Quick legal advice please

[PeckhamRose]

Is it illegal to open a letter sent to your address delivered through your letterbox but the name is someone you have never heard of even if you've lived there over twenty years?

I have done just this, only to find the letter was from Revenue Protection Support Services demanding money off someone for travelling on the train without the right fare. They want ?18. I wrote to the company and said this person does not live here and now they've written back ignoring the letter saying they'll take this person to court.

I checked websites and one says it is illegal to open a letter not addressed to you. But I did not know that when I opened the letters and anyway, I didn't ignore it - I did reply to the company. Also, I never believe what debt collection agencies tell me, such as private parking area companies.

Anyway, anyone know the facts here?

[sophiesofa]

I open the baliff letters that keep coming for the previous occupant but I don't want someone taking away all my stuff. My mum said there's some form that exists (no idea where you get it from though) that you send to somewhere to get only your name associated with the property. I think it's quite a common problem. Sorry that wasn't much help but I tried! Good luck

[PeckhamRose]

Ooh that sounds interesting. I'll look for that form!

[ruffers]

We had a similar situation a while back and the girl concerned had come up with a similar postcode to her own and changed a word in the address. How do I know? I googled her.

Try it.

[taper]

I have regular correspondence like this. Usually involves various misdemeanours on public transport. Same person, who uses my address falsely. I wouldn't worry about the legality.

[PeckhamRose]

Thanks.

Yes, I tried googling him of course. Nothing came up for his name.

Thanks everyone!

[PeckhamRose]

"Cases Willson"

May as well name him!

[ClareC]

Not my area of law but I have a vague recollection from law degree / law school days that it is technically illegal to open post addressed to another even if sent to your address.

I would suggest returning to sender as not known at this address. If the sender is clear from the envelope call them and and advise them that this has happened and the named person does not live there and hasn't for at least 20 years.

Although I do vaguely remember it is illegal, I would be very surprised if any action were taken in circumstances as you describe!

[Bony Fido]

You opened it in error didn't you? - didn't you? (nudge) - case closed.

[ClareC]

didn't like to say that given it was a "serious" post but these things do happen ;-) !!!

[SteveT]

It had probably arrived through the letter box already opened............

[PeckhamRose]

That's exactly what happened, your honour...