Storms and chickens

[Charlottechicken]

Just wondered if I could have some thoughts on this.

 

We moved house 3 years ago, previous occupants had mail forwarding for just a few months, and when mail came for them I would just circle the return address on the back and pop in the post. Business stuff for the lady of the house in her maiden name was obviously never even redirected. Catalogues and parcels we refused at the door.

 

Fast forward three years and we are suddenly receiving Christmas cards for them. Three so far, and obviously no sender details. One turned up today from an older friend/relative with money in it!

 

Now wondering what is the best thing to do with the money, thinking of keeping it for six months and if no-one contacts us then donating it to charity.

 

Any bright ideas, without us going out of our way here? Have to admit they were a real pain to buy from so I'm really not wanting to go out of my way to trace them. However, I'm well aware it isn't my money so am happy to keep it safe for now.

[sjp]

two options tone you've already highlighted

option 2 if you know their new address is to put that on the envelope ideally on a new label so the old address isn't visible the put it back in the post no new stamp they'll get an unable to deliver card from the sorting/delivery office stating insufficient postage or words to that effect it'll cost them about £1.50. if the address is just crossed out the item can get returned to the old address I've had that happen with unsolicited mail I've returned to sender with out covering my address

the only draw back in your case is that you've opened the envelope that's a no no even if there's no return address on the outside just mark it up as 'return to sender not known at this address' and re post it, RM can sort it out

I regularly send back unsolicited junk mail back always unopened normally takes 3 returned items at £1.50 to stop them. they must be unopened through other wise they'll keep sending them out as they know the mail is been opened

[soapdragon]

Maybe donate to charity but explain the situation when you do and get a receipt. Should there be any 'come back' you can produce the receipt. This is assuming that you don't have their new address. I'm a bit puzzled as to why, if they have been gone 3 years, someone who clearly knows them well enough to send cash, hasn't got their new address

[chickencam]

It may be that elderly person has got confused and sent to previous address. I think the option of charity donation with receipt is a good one.

[mullethunter]

I think keeping for a while and then donating to charity is a great idea.

[Grandmashazzie]

Charity good idea or if it’s a fair amount could you pass it to their solicitor. I must have moved same time and am still getting cards for previous tenant who had been renting. I open them to see if their is address. Last year one had email address so I emailed to say she had moved. Sadly no money

[Charlottechicken]

Thanks for your replies.

 

Yes, if there is a return address we just stuck things back in the post. We do not know their whereabouts so cannot forward, but, thanks for suggesting the solicitor, I will do this in the new year. After three years we did not assume they would still be receiving post here and the cards were opened as they arrived as we were expecting cards!

 

I've got the envelope for the card with the money so will tape it back up and send to the solicitor.