ADVERTISEMENT

We've often heard parents say, "Don't accept gifts from strangers." But what if the gift arrives in the form of an unwanted email in your inbox or a strange package addressed to you that was left on your doorstep? What can you do then?

While it’s easy to regift those mediocre presents from family to someone else, decoding the reason behind receiving mysterious mails is quite a task. Imagine opening your door to find a peculiar envelope. Inside lies a potato with a quirky message written on it. How do you feel - confused? Amused? Puzzled?

Whether someone intentionally sent it or if it was a mistake made by the delivery person, people receive questionable packages in their mailbox. Keep scrolling to look at some intriguing deliveries individuals get.

#1

Got This Letter Anonymously In The Mail

Got This Letter Anonymously In The Mail

feedmeyourspaghetti Report

With the rise of online shopping, the number of residential deliveries has increased significantly. Reports suggest there has been a 150% surge in global parcel volume. It skyrocketed from 64 billion parcels in 2016 to 161 billion in 2022. Whether it’s groceries or gadgets, people now rely on home delivery services for a wide range of items.

Among the major couriers, Amazon Logistics shipped 4.8 billion packages in 2022. To put that into perspective: Every single day, they dispatched 13.2 million packages, which is roughly equivalent to 547,945 per hour, 9,132 per minute and 152 per second. In 2022, the global average for parcels shipped per person was 42.

#2

My Friend's Father Received This In The Mail From A Children's Fundraiser. Who Thought This Was A Good Idea

My Friend's Father Received This In The Mail From A Children's Fundraiser. Who Thought This Was A Good Idea

TOMALTACH Report

#3

Guys, This Came In The Mail Today, But I Didn't Order It

Guys, This Came In The Mail Today, But I Didn't Order It

I ordered some college books but got this instead. I'm wondering if this was an honest mistake or if I should be worried.

Cinemageddon Report

One of the major concerns for many online shoppers is whether their parcel will arrive late, or worse, not show up at all. However, as you can see from the pictures, some people are posed with a strange issue: they receive stuff they never ordered, including face creams, random pieces of jewelry and rubber chickens in the mail. While it’s delightful to get quirky packages from friends and family, it's important to be careful about unexpected deliveries.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

My Brother Received This Creepy Card In The Mail. Should He Take Any Actions?

My Brother Received This Creepy Card In The Mail. Should He Take Any Actions?

The card was sent from Moonpig. We've looked at their website, and they state that they can’t disclose the details of the sender of a card. Should he contact the police? Not as an emergency, but just to inform them. He’s recently broken up with his girlfriend, and from what I gather, she seemed a little crazy. Does anybody have any advice, please?

Throwaway6622334455 Report

#5

Someone Left This Package On My Door Step, When We Opened It Up This Is What We Found

Someone Left This Package On My Door Step, When We Opened It Up This Is What We Found

Lower_Employ6978 Report

#6

I Received This Creepy Package In The Mail From An Unknown Sender. What Does It Mean?

I Received This Creepy Package In The Mail From An Unknown Sender. What Does It Mean?

I received this in the mail a few days after Valentine's Day. It was addressed to me with no return address. The lid was sealed shut, and although I probably shouldn't have, I pried it open with a butter knife (I hope I'm not cursed), and a wooden box with an anatomically correct wooden heart was inside. You can buy similar things on Etsy and other online stores. Do I have an admirer with really poor taste, or is this something more sinister?

SharkBait85 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

A fraudulent activity that you should be aware of is called the brushing scam. Here’s how it works: Scammers create fake transactions by sending cheap items to random addresses. This generates a tracking number, allowing them to post verified reviews without really sending the advertised product.

#7

So, I Got This In The Mail Today. Some Girl Has Sent Me Pieces Of Hair From Her Head, Eyebrows, Arms, Toes, And Genitals. This Letter Is In Swedish

So, I Got This In The Mail Today. Some Girl Has Sent Me Pieces Of Hair From Her Head, Eyebrows, Arms, Toes, And Genitals. This Letter Is In Swedish

NAKED_SWEDISH_CHEF Report

#8

Dirty And Bloody Envelope From The Postman's Accident

Dirty And Bloody Envelope From The Postman's Accident

We received this in the mail today with a note from the USPS. It says, "The carrier who services your route was involved in an industrial or motor vehicle incident. Due to the incident, your mail came into contact with blood."

sunsethacker Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

The-Real-Iggy Report

So while individuals are not typically charged for these unordered items, the seller benefits by creating fake reviews for their products using the receiver's name and account. It's a method used to boost seller ratings and deceive potential buyers.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The real losers here are the consumers who are possibly believing many of these fake positive reviews, or this artificial padding of reviews, because they might see 100 positive reviews, and then there may only be 60 or 70 of them that are legitimate,” Chris McCabe, consultant and former Amazon policy enforcement investigator, was quoted saying.

#10

My Mother Received This Terrifying Letter, Which Is Supposedly From A Crazy Cousin She Hasn't Spoken With In Over 20 Years Who Lives In The Mountains Of Hawaii Without Electricity

My Mother Received This Terrifying Letter, Which Is Supposedly From A Crazy Cousin She Hasn't Spoken With In Over 20 Years Who Lives In The Mountains Of Hawaii Without Electricity

1st Picture: 
"He sees you when you're sleeping; he knows when you're awake."

2nd Picture: 
"Ellen,
We'll be by around 7 PM on March 23 to pick up you and yours; pack light and leave your earthly husk behind. As ever, no fornicators or immigrants need to apply. I see you at 7 PM (1900 hrs).
U KNOW WHO"

_Jxander Report

#11

My Junk Mail Got Wet, And The Text Is Floating Off The Page

My Junk Mail Got Wet, And The Text Is Floating Off The Page

TouchedByAHellsAngel Report

#12

A Package I Received Today

A Package I Received Today

eat_mor_bbq Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes, scams begin before you even receive the package. Scammers trick people by sending bogus emails or texts. Even though these messages appear to be from reputable shipping companies, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises consumers to avoid clicking on unsolicited links. They suggest people check the package status on trusted sites, and speak up if something seems fishy.

#13

Got This Email While On The Toilet. Super Creepy

Got This Email While On The Toilet. Super Creepy

JagerBombBob69 Report

#14

I Received A Clown In The Mail With This Note Yesterday. No Idea Who Sent It

I Received A Clown In The Mail With This Note Yesterday. No Idea Who Sent It

Law_Doge Report

#15

Strange Package In The Mail

Strange Package In The Mail

I received this in the mail today. A burned sage stick, a baby doll, and an old photograph of an elderly woman. No return address, and no friends or family owning up to sending it. Just a weird prank? I'm so confused.

amaciag07 Report

Such scams are more prevalent during the holiday season. People receive messages claiming they missed a delivery attempt. You are asked to click on a link to reschedule the delivery. Sometimes the scammers even try to create a sense of urgency by asking you to do it right away or else your package will be returned. However, when you click and enter your details, the fake website captures your personal information, which could be later used to steal your identity.

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Today, A Stranger Slipped Two Keys And A Fake $100 Bill Into Our Mail Slot And Ran Away

Today, A Stranger Slipped Two Keys And A Fake $100 Bill Into Our Mail Slot And Ran Away

Update: While I was on my way home from work, my partner called me and told me that our downstairs neighbor was screaming about how we poisoned his dog, had been putting cameras in his place, and had been mind-controlling him. He then shouted at her while I was on the phone about how he wanted his keys back. So, I guess they were keys to his house? Also, he's totally insane, and I'm really glad we are moving next month.

WilJake Report

#17

I Received A Terrifying, Scary Note In My Mailbox

I Received A Terrifying, Scary Note In My Mailbox

I opened my mailbox to find this weird and completely terrifying note. It definitely seems like the person writing this was writing with their other hand to not get recognized, and this is what scares me so much. I don't know anyone who could do this, and I haven't noticed anything strange recently. I did call my close friends, and they all advised me to go to the police, which I'm planning on doing as soon as I can, but I'm not sure what they can do. One thing for sure is that I'm not sleeping tonight. Do you think I'm overreacting?

mailboxthrowawayy Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

I Bought An Energy Drink Online And They Sent Me A Bag Full Of Hair

I Bought An Energy Drink Online And They Sent Me A Bag Full Of Hair

normie-redditer Report

#19

A Few Months Ago, I Ordered A Pair Of Old Military Boots, And There Was A (Very Old And Likely Unstable) Hand Grenade Simulator Inside Of The Shoe. The Bomb Squad Had To Come To My Apartment

A Few Months Ago, I Ordered A Pair Of Old Military Boots, And There Was A (Very Old And Likely Unstable) Hand Grenade Simulator Inside Of The Shoe. The Bomb Squad Had To Come To My Apartment

UrethraStealer Report

#20

My Friend Just Received This On Her Door Step

My Friend Just Received This On Her Door Step

surferchic741 Report

#21

My Boss Received A Letter From An Inmate Today That Is Facing Charges For Aggravated Stalking

My Boss Received A Letter From An Inmate Today That Is Facing Charges For Aggravated Stalking

kwadsy Report

#22

So My Ex Boyfriend Sent Me His Shaved Beard In The Mail

So My Ex Boyfriend Sent Me His Shaved Beard In The Mail

JustCallMeKatelyn Report

Big delivery companies like FedEx and UPS provide information on their websites to help avoid falling for such scams. They have dedicated FAQ sections or articles with tips and resources on how to identify and avoid such frauds. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your private data.

#23

Got This In The Mail Today

Got This In The Mail Today

Walfaenger58 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Heaven's Gate Still Answers Emails, 18 Years After An Incident

Heaven's Gate Still Answers Emails, 18 Years After An Incident

fizzypickles Report

The FTC and cyber experts advise people to remain cautious regarding unwanted packages, as they may contain spam or malicious content. These fake packages are made to look so real that recipients open them without suspicion. By adopting proactive measures, we can easily protect ourselves against the risks associated with fake packages.

#25

A Creepy Letter That Was Sent To My Mum

A Creepy Letter That Was Sent To My Mum

RC_Colada Report

#26

My Wife And I Got A Package From Budapest. We Don't Know Anyone From Or Visiting Budapest. What Was Inside Creeped Us Right Out

My Wife And I Got A Package From Budapest. We Don't Know Anyone From Or Visiting Budapest. What Was Inside Creeped Us Right Out

reddit.com Report

#27

Random Dolls Were Mailed To My Friend's House. She Doesn't Know Who Or Why

Random Dolls Were Mailed To My Friend's House. She Doesn't Know Who Or Why

She has no idea who sent them. There is no note inside with any information on why it was sent. Her social media name was used, not her legal name.

kitsbe Report

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department has outlined several warning signs to watch out for. If the origin of the parcel is unexpected or you don’t know the sender, then it’s advisable to report it to the authorities. Other signs include misspelling of common words, excessive use of postage, odd shapes, oily stains or weird smells, and excessive use of tape. Additionally, the absence of a return address should raise concern.

ADVERTISEMENT

Now that we have ample information on avoiding suspicious packages, let’s have a look at some unexpected deliveries people received at their doorsteps.

#28

Got This Thing In The Mail The Other Day. No Idea Who Sent It

Got This Thing In The Mail The Other Day. No Idea Who Sent It

Mixtapeshuffle Report

#29

So, My Grandparents Asked Me To Bring In Their Mail While They're On Vacation, And This Is What I Saw

So, My Grandparents Asked Me To Bring In Their Mail While They're On Vacation, And This Is What I Saw

Twinkaboo Report

#30

I Found This In My Mailbox. It Came With A Note Addressed To Me, But Nothing Else

I Found This In My Mailbox. It Came With A Note Addressed To Me, But Nothing Else

I have asked everyone I know. Anyone I can think of would admit to it as a joke for laughs. Possibly the strangest thing to put in my mailbox.

MuffBadger Report

#31

My (Estranged) Dad Sent Me His Hair

My (Estranged) Dad Sent Me His Hair

caraquinn Report

#32

Creepy Letters My Dad Got In His Mail

Creepy Letters My Dad Got In His Mail

All I have is that my dad lives out of town, where all the neighbors know each other, and he visits most of them regularly. He found most of the papers in his mailbox, and there were two in his neighbor's mailbox from across the road. They weren't in an envelope; they were simply dumped in the mailboxes.

AlternativeBeing5 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

This "Live Harmless Animals" Warning On A Package Addressed To My Roommate

This "Live Harmless Animals" Warning On A Package Addressed To My Roommate

dryuhyr Report

#34

Two Letters From Someone Who Stalks Me While I’m At My Job

Two Letters From Someone Who Stalks Me While I’m At My Job

DiscoSpaceAngel , DiscoSpaceAngel Report

#35

I've Received A Strange Amazon Gift Package

I've Received A Strange Amazon Gift Package

I got this package yesterday from my apartment's Amazon Hub and I had no idea what it was because I hadn't ordered anything. To my surprise, it's a pack of seeds with a gift note from someone named K. I have no idea who this person is or how they got my full name and address, but here we are.

BETtY_BettY Report

#36

I Got This Random Death Threat Email

I Got This Random Death Threat Email

Redroseandre Report

#37

Why Would Someone Send This?

Why Would Someone Send This?

I'm looking for reasons why someone would send this to someone. It was addressed to me (I have only been at this house for 10 months). I live in the Midwest and don't know anyone in Pennsylvania.

lk887_1216 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

My Daughter Received This In The Mail Today. She's Two

My Daughter Received This In The Mail Today. She's Two

Lacagada Report

#39

Tomorrow Is My Birthday And This Bust Was Just Delivered To Me With No Indication Of Sender

Tomorrow Is My Birthday And This Bust Was Just Delivered To Me With No Indication Of Sender

PreExistingAmbition Report

#40

Just A Bag Of Little Babies Mailed To Me By My Aunt

Just A Bag Of Little Babies Mailed To Me By My Aunt

Yogurteat Report

#41

I’m Getting Married In October. Someone Mailed This To Me. There Is No Return Address, And My Address Was Typed, So I Can’t Identify The Handwriting

I’m Getting Married In October. Someone Mailed This To Me. There Is No Return Address, And My Address Was Typed, So I Can’t Identify The Handwriting

lobo_92 Report

#42

Junk Mail. I Get These About Every Four Months. None Of It Ever Makes Sense, And We've Gotten Them For Over 20 Years

Junk Mail. I Get These About Every Four Months. None Of It Ever Makes Sense, And We've Gotten Them For Over 20 Years

quinnperry Report

#43

My Mom's Work Got A Weird Mail Intended For My Mom

My Mom's Work Got A Weird Mail Intended For My Mom

distalented Report

#44

At The Post Office Where I Work, Someone Mailed A Bunch Of Bees

At The Post Office Where I Work, Someone Mailed A Bunch Of Bees

mike_pants Report

#45

My Friend Received This In The Mail Today. No Return Address. What Is The Meaning Behind This?

My Friend Received This In The Mail Today. No Return Address. What Is The Meaning Behind This?

Zeath23 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#46

I Received A Random Package That Is A Little Too Personal

I Received A Random Package That Is A Little Too Personal

Me and my boyfriend just moved to the new apartment last year. I haven’t been on any social media outlets or have disclosed my address to anyone but close family and friends. I have three bunnies, and would consider myself a bunny mom. One day, I received this random package addressed to me at my front door. I checked with all of my family members and friends, and none of them have sent this package. I don’t surround myself with people who would even send packages that are super unorthodox like this. I called Amazon about it, and they said the sender left a note saying "From Santa." I’m off-put by this. My boyfriend thinks this is from a secret admirer. Any suggestions? Should I be worried?

FuchsiaFish , FuchsiaFish Report

#47

My Sister Got This In The Mail Today

My Sister Got This In The Mail Today

redneck_lezbo Report

#48

I Ordered A Package, And A Random Phone Came In The Box

I Ordered A Package, And A Random Phone Came In The Box

The only thing I can think of is that someone tried to dispose of a burner phone used for suspicious activities, but still, it's so strange. The delivery guy just buzzed the doorbell and practically zipped down the stairs, because when I opened it, he was gone.

Throwawaybigpp2 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#49

I Got A Creepy Letter In The Mail. Anyone Know Where This Letter Might Have Come From? What Does The Card With The Moon And Crows Mean?

I Got A Creepy Letter In The Mail. Anyone Know Where This Letter Might Have Come From? What Does The Card With The Moon And Crows Mean?

Narrow_Ad2034 Report

#50

I Just Got This In The Mail. I Have No Idea Where It's From, And I'm Afraid To Listen To It

I Just Got This In The Mail. I Have No Idea Where It's From, And I'm Afraid To Listen To It

ActuallyHomo Report

Note: this post originally had 100 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.