anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Speaking of substantial amounts ($500) but not huge. It's a personal donation
Imperative it remains anonymous!
DW did a bank tellers check but once she is convinced secrecy was compromised thru inquiry at bank. Is hundred $ bills Fairly secure do you think?
I know, accidental wrong delivery, etc.
Imperative it remains anonymous!
DW did a bank tellers check but once she is convinced secrecy was compromised thru inquiry at bank. Is hundred $ bills Fairly secure do you think?
I know, accidental wrong delivery, etc.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Would sorting process find it somehow?
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
You could do it through a 3rd person you trusted, or maybe through a close-lipped clergyman/woman.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
I would not send cash through the USPS. If you had a donor advised fund and the recipient was a non-profit, you could anonymously send it that way.
You could use a third party to send a check - sometimes attorneys you have a relationship with will do this.
You could use a third party to send a check - sometimes attorneys you have a relationship with will do this.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Carrier pigeon would be safer than USPS, and probably faster.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
This is probably the one legitimate use case for Bitcoin.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
I've put it in an envelope in the offering plate at church with a note so the treasurer knew what to do with the money...but maybe you don't go to a house of worship with the person.
I've gone directly to the company involved--gas company in this case--and put the money on their account.
I've mailed cash in a card. Though depending on location you might need to watch the cancellation stamp--if you live in Podunk the postal mark could give you away.
I vaguely remember putting something in inner-office mail once--but maybe you don't work at the same place
Gift card left on their windshield? (never did that one)
I've gone directly to the company involved--gas company in this case--and put the money on their account.
I've mailed cash in a card. Though depending on location you might need to watch the cancellation stamp--if you live in Podunk the postal mark could give you away.
I vaguely remember putting something in inner-office mail once--but maybe you don't work at the same place
Gift card left on their windshield? (never did that one)
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
"I've put it in an envelope in the offering plate at church with a note so the treasurer knew what to do with the money...but maybe you don't go to a house of worship with the person."
We do...and the gossip and intra-mural info is- inescapable!
We do...and the gossip and intra-mural info is- inescapable!
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Put it in the mail box yourself. Slip it under the door. Hope for the best.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Step #1: Become the treasurer of your church.
Step #2: Put envelope with a note into the offering plate.
Step #3: Give envelope to the individual, saying you found it in the offering plate.
Step #4: When questioned say that you promised to keep the donation anonymous.
Step #5: Optional - start spreading unfounded rumors on who it could be.
Former brokerage operations & mutual fund accountant. I hate risk, which is why I study and embrace it.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Mail a pre-loaded visa gift card?
“Conventional Treasury rates are risk free only in the sense that they guarantee nominal principal. But their real rate of return is uncertain until after the fact.” -Risk Less and Prosper
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Speaking as someone who gifted cash for a wedding that went missing, the risk of it disappearing is really really small. Unless, of course, the recipient is dishonest or misplaces it.
Sent USPS, the most they could find out is the city it came from. If you’re worried about the location outing yourself, send it from a mailbox when you are out of town.
Edit to Add: Upon rereading, “ personal donation” sounds like giving to a person you know in need who wouldn’t want to take your $$. Possible that the location could out yourself. Might make it a little harder. I suppose you could mail it to a 3rd party in another part of the country and have them mail it from there.
Sent USPS, the most they could find out is the city it came from. If you’re worried about the location outing yourself, send it from a mailbox when you are out of town.
Edit to Add: Upon rereading, “ personal donation” sounds like giving to a person you know in need who wouldn’t want to take your $$. Possible that the location could out yourself. Might make it a little harder. I suppose you could mail it to a 3rd party in another part of the country and have them mail it from there.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Like $5-7 fee.
Is there an intended use for the $$. An amazon/target/Walmart gift card would generally have no fee.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Mostly it would be intended for medical expenses but we don't want restrictions. (Confident it will not be drunk or abused)Train2bogle wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:06 pmLike $5-7 fee.
Is there an intended use for the $$. An amazon/target/Walmart gift card would generally have no fee.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Since money is fungible and I’m kinda having to guess at your intention here, I’m guessing a pre loaded gift card will work just fine. The intended recipient can use the gift card to buy their groceries and what not, freeing up the bank account money to pay for their medical expenses.ekid wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:18 pmMostly it would be intended for medical expenses but we don't want restrictions. (Confident it will not be drunk or abused)Train2bogle wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:06 pmLike $5-7 fee.
Is there an intended use for the $$. An amazon/target/Walmart gift card would generally have no fee.
Or possible could use the gift card to pay the medical expenses themselves, since I think it’s basically treated as a credit card
“Conventional Treasury rates are risk free only in the sense that they guarantee nominal principal. But their real rate of return is uncertain until after the fact.” -Risk Less and Prosper
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor of it not being lost if you send it priority mail and even more so express mail but they might be able to see what zip code it came from. I don't know why so many people hate on USPS, Ive never had a priority mail package take longer than like 3 days anywhere in the country except during the Christmas rush and never had them lose a priority package.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Just buy a USPS money order. Or any other brand money order. They are like cash.
Today's high is tomorrow's low.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
You still need to send it via some service that provides tracking, so that you can get the money order refunded if it gets lost; otherwise you won't know if it got lost.Nummerkins wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:08 pm Just buy a USPS money order. Or any other brand money order. They are like cash.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Check yourself before you wreck yourself, as the song goes - why are you or DW doing this at all? sending cash anonymously to someone. Have you done this before?
This sounds like you might want to reflect on whether your reasons are sound, whether you feel lonely or guilty and whether you have thought through potential unintended consequences. Such as casting yourself in a bad light if that mail gets scanned. Creating a feeling of shame or even indignation on the part of the recipient (it happens). Annoyance if it doesn’t reach the intended recipient. Disappointment and disillusionment when no more such gifts arrive. Fostering a belief in magical thinking. The list goes on.
Sure you can donate or lend but anonymous cash through the mail sounds like about the worst way. You say it is imperative that it remains anonymous. Care to share the circumstances?
The sad truth is that $500 will not permanently help anyone who is in a dire condition. If it is for a specific expense like a school uniform or school fees, you can prepay them and have them inform the recipient that the expense has been covered anonymously.
This sounds like you might want to reflect on whether your reasons are sound, whether you feel lonely or guilty and whether you have thought through potential unintended consequences. Such as casting yourself in a bad light if that mail gets scanned. Creating a feeling of shame or even indignation on the part of the recipient (it happens). Annoyance if it doesn’t reach the intended recipient. Disappointment and disillusionment when no more such gifts arrive. Fostering a belief in magical thinking. The list goes on.
Sure you can donate or lend but anonymous cash through the mail sounds like about the worst way. You say it is imperative that it remains anonymous. Care to share the circumstances?
The sad truth is that $500 will not permanently help anyone who is in a dire condition. If it is for a specific expense like a school uniform or school fees, you can prepay them and have them inform the recipient that the expense has been covered anonymously.
Last edited by AnnetteLouisan on Sat Apr 01, 2023 1:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
You could send via usps or at a USPS/FedEx location and makeup a return address and pay with cash. Then you would get a tracking number for the delivery.
If you do it anonymously you will never know if they received it.
You might just want to give it to them directly and avoid the “I know something you don’t know” mental debt.
If you do it anonymously you will never know if they received it.
You might just want to give it to them directly and avoid the “I know something you don’t know” mental debt.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
(1) Ask the pastor of your church to give an envelope to this person. (That is, only if Pastor can be trusted to keep a secret)
(2) If your church has “mail slots” for members, put the envelope there.
(3) Have a “bathroom emergency” during the church service one Sunday. Sneak out to the parking lot, envelope in hand. If the giftee left the car unlocked, leave the envelope in the drivers seat. If the car is locked, tape the envelope to the windshield (assuming that you’re in a low crime area). Rejoin the service.
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
I've heard the USPS detects and seizes large cash amounts. I'm not sure what constitutes large, or how to confirm (I expect USPS does not wish its procedures to be widely known).
I've rarely had problems with, say, one $20 bill, but a reliable person warned me not to send large amounts. There may be info online about it.
Best wishes.
I've rarely had problems with, say, one $20 bill, but a reliable person warned me not to send large amounts. There may be info online about it.
Best wishes.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Local to your area? Why not reach out to a social service agency and ask if they can facilitate. Anonymous donations are routinely dealt with.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
"Sure you can donate or lend but anonymous cash through the mail sounds like about the worst way. You say it is imperative that it remains anonymous. Care to share the circumstances?"
I tend to agree with this: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
But the practicality is proving difficult! "cash through the mail sounds like about the worst way." I agree.
My way doesn't involve "fundraising losses".(lost the correct term) Therefore it needs to be local and personal.
I tend to agree with this: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
But the practicality is proving difficult! "cash through the mail sounds like about the worst way." I agree.
My way doesn't involve "fundraising losses".(lost the correct term) Therefore it needs to be local and personal.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Yes that's what I worry about.senex wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 5:37 pm I've heard the USPS detects and seizes large cash amounts. I'm not sure what constitutes large, or how to confirm (I expect USPS does not wish its procedures to be widely known).
I've rarely had problems with, say, one $20 bill, but a reliable person warned me not to send large amounts. There may be info online about it.
Best wishes.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
I'm thinking the best ways would be to either buy a debit gift card and then send it with the receipt or something to show the amount to the recipient. If it's someone who actively shops, one could even get a Walmart or Target gift card, as those have no fees and can be used for groceries or sundries. Or cash. Then send it in a Priority Mail cardboard 9x11 or Small box, well wrapped - those are insured and tracked. Obfuscate the sending address. Pay cash at the P.O. to ship it.
Salvia Clevelandii "Winifred Gilman" my favorite. YMMV; not a professional advisor.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Why is it so important that it be anonymous? So they don’t ask for more? Because they are doing something wrong? Could this association harm you in some way?
The truth is $500 will not save them and is not worth this stress. Also they may not spend it the way you wish.
It appears DW has done this before. This may be some kind of issue with DW. Guilt, attention seeking, being lonely? Bored? I know it’s well meaning but it might not be healthy.
If it’s for a neglected child maybe there is another way to help.
The truth is $500 will not save them and is not worth this stress. Also they may not spend it the way you wish.
It appears DW has done this before. This may be some kind of issue with DW. Guilt, attention seeking, being lonely? Bored? I know it’s well meaning but it might not be healthy.
If it’s for a neglected child maybe there is another way to help.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
To add to this you can create a label for priority mail using usps.com with a return zip that is completely different from yours.barnaclebob wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:56 pm The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor of it not being lost if you send it priority mail and even more so express mail but they might be able to see what zip code it came from.
I used to regularly send my (now deceased) elderly father up to $300 cash, quarterly, via Priority Mail. Always a separate envelope in the Priority mailer.( Sometimes in books or in small boxes, too). Never had a problem.
Doesn’t mean you aren’t taking a risk, though.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
OP already explained why he wants to give anonymously:AnnetteLouisan wrote: ↑Sat Apr 01, 2023 1:02 pm Why is it so important that it be anonymous? So they don’t ask for more? Because they are doing something wrong? Could this association harm you in some way?
The truth is $500 will not save them and is not worth this stress. Also they may not spend it the way you wish.
It appears DW has done this before. This may be some kind of issue with DW. Guilt, attention seeking, being lonely? Bored? I know it’s well meaning but it might not be healthy.
If it’s for a neglected child maybe there is another way to help.
It sounds like he wants to make a gift for the sake of giving while evading any attention around his generosity.I tend to agree with this: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Edit: Is Anonymous Philanthropy Really the Most Virtuous?
Last edited by GreendaleCC on Sat Apr 01, 2023 5:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
OP, an option not mentioned here is to buy a physical gift card from Amazon, select the gift option (no receipt), and set the recipient’s address (or the church’s address?) as the shipping destination.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Years ago (maybe 40) I worked with a woman who had been complaining, crying, worried, for many weeks, about her bills, rent, utilities, etc, she didn't know how she was going to pay them, get caught up on them. I, who had not much money either, but had been saving some for a "rainy day" decided to give some to her anonymously. One day, she went on and on-her way, not meaning at all that she expected any of us co-workers to help her out, so I decided to gift her some in the next few days. I went to her house on a day I knew she was at work, and left $250-- fortune for me--in an envelope shoved between her door and the frame, then parked several houses away to be sure she got it. She did. Success! She came in to work a few days later telling us all of all the new clothes she bought.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Michael AnthonyCharlatanPrime wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 12:28 pm You could do it through a 3rd person you trusted, or maybe through a close-lipped clergyman/woman.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
The anonymity is for piousness or karma or something like that if I understand correctly. Sorry if I did not. If correct, I would think that going through a source that is likely to be anonymous should be sufficient for that reason. So use a trusted intermediary, or discretely deliver an anonymous negotiable item like a money order or a casino chip from a nearby gambling hall. That would enable them to walk up to a bank teller or casino cage and get the cash.
If you need to guarantee an anonymous transaction, i.e., because being discovered could result in trouble for you or the recipient, use crypto with perfect security hygiene. It's very good for that.
If you need to guarantee an anonymous transaction, i.e., because being discovered could result in trouble for you or the recipient, use crypto with perfect security hygiene. It's very good for that.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Meh.oxothuk wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:37 pmYou still need to send it via some service that provides tracking, so that you can get the money order refunded if it gets lost; otherwise you won't know if it got lost.Nummerkins wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:08 pm Just buy a USPS money order. Or any other brand money order. They are like cash.
I’ve mailed anonymous money orders a few times.
Tracking them just wasn’t worth the hassle, given the low odds of one getting lost.
Please no tales about postal deliveries gone wrong. Of course it happens, it’s just low probability.
One thing that humbles me deeply is to see that human genius has its limits while human stupidity does not. - Alexandre Dumas, fils
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
A bank tellers check is really the right answer. Even if you think they ratted you out, I think you should still choose it the next 10 times. Cash will work. You could give through an intermediary if you know somebody who really really really won’t tell. As for cash in the mailbox, if they don’t get it, you’ll never know, so as far as you know, it’ll be great.
This time is the same
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Several times a year I send a $100 cashiers check to a friend who is in hard times. I print out the address on my printer and glue it to the envelope. I put a return address of the tennis club that she goes to in the return address in case it gets returned by the post office for some reason. She has no idea who sends the money and that's the way I want it.
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
This ...Nummerkins wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:08 pm Just buy a USPS money order. Or any other brand money order. They are like cash.
It is worth noting that Money Orders aren't as regarded as a check like a cashiers check. Some banks (online banks) won't accept money orders for deposit, but they don't take cash either, a USPS money order can be bought and cashed at post office.
"To achieve satisfactory investment results is easier than most people realize; to achieve superior results is harder than it looks." - Benjamin Graham
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
I saw this the other day but- I can't catch the reference...?Doom&Gloom wrote: ↑Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:02 pmMichael AnthonyCharlatanPrime wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 12:28 pm You could do it through a 3rd person you trusted, or maybe through a close-lipped clergyman/woman.
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
If church members sit in the same place every week (as many folks in our church do), you could sneak into the sanctuary early one morning and leave an envelope with the recipients name on it where they normally sit.
Even if the recipient doesn’t happen to sit exactly there, I trust that your honest church members would get it to the recipient.
Even if the recipient doesn’t happen to sit exactly there, I trust that your honest church members would get it to the recipient.
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Thank you for the link. I read it right through.GreendaleCC wrote: ↑Sat Apr 01, 2023 5:11 pmOP already explained why he wants to give anonymously:AnnetteLouisan wrote: ↑Sat Apr 01, 2023 1:02 pm Why is it so important that it be anonymous? So they don’t ask for more? Because they are doing something wrong? Could this association harm you in some way?
The truth is $500 will not save them and is not worth this stress. Also they may not spend it the way you wish.
It appears DW has done this before. This may be some kind of issue with DW. Guilt, attention seeking, being lonely? Bored? I know it’s well meaning but it might not be healthy.
If it’s for a neglected child maybe there is another way to help.It sounds like he wants to make a gift for the sake of giving while evading any attention around his generosity.I tend to agree with this: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Edit: Is Anonymous Philanthropy Really the Most Virtuous?
Direct donation avoids those 'fundraising losses' (still vague about proper term) that occur when registered charities get involved. Resulting in 5-10% actually going to recipient.
Although some might convince ME that absolute anonymity might not be necessary, DW is not moved!
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Personally I would not advocate opening someone else's car without permission or leaving an envelope of cash in full view on a windshield. There may also be doorbell/security cameras in the area which would expose the deed.Stinky wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 4:07 pm (3) Have a “bathroom emergency” during the church service one Sunday. Sneak out to the parking lot, envelope in hand. If the giftee left the car unlocked, leave the envelope in the drivers seat. If the car is locked, tape the envelope to the windshield (assuming that you’re in a low crime area). Rejoin the service.
"...the man who adapts himself to his slender means and makes himself wealthy on a little sum, is the truly rich man..." ~Seneca
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Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
He is the character who anonymously delivered $1,000,000 to lucky recipients in an old TV series. Always successfully! And always a cashier's check IIRC.ekid wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:01 pmI saw this the other day but- I can't catch the reference...?Doom&Gloom wrote: ↑Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:02 pmMichael AnthonyCharlatanPrime wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 12:28 pm You could do it through a 3rd person you trusted, or maybe through a close-lipped clergyman/woman.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047758/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3
Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Tennis club and hard times? Weird.mfswatz9 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 02, 2023 11:12 pm Several times a year I send a $100 cashiers check to a friend who is in hard times. I print out the address on my printer and glue it to the envelope. I put a return address of the tennis club that she goes to in the return address in case it gets returned by the post office for some reason. She has no idea who sends the money and that's the way I want it.