Junk Mail Magic

Report mail that may violate an existing prohibitory order

If the mailer named in your prohibitory order sends another piece, keep the opened mailpiece and follow the reporting instructions USPS sent with your effective date. Domestic Mail Manual section 9.2.1 explains how to submit an apparent violation. USPS decides whether the piece is a violation. Its arrival alone does not settle that.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Collect the details section 9.2.1 asks for

  1. Find the order and the reporting instructions USPS sent with its effective date. Compare the named mailer and receipt date with those records.
  2. Open the envelope or outer cover and keep the complete piece. Section 9.2.1 calls for the order number if known, a statement that you received the piece by mail, the receipt date and your signature on it.
  3. Follow the current USPS instructions to submit the piece to the Prohibitory Order Processing Center, directly or through a Post Office. Use the current official destination details rather than an old copied address.
  4. Keep a private record of what you submitted and when, along with your existing order and USPS instructions.

Check which program applies

The mailer-specific order and the sexually oriented advertising list are separate programs with different rules. Confirm that the order you hold is the one you are reporting under. A piece from a different mailer may fall outside the order. USPS decides what happens after a report, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Private evidence checklist

Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.

Order reference (if known): [number] USPS reporting instructions located: [yes / no] Mailpiece received on: [date] Mailer as printed: [name] Matches mailer in order: [yes / no / unsure] Opened piece and wrapper kept: [yes / no] Section 9.2.1 read on: [date]

Keep one folder

Submit the prepared piece through the USPS route once you have checked the applicable instructions. Note the submission date beside its receipt date. Retain any response with the same order record so a later piece can be handled without rebuilding the history.

Official sources

Prepare the mailpiece for a USPS prohibitory-order applicationReview a USPS prohibitory order before changing addressUnderstand the two choices on USPS Form 1500Mailing-list programsAll practical mail guides

Choose the route that matches the mailing

Use the official route described in this guide for this kind of mail. For a separate ordinary advertisement, Junk Mail Magic can help prepare a sender-specific removal request.

Compare removal routes