§3003 — Title 39 Postal Service | U.S. Code

Summary

The Postal Service can hold mail that it believes is addressed using a fake or assumed name, title, or address when that fake information is being used to carry out crimes under 18 U.S.C. 1302, 1341, and 1342. It can stop delivery and require anyone who claims the mail to show ID and proof they have a right to receive it. If the person cannot prove their identity and right to the mail, or if the Postal Service decides the name or address is fake, the mail can be sent to the dead letter office as fictitious matter or returned to the sender.

Title 39, §3003

Postal Service — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Upon evidence satisfactory to the Postal Service that any person is using a fictitious, false, or assumed name, title, or address in conducting, promoting, or carrying on or assisting therein, by means of the postal services of the United States, an activity in violation of section 1302, 1341, and 1342 of title 18, it may—

(1)withhold mail so addressed from delivery; and

(2)require the party claiming the mail to furnish proof to it of the claimant’s identity and right to receive the mail.

(b)The Postal Service may issue an order directing that mail, covered by subsection (a) of this section, be forwarded to a dead letter office as fictitious matter, or be returned to the sender when—

(1)the party claiming the mail fails to furnish proof of his identity and right to receive the mail; or

(2)the Postal Service determines that the mail is addressed to a fictitious, false, or assumed name, title, or address.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.

§3003 Mail Bearing a Fictitious Name or Address

Summary

Title 39, §3003

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Citations & Metadata