The good news all along: if you accept a package for a neighbor, legally it’s a…
… purely as a courtesy, liability is excluded. A so-called ‘tacit disclaimer’ is assumed.” (Attorney Kay Rodegra)
However, you obviously have some obligations if you accept the package for a neighbor. You have to treat him properly while he is with you. You can take it to your neighbor later, but it’s not necessary. You can wait for him to pick it up. What you shouldn’t do is just leave the package in front of his door. If he then goes missing, you can be held responsible for it.
When should I not accept a parcel for neighbours?
You shouldn’t accept a package…
– if it is obviously damaged
– if the courier wants to collect a cash on delivery fee from you
– if the delivery man doesn’t look “official”.
– shortly after you go on vacation or are on a business trip
– you don’t even know the neighbor who is supposed to receive the parcel
Accept package for neighbors – trick of scammers
If you’re accepting the package for someone you don’t even know, make sure they show you ID when you pick it up. Why the following trick is very popular among criminals:
Fraudsters stick an address sticker on an empty apartment and order an expensive item to be sent to this address by invoice. Of course, when the delivery arrives, I’m not there. Then the delivery man rings your bell and you kindly accept the package. Shortly thereafter, the supposed new neighbor rings, picks up the item, says “thank you” and flees. Obviously he never pays the bill. The sender of the package will then contact you sooner or later. Here because:
The package must be delivered only to the recipient. If you don’t know at all, you should ask the person who picks you up to show you the ID. But to avoid problems, don’t accept packages that are for someone you don’t know at all.” (Kay Rodegra, Lawyer)
