Can I legally open a package delivered to my house by fedex it has my address and everything but someone else name?

Answer 1

For goodness sake. If you aren't expecting something, call Fedex and have them come by to pick it up. They will probably return it to sender if it isn't opened; cut the sender and the intended recipient some slack. It might be very important, and what are you going to do after you open it? Pay to send it to the correct party?

Answer 2

If it were delivered via the US Postal Service it would be a violation of federal law to open it, however, there is no hard and fast rule on this when it comes to shipments by private shippers.

ETHICALLY: Even if the address is correct, if the addressee does not reside at the address, and you are not expecting anything you should contact FedEx, or the shipper listed on the shipping label, and request the article be picked up.

If you DO open it - do NOT contact anyone about the mis-delivered shipment, and keep it thereby 'converting' the item(s) to your own use, you have committed Theft/Larceny, and can be prosecuted.

Don't kid yourself that they will not be able to trace the mis-delivered shipment back to you. These companies keep excellent delivery records, so do the right thing, and save yourself potential grief.

**It is a crime to open mail that is misdelivered but not misaddressed, if it is delivered by the USPS. I do not think this privilege extends to private companies, as they are not part of the government. It would be hard to prove with or without a search warrant, assuming you do not sign. You could just say someone took it off your stoop, er go a criminal case would be circumstantial at best.

Answer 3

Not in the UK

Added: (in the US) While private shipping companies do not operate under the protection of the US Postal Regulations there are laws that DO protect interstate shipments and common carriers. You could be charged with "Larceny From an Interstate Shipment" if probable cause can be developed that you did not, in fact, "throw it away." If you converted it to your own use you have committed theft and can be charged under this statute.

Remember - all these high-tech delivery companies keep computerized records of their deliveries, so a record of the shipment being delivered to your residence or place of business DOES exist and can be traced.