45 replies to this topic

[TVCasualty]

Get a decent fake ID and get a real PO box. I did that a few years ago and was flirty with the rather homely female clerk (guys can play that game too, ladies...) so she didn't look real close (The ID was from my college days to get into bars before I was 21, was from another state, and said it expired 5 years(!) before I presented it.) The address I listed as my home was a nearby whitewater river outpost where lots of headly people live during the season (I had no association with that company). I just got a notice that I will have to renew my app before my next box rental is due (show ID again), so I guess that address will be gone soon, but it worked great for 8 years. I got a 400W light from Wormsway sent there, and when I picked it up the large box had huge full-color pics of the light growing tomatoes under it. I went pale and took the walk of shame to my car holding this giant "I grow weed" billboard, thanking God for that mail drop! I also thanked God the closet wasn't at MY house!!

Another thing that has worked is to go to one of those private companies that offer box rentals that look like street addresses and also offers faxing/copying/etc. Here's how to do it for a maildrop: Go there often to send/recieve faxes (to your own machine at home or work) under your false name. Get to know the staff, chat 'em up, whatever, making sure they know your 'name.' After awhile (how long is up to your gut feeling) try to open a box and since they already 'know' you you might get away with not having to show ID. This worked in 2001 before the reichstag fire of 9-11, and I haven't used it since (but will start trying soon since my PO drop is about to end). I fear an ID might be necessary now...anyone know for sure?

Watch for people going on vacation. FEDEX to their house and be in the yard watering plants or something around delivery time (best for next day air guaranteed by 10am or whatever so you don't stand there too long). If it goes bad you're just the guy they hired to check on things while they were on vacation. Better for vacant houses that don't look obviously vacant.

Wild idea: Start a hybrid mix of an underground railroad/pony express. A counterculture independent mail system... Nice fantasy anyhow.


TVC

PS-I wouldn't use remailers that cross international borders as each crossing subjects the parcel to much more scrutiny, and this is a game of odds.

[Hippie3]

Watch for people going on vacation. FEDEX to their house and be in the yard watering plants or something around delivery time (best for next day air guaranteed by 10am or whatever so you don't stand there too long). If it goes bad you're just the guy they hired to check on things while they were on vacation. Better for vacant houses that don't look obviously vacant.

bad idea, imo.
the neighbors might see you lurking where you don't belong,
messing with someone's mail/box is criminal
and many postal workers know what houses are vacant
and who gets mail where under what names.

btw
current law does require positive/photo ID
and verification of current street address
to rent a PO box.

[mike illogical]

A safe addy is a must for all of us even when shipping away from your home you do not want to put questionable packages in your own outgoing mail. I have known a few people who used remailers in the past, but when it comes to borders being crossed remailer or not your package may or may not get through. A good friend can work great and if you don't have one of those go to a nursing home and befriend an old person . Real old hippies are great, they love to see us get one over on the man. Using a bum is also a great idea and then your helping someone along the way.

[TVCasualty]

bad idea, imo.
the neighbors might see you lurking where you don't belong,
messing with someone's mail/box is criminal
and many postal workers know what houses are vacant
and who gets mail where under what names.

btw
current law does require positive/photo ID
and verification of current street address
to rent a PO box.

The vacant house gambit would have to be the perfect house, you'll know it when you see it (not in a crowded subdivision, for example). Also, if using a non USPS carrier you are not messing with the mailbox at all.

Does anyone know if the ID thing is ironclad at those private box rental companies or can you 'work it' a little (like that fax under different name scenario)?

I really like the 'befriend an old hippie' idea. I'll return the favor directly and be one of those old hippies gladly offering such services some day...

TVC

[Hippie3]

the law applies to even private mail box providers,
any employee who cut you slack
would be doing a great favor.
maybe a bribe ?

[TVCasualty]

Wow that was a quick response. I thought about bribes, but then you might end up with some punk looking for regular bribes just to keep quiet, and they tend to cost more over time I'd guess...