These People Got Mystery Mail

Mystery Mail Recipients in 2020

Thomas Hanley from SEI Valley, California, was among thousands of Americans who received mysterious seed packets in the mail from China and Central Asia. "They looked like crumbled-up seeds," he said. "I didn't know what they were, so I wore gloves, threw them out, and cleaned the area where I had them."

Similarly, Shelly Duffy received a packet of seeds that looked more like oregano or herbs. Another recipient from Utah also found seeds inside. These seeds varied widely, from flowers to potential crop plants and grasses. Experts warn against planting them due to the risk of invasive species and potential contamination, as Nancy Hansen discovered when she planted them and grew a morning glory plant, only to later worry about soil poisoning.

Security experts believe these deliveries were part of a "brushing scam," where companies send unsolicited items to prompt fake positive reviews online.

The Watcher House

A house in Westville, New Jersey, became the center of a mystery when a stalker known as "The Watcher" terrorized its new owners, Derek and Maria, with eerie letters. The letters, which included lines like "I have seen your children" and "Your house is my obsession," were depicted in the 2022 Netflix series "The Watcher." The couple, too scared to move in, eventually sold the house at a significant loss. Despite extensive investigations, the Watcher's identity remains unknown.

Isabelle Wood's Free Package Nightmare

In June 2024, Isabelle Wood from Chicago started receiving numerous packages she hadn't ordered. Initially, it was fun, but it soon became overwhelming with items like leather jackets, karaoke machines, and even industrial-strength toenail clippers. These packages, addressed to "Romeo" and sent from the Chinese online marketplace Teemu, were part of a brushing scam. This scam involves sending unsolicited items to boost a seller's online presence with fake reviews.

Dan Kane's Mail Overload

In 2020, Dan Kane received over 55,000 letters from his daughter's student loan company due to a glitch. Each letter, carrying an incorrect interest amount, cost the company about $30,000 in postage.

The Lost Letter

In 1943, a letter addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis George went undelivered until 2023 when it reached their granddaughter Janet. The letter, sent during World War II, conveyed condolences over the loss of their baby. It was found by a curious postal worker who tracked down the family via social media.

Santa Claus Letters

Jim Glob, who moved into a Manhattan apartment, began receiving letters addressed to Santa Claus, a tradition carried on by the previous tenants. In 2010, the volume of letters surged, leading Jim and his friends to start a nonprofit called "Miracle on 22nd Street," fulfilling the wishes of needy families. The organization continues to connect generous donors with families in need during the holiday season.

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