Agree before photographing a family member's mail

Helping a family member means acting on their behalf, with their approval. Before you photograph mail addressed to someone else, ask them and make sure they understand what the photo shows and where it goes.

How to get permission

  1. Ask whether they want help and whether they are comfortable with a photo of the label, which shows their name and address.
  2. Explain that the photo will be uploaded and reviewed as part of a removal request, so they know what they are agreeing to.
  3. Photograph only the pieces they have agreed to, and follow their direction on each one.
  4. If they want to see the details first, show them what you have prepared and wait for their go-ahead before submitting.

Privacy starts with the label

A mailing label carries a person's name and street address, and sometimes more. Uploading that information for someone else is their decision to make, and being family does not change that. If they hesitate, pause and let them decide at their own pace.

Their permission, their pace

Once they have confirmed what they want done, the process is quick. See the photo guide for what the photo needs to include, and the privacy policy for how uploaded information is handled.

Instructions for the next step

Have an unwanted advertisement ready?

Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.

Try one request free