Is it ever acceptable to open a letter sent to the wrong address

[Beatinghearts]

Personally don’t think it is but was just wondering others thoughts

I tend to just put 'not at this address'. I have accidentally opened post not for me before though, once for a neighbour and it was about a large unpaid debt. I was so embarrassed I couldn't give it to them but didn't want them not to get the letter so wrote 'delivered to wrong address' on it and reposted it.

I have - it was debt collectors looking for a previous tenant. I called them up and made it very clear the person they were looking for didn’t live here. Offered to send proof to make sure debt collectors didn’t ever turn up at my door.
“Not at this address” doesn’t tend to work with collection agencies as the letters just keep coming!

Yes.

I bought my house from new and have bank statements and medical appointments for a Chinese woman.

I have investigated and found that there was a woman of that name who was a medical student in the same county but she has now moved back to China.

She is very wealthy so I can’t see any reason for a scam and I get bank statements from her Chinese bank despite my returning them.

I made contact with the bank but they will only act upon her instruction not mine regarding where to send her bank statements.

Most odd.

It depends why you are opening them

Yes. It's not illegal as urban legend insists. The law is around acting to someone's detriment and without reasonable excuse. So opening something to find a return address or contact number with the aim of connecting the letter to its intended recipient is ok.

I’ve had letter to my address marked private and confidential. I can’t see any return address.