
Nov 21 '18 at 11:24