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Comment by Arbalest | Hacker News Reader

Just like how I flag "important" emails as junk. Well, almost.

Same with real mail. The more markings on the outer envelope (“Urgent”, “Time Sensitive!”, “Important Information!!”), the more I know it’s shit.

Real important mail is usually in a plain white envelope, with first-class postage.

I would gladly pay $2 per stamp if it meant obliterating junk mail. Hell, charge me $5 a month just for the privilege of not receiving any. Just, somehow figure out what the true cost of delivering my mail is, and allow me to pay it instead of having to trash all the “subsidy” crap.

Important mail also clearly says who it's from. Any time I see mail that's supposed to mimic the appearance of US government forms (a common example being having the current year in a large font with the "20" and "19" visually distinguished in some way, like on a 1040 form) but a vague "Benefits Office" type sender I know it's junk.

On the other hand, when I receive a valid credit/debit card, it's a plain envelope and the sender name is not there. There is a return address, but no name. But when I receive a pre-selected offer to apply offer with a fake card, always a name.

I’ve wondered how effective this is in securing post of credit cards. I assume over time thieves simply remember the return addresses used. Over the years my banks haven’t changed their return address, so always easy for me to spot the new card letter.

> I’ve wondered how effective this is in securing post of credit cards. I assume over time thieves simply remember the return addresses used.

It shouldn't matter. Last 10 years or so, my cards had to be activated online first, before becoming useful.

The concern I have is someone will intercept the card, grab its details, and then repost it to me. They just have to wait a couple days/weeks and I’ll have activated the card by then. They will then have my name, address, card number and ccv values— often enough for online purchases. Some of my cards ask for a secondary password but not all my cards and not all the time.

Requires someone able to intercept the post (eg corrupt postal employee or subcontractor), and the ability to create a convincing replacement envelope/letter, but it is all achievable, and I expect not everyone will properly scrutinise the envelope/letter/card for signs of tampering. Even for me, with a new card only once every 3 years or so, how can I tell the difference between their letter being tampered with and them just using a new/slightly different design?

Fair enough. That's probably a case where disputing charges and blocking a card is a solution.

It may also be possible to pick the card up at the bank (instead of post delivery). I did that once before, too.

In Germany it is enough to stick the German equivalent of “No Ads” onto the flap of your post box.

Doesn’t stop all crap, but certainly most, as the stuff sticking out my neighbours boxes without a “No ads” label proofs

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