Q&A for How to Cope with Receiving Anonymous Letters

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Is it legal to send anonymous letters through the post?

Community Answer

Sending anonymous letters through the post is legal. On the other hand, sending threatening anonymous letters is illegal. If you ever receive an threatening anonymous letter by email, public post, etc., consider going to the nearest police office to file a report.

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For 23 years, I've received mail via from an ex-boyfriend (he doesn't sign, but I know it's him). When I've moved, if he can't find me, he's sent mail to my mom's. The past two states I lived in, he sent postcards to my work monthly. Is this a crime?

Community Answer

Yes, this likely qualifies as a form of stalking. How do you know these letters and postcards are from him? If there is an address you can trace it back to, you have something to work with.

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Question

Can these letters be traced?

Community Answer

Typically they cannot be traced, but if the person leaves their fingerprints on the paper and the police become involved, there is a chance that they can be traced.

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Question

How can I find out who is sending me anonymous handwritten letters with Bible verses on them?

Community Answer

If the letter is being hand-delivered to your house, put up a camera outside to film what is going on outside your door.

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Question

What do I do if I receive anonymous letters containing pictures of my children?

Community Answer

Contact the police and show them the letters.

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Question

How do I deal with a hurtful anonymous letter?

Community Answer

Ignore it...the initial reaction is anger and a desire to get back at the person. BUT these people are sad and have to be pitied.

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Question

If someone sent me an anonymous letter inviting me to a meeting with no venue or name of the writer, can I take the person to court?

Community Answer

Not really, as no crime as been committed. But don't go anywhere with this anonymous person, as it can be dangerous.

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Question

Is there a way to get fingerprints from the document?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It's best not to handle the letter. Let the police open it and put it in a paper bag. They will also need to fingerprint you to eliminate your prints on the letter in case you handled it.

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Question

Should I put any merit in an anonymous letter received from my boyfriend's ex-girlfriend accusing him of cheating on me? He has given me no reason not to trust him - we are 50 years old, and therefore I do not watch over his every move or check his phone, etc.

Community Answer

If you have no reason to believe he's cheating on you, there's no reason to put any trust in an anonymous letter.

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Question

My aunt keeps getting threat letters with abusive language, filthy words, and insults. This happens at least once a month from a different states, but no return address. What should she do?

Community Answer

She should give the letters to the police. Perhaps the perpetrator's fingerprints are on the letters and can be traced.

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Question

What will city officials do with an anonymous complaint letter sent to them about a resident's cats?

Community Answer

They may send out animal control to investigate.

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I was on TV and I've recieved a sexually explicit letter. The sender put a name and return address. What should I do?

Donagan

Top Answerer

That's up to you. You can contact the sender, throw the letter away or contact the police about it. It's entirely your choice.

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