Illegal To Tamper With Contents?
A little while ago, I wrote an article about screwing junk mail offers by taking those pre-paid postage envelopes and stuffing them with all sorts of junk (Dell catalogs was a great way) to make them much heavier. It’s a lot of fun when you really get sick of those offers, have tried getting out of them, and want to fight back.
Well, I was just about to do that when the back of a Providian credit card envelope had a bar code, customer number, and a warning that said (to the effect, because I shredded it soon after) “tampering with this envelope or its contents is illegal.” Now, I know tampering with mail is a crime but that’s after it’s been sent (once you’ve put it in a mailbox until the intended receipient gets it) but I didn’t think it extended towards angry consumers stuffing pre-paid envelopes with bricks. Personally I think its just a ploy because Providian has probably received a bunch of Dell catalogs it didn’t need or want (just like me!). Anyone know anything about this?
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There are 12 comments, add your thoughts now!
I think its just standard warning for those that may be tempted to look at the personal information that may be contained within.
I mean, 99% of the time, an envelope directed to Providian is probably a credit card application filled with personal information.
It would be pretty funny for an identity thief to steal one of those envelopes, open it up, only to get pages of Dell’s catalog.
lol.
LOL, I’m glad I’m not the only one who does this. Maybe we should print out comment spam and mail it, like “This sounds like a really good offer. For a great blog, see ……”
LOL! Now THAT is a GREAT idea! Perfect in its irony and conciseness.
I haven’t personally done it but a friend of mine would send back all credit card applications with the originally paperwork minus anything that had his name/address included. He didn’t this for years until I told him it was possible for him to request that they stop sending to him completely.
Neo
That barcode worried me, too, so I still stuff the envelopes with junk, but then I take a market and black out the bar code and the numbers.
I say let them have it. The chances of Providian or anyone else of their kind bothering you is nill. If they did start some trouble I can only imagine the horrible PR it would garner them.
Yeah that’s true, it’s not worth it for them and the bad PR…
If everyone did this, maybe the USPS can lower the postage rates
I believe that many of these companies use electronic letter openers. I was told some time ago that a little dirt in the envelope would ruin these letter openers. Obviously I have never tried this and do not advocate such practices.
I would find it hard to believe that companies don’t use electronic letter openers… but a little dirt could mess them up? I find that hard to believe… but either way, I don’t advocate doing that. I don’t even advocate mailing Dell catalogs, but I do think it’s funny.
We just called 888-5OPTOUT to put a stop to credit card offers in the mail. Hopefully we could eliminate some of junk mails in the near future.
the only reason why i havent opt-out is because some selected rate offers are only for those that havent opted out.
I think I’ll opt out when I start hunting for mortgage loan though. that’s a good time to say “leave me alone.”
Personally, I’ve used those envelopes to mail back more than my share of used spark plugs.
Original, if nothing else.
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