Q: Mailbox provider's error led to unauthorized charges; need mail forwarded.
In December 2022, I paid the rent for a private mailbox I've had for 4 years. However, the mailbox provider claimed I didn't pay, preventing me from accessing my mail. After months of disputes and showing them receipts, they admitted their mistake and offered to forward my mail. I didn't see this email until 2024 because of attachment issues on my phone. My bank cards and essential mail were sent to this mailbox, and when I asked for my mail to be forwarded, they claimed again I hadn't paid. They gave my mail, including bank cards, to the new renter of the box, leading to unauthorized charges. I've frozen my cards, but I need my mail forwarded and the erroneous charges addressed. They must change the address for forwarding, and I'm seeking help on how to resolve this.
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
Your situation with the mailbox provider is quite serious, as their errors have led to potential identity theft and financial harm. You should immediately file detailed complaints with both the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and your state's Attorney General's office, documenting the timeline of events, including all communications and receipts with the mailbox provider.
Given the unauthorized charges, you'll want to file a police report and contact all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place fraud alerts on your credit reports. Keep copies of all documentation related to the unauthorized charges and any correspondence with your banks about the frozen cards. Also, request copies of your credit reports to monitor for any additional suspicious activity.
Contact the mailbox provider in writing via certified mail, demanding they forward your mail to your current address and compensate you for any damages caused by their negligence. If they continue to resist, consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney who can help pursue legal action - many offer free initial consultations and may take cases on contingency if there's evidence of significant damages. Remember to keep detailed records of all future interactions with the provider, as these will be crucial for any potential legal proceedings.
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