Moral dilemma - did something naughty UPDATED!!!

[wilma-bride]

We had two cards arrive at our house a couple of weeks ago, addressed to 'Connor' with our address. Now, obviously there's no-one called Connor liveing here. I held on to them for a while, thinking someone might call round to see if they'd been delivered here by mistake. None of my neighbours (in our street) have a kid called Connor, so I walked round the local area to see if there were any houses that had cards up in the windows - but no.

So, tonight, I opened the cards to see if there was any clue in them to see where/who they were from. There wasn't. However, in one of the cards there was a fiver.

What should I do with the cards - my instincts tell me I should throw them away but my tight side prevents me from throwing money away. What would you do?

 

[jen_uk]

Maybe you could keep them a bit longer, someone may still come round if they realise they have sent them to the wrong address. Dont feel bad, you have done everything you could to trace the owner. If noone comes then keep the money, no point throwing it away! If that makes you uncomfortable maybe you could donate it to charity? Personally I would put it towards my next Disney holiday!

 

[ioneblair]

is there a return address on the cards? (I'm guessing not of course because of your search)

I'd ask advice from the postman and give the cards back to him.....money intact

 

[natalielongstaff]

i would hang on to the cards and spend the fiver ! at least you can put it back if necessary

 

[Miffy2003]

Sorry to sound harsh Joh, but I would view that as theft!

I would reseal it and mark as Return to Sender.

 

[Frances999]

I certainly wouldn't keep the money. I would give the cards to our postman and inform him that they were undelivered.

 

[wilma-bride]

Sorry to sound harsh Joh, but I would view that as theft!

I would reseal it and mark as Return to Sender.

You don't sound harsh at all - I know it's theft, that's why I haven't done anything with them yet. The trouble is, as my best mate works for Royal Mail, I know that if I do return to sender, as they can't be returned, they will end up in the bin anyway - I suppose at least I won't have put them there then though

 

[Dimplenose]

I'd reseal (including money) it and mark it as "Unknown at this address" and repost it. It's up to the post office to open mail to try and find a return address.

Libby

 

[Miffy2003]

You don't sound harsh at all - I know it's theft, that's why I haven't done anything with them yet. The trouble is, as my best mate works for Royal Mail, I know that if I do return to sender, as they can't be returned, they will end up in the bin anyway - I suppose at least I won't have put them there then though

I think you are absolutely right there Joh but then you would have a clear conscience

 

[Minniespal]

I would hang onto them for a little while longer and if no one has called for them then I would give the fiver to charity.

 

[Miffy2003]

I would hang onto them for a little while longer and if no one has called for them then I would give the fiver to charity.

If the Royal Mail have post returned with money in (the machines pick this up and separate this) it goes into an "unclaimed money" pot which is donated to charity.

I can't speak for Royal Mail nationally but in Exeter this money is donated to various areas including Cancer Research, a local special needs school etc.

 

[Minniespal]

If the Royal Mail have post returned with money in (the machines pick this up and separate this) it goes into an "unclaimed money" pot which is donated to charity.

I can't speak for Royal Mail nationally but in Exeter this money is donated to various areas including Cancer Research, a local special needs school etc.

If that's the case then I would return it.

 

[widget]

I would return it to the PO as well - especially if they put the unclaimed money to charity. On the other hand.....my youngest is called Connor and his birthday is in November!!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Sorry to sound harsh Joh, but I would view that as theft!

Absolutely agree.

It's actually an offence to open someone else's mail - although obviously you only did it because you couldn't trace who it belonged to.

I would either mark return to sender, or hand it in to your local post office and let them sort it out.

 

[florida sun]

I have had mail delivered to me on a few occasions that's not been for me, I dont open them, just hand them straight back to the postie.

I dont think I could keep the money, knowing it was'nt mine, it wouldnt sit easy with me. I would keep thinking I was spending some kids birthday gift.

Sue

 

[wilma-bride]

It's all sorted - I spoke to a neighbour this morning, who said that the people who lived in the house before the people before us (if you get me!) had a boy called Connor so it sounds like it's for them. We have actually had a lot of mail for them since we've moved here - they don't appear to have been very good at changing addresses given that they haven't lived here for almost 3 years.

However, on the basis that it is for them, I have given the cards to our housing people as they should have a forwarding address and hopefully the little chap will get his birthday cards (albeit a bit late!)

Thanks for all your advice - and for not judging me too harshly

 

[diberry]

Well done Joh - glad you got it sorted!!! I think the fact that you posted the thread and didn't just pocket the fiver tells us you're a good person and you certainly went to a lot of trouble for little Connor! You can now bask in a rosy glow knowing you did the right thing!!!

 

[jns]

Well done Joh - glad you got it sorted!!! I think the fact that you posted the thread and didn't just pocket the fiver tells us you're a good person and you certainly went to a lot of trouble for little Connor! You can now bask in a rosy glow knowing you did the right thing!!!

diberry
thanks ,you are always saying lovely things to everyone on this board



glad joh you got the post sorted out

 

[wilma-bride]

Well done Joh - glad you got it sorted!!! I think the fact that you posted the thread and didn't just pocket the fiver tells us you're a good person and you certainly went to a lot of trouble for little Connor! You can now bask in a rosy glow knowing you did the right thing!!!

Di, that's really sweet of you to say so. I certainly hope Connor gets his cards eventually

 

[wils]

Glad you got it sorted Joh

Good on you - a lot of people wouldn't have gone to the trouble