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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.
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#1
Got This Letter Anonymously In The Mail
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.
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#2
My Friend's Father Received This In The Mail From A Children's Fundraiser. Who Thought This Was A Good Idea
#3
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.
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.
#4
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?
#5
Someone Left This Package On My Door Step, When We Opened It Up This Is What We Found
#6
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?
María Hermida 9 months ago
I'd keep the door locked and put some kind of protection or alarm in the windows if they are accessible from the street. Just saying.
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
#8
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."
Mimi La Souris 9 months ago
I hope the rest of the blood keeps flowing through the carrier's body :/
#9
Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today
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.
“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
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"
#11
My Junk Mail Got Wet, And The Text Is Floating Off The Page
#12
A Package I Received Today
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
#14
I Received A Clown In The Mail With This Note Yesterday. No Idea Who Sent It
#15
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.
Malakai 9 months ago
Witch here! Idk if the op will ever see this but this is likely meant as a protection or exorcism of some kind. Sage is used in smudging rituals to cleanse/protect/purify. Dolls or poppets can be used for a number of things, but most commonly they're used as stand-ins for people or spirits, and it's thought that spirits are especially attracted to them for use as vessels; this is why games like "hide and seek by yourself" exist (a version of hide and seek where you summon a spirit into a doll and play hide and seek with it and generally regarded as dangerous). And finally, in using poppets or dolls, something to establisbh a bond or "link" to the doll may be used, such as a photo, hair, a piece of clothing, or other significant physical object. It also looks like this stuff was bound together in cloth with twine, and the doll's eyes have been deliberately blackened. My guess is this was part of a binding or banishing ritual; and I'm running out of character space so see part 2 below!
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.
#16
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.
Giraffy Window 9 months ago
Call for a wellness check on your neighbour. They're either experiencing a psychotic or schizophrenic episode.
#17
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?
#18
I Bought An Energy Drink Online And They Sent Me A Bag Full Of Hair
#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
María Hermida 9 months ago
If it went throw the post without exploding it wasn't unstable. If it survived the post it could survive the Armageddon.
#20
My Friend Just Received This On Her Door Step
#21
My Boss Received A Letter From An Inmate Today That Is Facing Charges For Aggravated Stalking
me myself and i (She/Her) 9 months ago
like the letter wasn't creepy enough... the PS speaks volumes
#22
So My Ex Boyfriend Sent Me His Shaved Beard In The Mail
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
#24
Heaven's Gate Still Answers Emails, 18 Years After An Incident
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
Is This Real?
#26
A Creepy Letter That Was Sent To My Mum
#27
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
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.
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
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.
#29
Got This Thing In The Mail The Other Day. No Idea Who Sent It
#30
So, My Grandparents Asked Me To Bring In Their Mail While They're On Vacation, And This Is What I Saw
#31
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.
sofacushionfort 9 months ago
The manufacturer of that ashtray is as bad as whoever bought and mailed it
#32
My (Estranged) Dad Sent Me His Hair
Jeff White 9 months ago
What's with sending Hair?!? I've never heard of this before (other than lockets).
#33
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.
Giraffy Window 9 months ago
Someone is going through a psychotic break, or is currently addicted to meth. Sad and a bit scary. Security cams and locked doors & windows would be wise.
#34
This "Live Harmless Animals" Warning On A Package Addressed To My Roommate
Katie Lutesinger 9 months ago
A friend of mine had a parcel stolen off her porch. Unfortunately for the thief, it was a box of live roaches for her pet lizard.
#35
Two Letters From Someone Who Stalks Me While I’m At My Job
#36
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.
Michael None 9 months ago
I got this once too. I looked into it and it was a Chinese scam to get Americans to plant invasive species.
#37
I Got This Random Death Threat Email
#38
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.
#39
My Daughter Received This In The Mail Today. She's Two
Giraffy Window 9 months ago
Sounds like they're using the census to pick out names the appear to belong to elderly people, and doing some target marketing.
#40
Tomorrow Is My Birthday And This Bust Was Just Delivered To Me With No Indication Of Sender
#41
Just A Bag Of Little Babies Mailed To Me By My Aunt
#42
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
Giraffy Window 9 months ago
I think maybe you need to find some of your fiancee's exes and get hold of them. Either one of them is currently mentally unwell and thinks they sent you something meaningful, or someone is actually trying to warn you.
#43
Junk Mail. I Get These About Every Four Months. None Of It Ever Makes Sense, And We've Gotten Them For Over 20 Years
#44
My Mom's Work Got A Weird Mail Intended For My Mom
Mimi La Souris 9 months ago
looks like the letters my cousin wrote during his schizophrenia attacks
#45
At The Post Office Where I Work, Someone Mailed A Bunch Of Bees
Daniel Atkins 9 months ago
This is quite common I ordered two package of bees and received them Monday. You do have to go to the Post Office to pick them up.
#46
My Friend Received This In The Mail Today. No Return Address. What Is The Meaning Behind This?
luke 9 months ago
Ho Scouts-I am the spirit of humbleness. You will recognize me by my black body. "Come out here". What is your hand tied up for? I'm not going to put up with any Quaker lady. O mammy, mammy. Why do you stand there? I am the bald faced hornet. Yes ma'am. Dive under the water and grasp the victims opposite wrist. by. one. jerk. Of course you will deny it. Do you do lessons in holidays? Observe group practice. Is that an excuse for disobedience. Bald faced Hot-Cakes. Let me have no more crying he intends to cut your hand off mischievous child. all you have to do is obey and you need never ask me why when you get older.
#47
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?
I’ll have a treble thanks. 9 months ago
It’s very cute, wait and see if the situation escalates to ´not cute’ .
#48
My Sister Got This In The Mail Today
#49
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.
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What do you think ?
Olli Hawk 9 months ago
Some of the letters are clearly from mentally ill people and honestly that’s pretty depressing
Fellfromthemoon 9 months ago
I guess I have also freaked out someone about three decades ago. I sent a postcard to abroad, to an address that may or may not have existed. Long story short, if you lived in Paris and received a postcard in the nineties, stating something about "wish for the universe and the skies, no more but no less," then sorry, my bad.
Olli Hawk 9 months ago
Some of the letters are clearly from mentally ill people and honestly that’s pretty depressing
Fellfromthemoon 9 months ago
I guess I have also freaked out someone about three decades ago. I sent a postcard to abroad, to an address that may or may not have existed. Long story short, if you lived in Paris and received a postcard in the nineties, stating something about "wish for the universe and the skies, no more but no less," then sorry, my bad.
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