Bremerton, WA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington

Q: So, a former tenant was using my address to receive mail under different aliases and she had a bunch of stolen mail

If I turn her in, can I get in trouble

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If you turn in your former tenant for using your address to receive stolen mail, you likely won't get in trouble, especially if you had no involvement in the illegal activities. Reporting her actions can actually help you distance yourself from any potential legal issues and show that you are cooperating with the authorities. It's important to provide all relevant information to law enforcement, including any evidence you have of her fraudulent activities.

Make sure to document everything, including any interactions you've had with her and any evidence of the stolen mail. This will help support your case and prove that you were not involved in the criminal behavior. Keeping thorough records can protect you in case there are any questions about your involvement.

Additionally, it might be beneficial to notify the postal authorities and any other relevant agencies about the situation. They can offer guidance on how to handle the mail that continues to arrive and may take additional steps to prevent further misuse of your address. Taking these actions demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue and ensures you are doing everything possible to address the problem responsibly.

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