ckcowl

we use a post office box mainly because it is more convenient for us. here in northern michigan plow trucks tend to take out mail boxes every winter and they are expensive to have to replace over and over--and if they 'hit' after the mail has been delivered, well- you might find some of it in the spring...and our post office is on the way home from work so it's not out of the way.

Marlys

And then there are those of us who do not have a choice. Our town of 2000 does not have home mail delivery. They deliver to those who live in the country, but us "town folks" have to have a PO Box. It is not usually a problem unless I am dealing with a "city" person who does not understand our mail delivery.

Ramona Byrd

I use my home address for most mail, since I have a slot in the door for letters/etc. The Mailman himself suggested that when he had a small package that he could stick it in between the screen door and house door, then lock the screen. Larger packages he can put down behind a shrub and beside the porch, out of the sight of passersby. I also have a post office box for valuable stuff, and check it every week. I try not to often order large stuff that could be stolen, but sometimes do, so have it delivered to my brother's Security office.

LucyInTheSky

Even with using a cell phone number, it's ridiculously easy to find information about people. I used to work for a bank and we had access to a website where you could do free searches on people. You then paid if you wanted the report with all the details. I searched my name, found my SSN plus I was slightly linked with my parents', found every address my parents and I ever lived at as well as some property my dad put in my name and sold 10 years prior. If I had pulled the report, it would've shown full information about my car/license, any tickets, any properties I own, any businesses I'm apart of. Scary stuff.

When I had just met my now husband whilst working there, I did a search on him (and he has a common name). That was it. The search found his SSN plus every address he lived at. And that was just the free search.

So you can do a PO box to avoid giving out your address, but it is very easy to find. Oh, and you could search people by any phone number, including your cell.

Lady Crafter

Amen to that. We DO have to be careful in this world, but you can also worry needlessly. Your human instinct alone should tell you what and where to be careful. Quilters, IMHO, do NOT fall into the "be careful" category.

If you are having problems with mail delivery or receipt, let the post office know ..... and have some trust in your fellow man (or woman). :D :D

LCkitty

I certainly do not want to spend the rest of my days being paranoid over every little thing like giving out my name and address to any person who asks!!! Life is to short and yes, unfotunately their are people in the world who like to take advantage of others. Just call me gullible, I quess, I want to believe that most people are very honest and those that aren't will pay in the long run!

quiltbuddy

I use to have P.O. Box until one day I thought why should I pay (rent) to get my mail when it can be delivered to me for free. Most places want a physical address anyhow. I can now buy an extra 8 or 9 yds. of quilt store fabric every year.

lnlwhitt

I believe in being careful but I agree there is a line that you can cross and live in fear. I don't want to live my life in fear. If you sign up for a swap voluntarily I hope you would trust the group you are in to give your name. I think anyone really up to no good can do it randomly and not have to know you personally or can buy whatever information they need from someone. No matter how careful you are your information is out there and available to some one who really wants it bad enough such as simple things with bank accounts and SS information with the federal government. No electronic information is fool proof.
Just my opinion.

Zephyr

Pay for a PO Box to get our junk mail delivered? Don't think so.

ontheriver

I have a po box as I have no choice. The mail will not come to my house because I live so far away from the next stop, over 3 miles. I found some things will not come to a po box and it is a pain having to go get the mail all the time, but fortunately UPS has finally learned where I live.