Identity Theft

[matt819]

Got a question for anyone who knows something about identity theft. No, I don't want to commit it!

I've been living at my address for 10 years. Since we had the house built, we're the only people who have lived at this address since it had an address. Of course, I get all sorts of mail address to me and my family in all sorts of name spelling variants and, of course, the most intimate of correspondence, Occupant.

Last week I received an e-mail in the name of someone whose name doesn't resemble ours. Totally different person, with our address.

What I'm wondering is if this person might somehow be using my address for some nefarious purpose, and that this is the beginning of some sort of identity theft operation.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Xyzse]

1. Name similar to any of your neighbors?

That is also a possibility.
If not, contact the sender and tell them that no one of that name lives at your place.
Ask them to correct their records. That might be the simplest thing you can do for now.

[matt819]

2. Nope - not even close

I am going to return to sender, but given the tenor of the times we live in, I guess I'm just a little suspicious - new name/my address out of the blue.

[Xyzse]

3. Agreed

Wait a tic.
Thought you said it was via email?

Figure out the company and google the company instead.
Then contact them by phone.