I got a Providian offer the other day (decent looking platinum offer, but I'm not biting for this issuer). I was tempted to return the enclosed business reply envelope empty. The back of the envelope has a barcode, its text says it is a tracking number. Below this: "IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAMPER WITH THIS ENVELOPE OR ITS CONTENTS" I put the envelope in the shredder, instead. I'm sure that's not the ideal outcome for Providian, but it's one less empty envelope they have to pay postage on. -ingenue
Sending it back empty wouldn't be tampering with either the envelope, or it's contents (or lack thereof). LOL Gib
It's illegal to tamper with any envelope or it's contents once a letter has been mailed, at least by anyone other than the addressee. Gib
SEND THE ENVELOPE BACK WITH NO on the return form... "When you have a LOGICAL interest rate like <10% let me know"
It's not that I fear prosecution for sending back an empty envelope. I just don't want them scanning their little envelope barcode and documenting even the inane fact that I think they suck. It's kind of like not unsubscribing to spam lists, as your "unsubscribe" message only indicates the spam has reached a valid email address. Aside from that, I only meant to comment that Providian, by placing the "tracking barcode" right above the "illegal" warning, they vaguely imply that the offer recipient is being monitored for illegal actions. You have to admit, although sending back the envelope empty is legal, it psychologically feels like egging the house of the neighborhood bully - delicious, satisfying, and exhilirating because it is "naughty" and vengeful. -ingenue
I'm sure the Federal prosecutor will jump right on that case and try you in front of a jury for sending back an empty envelope in the mail. I can see it now.... "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, what we have here is a malicious, negligent and willful violation of the law, this man didn't just violate the law, Nope, he sent this great bank Providian an empty envelope to tease, harrass, annoy and cost this fine bank an expense totaling 37 cents!!!, for that Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury I ask that you find the defendant Guilty!! of the crime of mailing an empty envelope and for messing with Providian Bank!!" LOL!! Tac
LOL! oh tac, i thought i was the only one . . . . sort of like pulling off the mattress tags, that are federal offenses . . . humblemarc
Wish I could get my hands on a couple million of these envelopes! Had some problems last year, Providian was the only creditor that wouldn't even consider working with me. After 120 days charge off; then immediately filed judgement; got it in 3 months. But, as they saying goes, "you can't get blood out of a turnip." I am doing everything legally possible to keep them from getting another nickle from me.
When I get particularly egregious "scam" offers, I go thru the garage looking for the heaviest scap metal I can find that will fit in the envelope. It's my version of a "free gift" to thank them for the offer.
