The Real Deal on Fake Names

I'm darkweb esq -- an attorney by day, and a legal advisor to vendors by night. I typically only stick to the vendor side of things (legal issues, opsec, etc) but I'm breaking from my usual routine to address a pet peeve of mine... the FUD surrounding fake names. Opinions range from "never, ever use a fake name" to "a fake name is perfectly fine."

My argument is that using a fake name is, more often than not, acceptable except in a few circumstances. I know this opinion is probably going to be controversial but I have reasons for coming to this conclusion, which are outlined in this post.

That being said, vendors certainly have the right to insist that you use your real name. After all, vendors are putting far more on the line than you are as a customer, so they have the right to set their own terms. If a vendor wants you to use your real name, I think you should go along with their wishes. If you don't like a vendor's terms, find another vendor.

Common myths about the USPS

The biggest myth I see propagated on Reddit and elsewhere is that the USPS has some kind of database that details who lives where, and that using a fake name will set off a "red flag."

No -- the USPS maintains no such database. They have no idea who lives where, nor do they care. The only exception is, perhaps, if there is an active change of address on file.

Another myth is that your mail carrier may be "tipped off" by a fake name because they know who lives at the residence. First of all, if the mail carrier knows that John Doe lives at 123 Main Street but there's a piece of mail addressed to Frank Walker at 123 Main Street, they aren't going to jump to the conclusion that this package is full of drugs and they need to call the DEA. That's just dark web paranoia. They probably don't care that much; and even if they did, they are required to deliver it anyway. The policy can be summed up as, "When in doubt, deliver."

One thing which isn't a myth: never check your tracking number using Tor or your home computer. If you must do it, use public WiFi. The USPS is aware of Tor.

So what's the USPS regulation on names anyway?

You may be surprised to learn that, in most cases, a name isn't even necessary for a package to be deliverable. Of course, 90% of vendors will not ship without a name, since it's in everyone's best interests for the package to blend in with all the other mail being delivered that day. The vast majority of mail is sent with a name, so your package should be sent with a name too. But does it need to be your real name?

The answer is no. See the section below for what will happen if your package is held. However, for those interested, I can tell you that a fake name has no impact on deliverability -- if your package gets held, it's for reasons other than your fake name. The USPS policy is to deliver if at all possible. Whether it says your real name or fake name or "Current Resident", they don't care.

What if my package gets held at the Post Office?

The main reason that a package might be held at the Post Office is that it won't fit in your mailbox. They'll usually attempt delivery several times. Your postal carrier should leave a little card with which you can authorize them to simply leave the package at your door. This is called "Notice Left" mail. This card won't be available for packages that require a signature, but dark web packages shouldn't require a signature in the first place.

If you want to pick it up at the post office, you typically need to show ID -- which you wouldn't have if you used a fake name.

If you absolutely cannot find a way to pick up held mail from the post office, it will be returned to the sender. Usually, the sender address doesn't exist or if it does, it's some random place. This may result in the drugs being discovered. While this is certainly nerve-wracking for you and for the vendor, the reality is that a vendor's opsec should protect against harm coming to them. After all, if you are a vendor and LE orders one of your packs, they will have your fake return address anyway. If this could compromise you, then your opsec sucks and it's only a matter of time before you get busted. From the buyer's perspective, you used a fake name so you have excellent plausible deniability. As far as law enforcement is concerned, someone could have been using your address as a drop.

It's entirely possible that due to human error, a Notice Left card is not left. I would say, though, in the vast majority of cases it will be. In case you do get a Notice Left card, simply allow them to leave it at your doorstep.

What implications does this have for a controlled delivery?

The above section probably led you to this logical conclusion: if the package is big enough to fit in your mailbox but your delivery person wants to see you at the door, then it's going to be a controlled delivery 9/10 times. Don't accept it.

Which types of mail require a signature?

The following types of mail do not require a signature: Regular mail, Priority Mail

The following types of mail do require a signature: Certified Mail, Registered Mail (this requires ID as well), Priority Mail Express, and anything with insurance on it

Obviously, vendors should never use a type of mail that requires a signature. If anything that requires a signature does not fit in your box, the only recourse is to pick it up in-person at the Post Office. They will not leave a Notice Left card.

When should I definitely not use a fake name?

If you have a cluster mailbox, do not use a fake name. Typically, these are found in apartment or condo complexes. They look something like this: http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-14044557065217/12-door-cbu-mailboxes-7.jpg. That's a free-standing one, but they might also be inset into a wall.

A cluster mailbox usually contains a piece of paper or a card that lists who can receive mail at this address. Some carriers may still deliver the letter even if the name doesn't match up, since most of them don't care enough to check. (Bear in mind, postal carriers have long and boring routes, and lots of mail to deliver. They're not going to analyze every letter and package as if it contains drugs. They just want to stuff it in the mailbox and move on.) However, you don't want to risk it in this circumstance.

What about using the name of a previous resident?

This is inadvisable because (1) if your package is intercepted for whatever reason, you will bring the heat down on a completely innocent person and (2) if they file a change of address, your package will end up being sent to them. It's not worth the risk.

If you don't want to use your real name, just use a fake name. Don't rope the previous resident into this.

What about using a vacant address?

Don't do this either. If the address is known to be vacant, USPS will not deliver. It would probably end up being delivered in many cases, but you shouldn't rely on this. It's a crap shoot.

My conclusion

My conclusion is that a fake name is generally okay to use. If the package gets held because it's too big to fit in your mailbox, you have a way to let the post office drop it off at your door. The cons to a fake name are low, but the benefits are high.

I would like to reiterate that if a vendor requires you to use your real name, follow your vendor's wishes. They have far more to risk than you do. Sure, buying drugs comes with a penalty but selling drugs is a whole different ballpark. They've taken this huge risk to provide you with a service, so respect that.


Comments


[37 Points] samwhiskey:

Says the internet lawyer. I'll keep using my real name.


[25 Points] crystaldust:

federal law for postal related crime.

18 USC 1342 Using Fake Name or Address.

mail fraud.

Under 39 USC 3003, mail can be withheld if a Postal Inspector obtains evidence the mail is addressed to a person using a fictitious name


[10 Points] LilWoadie:

I work for the USPS and almost all info he gives about the post office is wrong. If anyone wants me to elaborate, I will be happy to.


[6 Points] RIP_Meth_9000:

Yes, I have already posted this....But damn, I feel this guy is wrong!!!!

The notes made by investigators were interesting; fake names and express shipping clearly stand out.

https://www.deepdotweb.com/2016/08/10/michigan-man-arrested-meth-package-detected/


[5 Points] None:

I'm still very confused as to why this whole 'fake name' issue is discussed so much on this sub. People are either all for fake names or totally against the use of them. The way I see, there are times when a fake name is a much better idea than using your real name, ie. your pack is being sent someplace where tenants are constantly changing, usually every year if not more (like any rental property in a major university area). Chances are your mailman in these locations sees so many names and addresses that are constantly changing they don't have a clue as to which names match which address.

On the other hand, lets say you and your family have been living in the same home for many many years in a middle class rural area. This is probably where using a real name (at least the same LAST name that goes with the residence) is a smarter choice than a fake, since that mailman has more than likely been running the same route everyday for awhile and probably remembers where the Spychowski residence is.

Also..... since when did USPS claim that my friend Mike Hunt isnt allowed to order his products online and send them to my home?


[4 Points] Megabong:

I agree with this. He isn't saying you should stop using your real name, just pointing out common misconceptions people have about using a fake name. I never use a real name, then again I have an excellent drop. I don't think I'd ever deliver drugs to my real home using my real name, no matter how many of you have successfully done it - I guess because I don't really need to.

Either way guys it's not rocket science, people rent out rooms in their apartments/homes all the time. You want to send mail to your home under a fake name never been used before without fear of losing it or being held? Very easy. Send regular mail for a few weeks first under that fake name. Send yourself the same type of box that would arrive, a few letters, whatever. When you've done it enough times to where you're comfortable nothing will be lost or held, go ahead and order something for real and have it sent under the fake name. It's not that hard.

Edits for spelling*


[4 Points] 225555:

The biggest myth I see propagated on Reddit and elsewhere is that the USPS has some kind of database that details who lives where, and that using a fake name will set off a "red flag." No -- the USPS maintains no such database. They have no idea who lives where, nor do they care. The only exception is, perhaps, if there is an active change of address on file.

The USPS takes a photo of the front and back of every package. You better believe they have a db of all this info. If you're ordering mail to your house in your name and then every few months you get a 5 lb package to your same address for Joe Smith(random name), that is visually suspicious and a red flag if you were under surveillance. You're incorrect.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/us/monitoring-of-snail-mail.html?_r=0

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-interview-usps-takes-photos-all-mail

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail_Isolation_Control_and_Tracking

Mail Isolation Control and Tracking (MICT) is an imaging system employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that takes photographs of the exterior of every piece of paper mail that is processed in the United States.[1] The Postmaster General has stated that the system is primarily used for mail sorting,[2] though it also enables the USPS to retroactively track mail correspondence at the request of law enforcement.


[2 Points] None:

Talk about FUD


[2 Points] crystaldust:

As an attorney can say you anything about the plausible deniability of using a fake a name ? One would certainly think that a package with fake name sent to a house that had ten residents would be difficult to attribute to any one particular individual. So it would appear to be a safer to use a fake name, actually stupid not to. I mean why would you want to ship drugs to your house using your real name that seems really dumb.

Well first off anybody can send you a package so just because your name is on it doesn't mean that you intended for it to be sent. You should understand that if your a lawyer. It certainly looks more damaging if your name is on the package and you sign for it but even then the police would have to prove that you knew the contents of said package.

Most narcotic packages intercepted by postal inspection are never prosecuted. I know this because the us postal inspection service announces its seizures annually. Something like 16k parcels where intercepted with drugs last year and only 2k of those lead to arrest. 13k of the seizures contained marijuana. You can look up he exact figures.

Certainly using bogus names and addresses for the vendor make things harder to prosecute but mail primarily express mail both address can be inspected. For instance sending a parcel from a city with a different cities return address raises flags. As does sending a parcel to an address with a fake name.

The usps does actually does have a database that is how my usps, tracking and address forwarding currently work from a database. It is true that international customers boarder usps system is not digitized and still primarily paper as it is difficult to bring some countries on board with current technology. So unlike private carriers fedex etc... who do have a digitized international system the usps does not. This poses a great challenge for the usps to stop international shipments of drugs etc.. because it is more difficult for them to add international places and address of interest to the system and track them. Domestically however this does not pose a problem at all.

So domestically a postal inspector can look up delivery history by address in their database. They can see who receives packages at that address, where those packages are coming from and how many times you have received a package from X location or from Y return address. So if your parcel is sorted for further inspection it is easy for them to look up this type of information. When this inspection occurs a red flag is certainly raised when a fake name is used.

Do the postal service actively scan each package looking for a fake name ? No I don't believe so but they do actively look for a name when forwarding mail so a database and the technology does exist for them to do that if they want. Mail forwarding flags your name to change address so you know if there was money to be made flagging fake names you know they already have the system in place to do that.

The post office does deliver mail to vacant properties the house next to mine has been vacant and under construction for two years and still receives mail. Sometimes you are correct owners will put do not deliver mail flags inside the mailbox or have the post office not deliver any mail to that address, just like you or anybody can tell the post office to not deliver your mail and hold it because you are going on vacation or something.

Certainly if your packages is undeliverable, lost or for some unknown reason held for pick up at the post office in some instances they will ask for ID which you will not have if your name is fake, more often than not you can schedule a re delivery by Internet but I have had my mail held at my post office because I had too much ice in my drive way for instance something for which I didn't have control of the weather. What ever the reason mail can be held at the post office for many unknown reasons.

Myusps is a great tracking tool that will enable you to check tracking of package without raising suspicion from your home. You can not use this service using fake name. Using a fake name or someone else's name could also give you a pen extra charge for mail fraud if caught but that is very rare.

I use my real name and believe it has helped when deliveries have gone missing but honestly I would feel safer using a made up name if I lived in an apartment building even if there is no evidence you presented or anybody else that using a fake name is superior. Actually there is a great deal of evidence to support using your real name. why not use "Current Resident" as your name or like said no name at all. I don't use my name on return address at all I just write the address.

If your going to use a fake name use a different one each time so that you don't develop a known history of receiving packages to John smith, that is unless you are establishing a drop box history that uses a fake name. Ask your vendor to change the return address periodically etc.. Anything you can do to not establish a history. Remember if only one person lives in an apartment and it received ten packages to John smith it's going to be harder to later deny responsibility. Just remember they have to prove you know what's in the package to make a case against you.

If your at the point where your history is being queried your probably fucked anyways fake name or real name. Don't say a thing and get a lawyer like op. That being said I use my real name because I am responsible for the consequences of my actions. Using your real name with an established delivery history just makes things blend in better. Getting express mail sent with a fake name is sure way to get caught where I live.


[2 Points] None:

Common myths about the USPS The biggest myth I see propagated on Reddit and elsewhere is that the USPS has some kind of database that details who lives where, and that using a fake name will set off a "red flag."

You come out of the gate with something that is incorrect. I don't see people talking about using a fake name being a red flag. People DO talk about individual mail carriers noticing the fake name and not delivering. People talk about how using a fake name can only get your package in trouble (small chance), but it is never going to save you, ever. So you gain nothing by using a fake name and have a little bit to lose by using one.

I have 2 non-deliveries across 200-300 packs. Guess what I tried with those two orders (two different addresses, one town home, one apartment, mind you)? You guessed it.


[2 Points] dnmuser1234:

Priority Express does not require a signature unless the vendor specifically requires it to do so.


[2 Points] DaRealDonaldTrump:

I'm actually surprised that "Current resident" Isn't used more.

I always get mail with the label. I just don't want to use it, as i have people at my house that may open it if they see that.


[2 Points] therealgovernor:

i think people freak out over fake names a little too much. if anything, using a fake but realistic name is a good idea. Say, you do get confronted by the feds, and it's not your name on the package so its not like they can just pin it on you. You just have to be smart and know your situation to make it all work out. And make sure your box is big enough to always have the pack to fit. and deny deny deny


[2 Points] gettinouttathegame:

So if using a name of a person who doesnt live at an address is so taboo and will raise red flags or get your mail held up why do I constantly get mail for at least 5 other people who do not live here and as far as I can tell by tax records etc have never lived here without question or being held up? My carrier doesnt seem to give a shit what names on it...if it has this address on it..it gets stuffed in the box.


[1 Points] None:

[deleted]


[1 Points] Violentwhensober:

Will I incriminate myself if I sign with a fake name?


[1 Points] Tapia666:

Thanks for the advice.


[1 Points] Jmagolskdnr:

What a load of useless bullshit. Keep your lawyer opinion to yourself me lawyer cuz it's obvious you know fuck all about ordering packs


[1 Points] DickClarkFive:

I have a regular single mailbox, in front of my normal suburban house. The mailbox has a a white sticker on the inside of the door, written in pencil is the previous residents name scratched out, and my family's name under it. I assume this is the mailman's way a remembering the family name of the current residents.

But we still get mail from previous residents, and people I've never heard of.


[1 Points] Vendor_BBMC:

I don't imagine using a fake name has any real advantage.

Obviously, vendors should never use a type of mail that requires a signature

Why is this obvious? How can you receive express guaranteed mail without a signature. How about bulk or expensive items? Just stick a stamp on and hope for the best?

Tracked, signed-for mail allows vendors to offer escrow.


[1 Points] DooshNozzzle:

Express mail does not always require a signature. I do not mail my express packs with sig required


[1 Points] triceracrops:

If a vendor wants to use priority mail express to overnight something they can easily chose to not require a signature when producing the label. Yes it will automatically add a signature with service that but you can choose to no require it.


[1 Points] Frank769:

Someone photoshop this man a degree!


[1 Points] vwermisso:

The logic behind 'the mailman isn't looking for drugs' is not thought through.
They are, because they are normal, low wage employees that also like drugs and know you can ship drugs through their service.

When Oregon legalized weed the USPS here had a few people that seized something like a hundred pounds or whatever though profiling packages. Like just themselves on their own, they stole it and got in trouble with the feds.

When i had a monotonous job similar to USPS all i thought about was "does this one have drugs in it?" and I was supervised loading trailers--unsupervised actually going to houses, profiling packages would be my hobby.


[1 Points] None:

[deleted]


[1 Points] None:

[deleted]


[-1 Points] None:

I think this guy's whole post is bullshit. He doesn't list a single source except himself with the credibility of supposedly being an attorney. Some things may be true, such as which packages require a signature, but the rest is pure speculation.