Random money in my letterbox

LDsquall on 15/09/2015 - 22:05
Last edited 17/09/2015 - 14:15

Hi guys,

So I've been getting these random token amounts of money in my letterbox every month or so for the last few years ever since I've moved in to my property. The amounts vary from 2 dollars to 20 dollars and there is no letter or anything else placed in my mailbox.

Personally I don't mind this too much but it's creeping out my significant other. Anyone else had any similar experience or might know what this money is for?

-Dsquall

Update: Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions! My significant other and I have decided to pool together 200 dollars and donate it to a charity (thinking MSF atm) as well as keep any further money for donation purposes. We'll keep the receipts just in case the person ever makes himself known.

Financial

Comments

  • Blinkenlights on 16/09/2015 - 17:46
    +3

    Put your name on the letterbox. The money is intended for the previous resident - when they see the new name the giver will stop.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 16/09/2015 - 22:38
      +2

      the giver will stop

      ¬_¬

      • Scorpiogirl on 17/09/2015 - 05:56
        +1

        Enough! Omg. Too funny. Back to the real issue.. what was it again? Free money?

        • Dsquall on 17/09/2015 - 14:02

          Essentially, biggest issue in my life, free money.

  • wkd on 16/09/2015 - 18:11

    find out who lived there before

  • SpaceNinja on 16/09/2015 - 18:36
    +4

    Must be that Nigerian prince who keeps on spamming me.
    On a similar note watch out for some Viagra samples too.

  • dealman on 16/09/2015 - 19:27

    Take it chill and pass it forward,

    Would be a fun game..

  • outlander on 16/09/2015 - 19:44
    +1

    Uh, I wish malcolm in the middle had more clips on youtube..

    Maybe someone has confused your mailbox with an atm?

  • leximus on 16/09/2015 - 20:28

    Do you know how much has been 'deposited' in total?

    • Dsquall on 16/09/2015 - 20:30

      Probably around 200 dollars over the last few years.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2015 - 21:28
    +3

    Okay I love mysteries. Ones that eventually get solved though.

    Please keep us updated and try to find out who/what is behind it. Quite fascinated/intrigued now.

    Is there a pattern at all in regards to the day/s you get the 'donations'? Certain days of the week? Could you or someone you trust stake out the mailbox on those days if there is indeed a day in particular those donations are made?

    Camera is an obviously good idea if you could do it.

    Another subtle idea could be to put a sticker on your mailbox simply saying "To my donor / to the person who donates to me: please call me on (write your phone number) or please leave your number in my mailbox" without giving any details re: the donations… then you could filter out any people claiming to be the "donor" but who can't answer any questions about what the donations are. Only the real donor could say what is being donated.

    Other than that I don't know…

    You might just have trouble if they specifically want to remain anonymous.. which would be odd. Though I guess even if it was some elderly / non elderly person trying to help someone out who previously lived there.. you'd think that after a few years of you living there and giving money, they'd at some stage include a little note asking "how are you?" or simply something like "hope you're well"… anything showing some human interaction. Then again, we're all different.. so who knows.. they might just be incredibly humble or non social but very very kind/altruistic.

    • Dsquall on 16/09/2015 - 21:55

      There isn't any pattern in the timing (could be a couple of weeks, could be a month or two) and the amounts are also quite random, sometimes a gold coin, sometimes a note (usually a 5 dollar or 10 dollar bill, max 20 dollars).

      Makes it very hard to observe, even with a video camera.

      I'd like to think they're doing it because they're trying to be altruistic but a part of me is scared they're not and are just slightly creepy, so I'm not sure whether or not I want to take that gamble.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2015 - 22:03

        I don't really see what's objectively creepy about it, tbh. I can understand why it could seem creepy though - I think we as humans might tend to be weirded out or be slightly frightened of things we don't understand.. but thinking of all the realistic possibilities, I don't think it's likely to be anything malicious or too bizarre. If anything it could be concerning for the person donating/giving away their money.

        But who knows. Fascinating nevertheless! :) I reaaaaally wanna know who and why lol >_<

  • gccmelb on 16/09/2015 - 21:30

    You sometimes hear about people giving away money randomly.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2015 - 22:10
    +2

    Do your neighbours receive any money?
    Perhaps it's everyone in your block.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 02:17

      This is what I was thinking too. Ask a few neighbours that you know.
      Maybe report/discuss it with local police, so they can advise other neighbours if they too enquire.

      Simiar to what others have said, my guess is it's someone poor and local who did you some wrong and feels guilty, maybe stole/broke something from your property.

      Anyway ask your partner if this would help. Donate every penny to a needy charity. Hopefully make the whole thing feel better.

      I don't really agree with Waterlogged turnip in this instance. I genuinely think it's warped to do this for a long period without considering the other parties point of view.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 08:29

        My friend throws 5 cent pieces on the ground "for homeless people" or to brighten someone's day for finding money.
        But to do it for years in someone's mailbox. That is weird.

        But who would have entered your property and broken something without them realising?

        PS - I would DIE if it was someone on this forum. Everyone says 'wow it's a small world' when they meet someone who knows someone but then that disappears when it comes to forums it seems.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/09/2015 - 08:33

          and broken something without them realising?

          I was thinking they did realise it, maybe like a kid smashing into their front fence in a stolen car while drunk. So was paying back respectfully from pocket money, for possible example.

          'wow it's a small world'

          I guess anonimity is the default for most on the net. I had my families full 700 year genealogy online at first, but took it down cause longterm tracking collection is a worry.

          Anyway thanks for reply. 5c idea is really nice.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/09/2015 - 11:35

          @OBiwon:

          Sorry my wording was inaccurate. I meant how could someone damage something of yours without you realising (for years)?
          How often are your things damaged?

        • [Deactivated] on 21/09/2015 - 06:09

          @Lemonade:
          It was just my trying to come up with a plausible/possible explanation, about the letterbox deposits. You sure up early, 6am hunting bargains.
          Good hunting.

  • TurkishDelight on 16/09/2015 - 22:59

    Maybe someone who is your well-wisher?? or a fan?
    Are you an artist?
    No matter what the reason is but you need to put a camera somewhere around (which is not accessible or visible to anyone else). The best thing to do is buy a cheap go pro from office works and put it on a loop mode. Check the post box often and once the payment is received find out who it is…do u know him/her?
    Someone trying to apologize for the mistake/damage happened to you/ your relative/ your things like a car, house,etc. If none of this then wait for the person next time and ask off… (you might stop receiving the money after that but hey at least the mystery is solved).

    And if something turns out fishy, ring 000.

    TD

  • TurkishDelight on 16/09/2015 - 23:02

    Or my guess is some kids are using you post box as a drug-dealing hub? and leaving a tip to shut your mouth?- Yea too much movies.

    -Netflix and chill,
    TD.

  • momov3 on 16/09/2015 - 23:09
    +2

    Are you poor? Maybe they pity you. It sounds creepy. If this happened to me, it would seem like someone is stalking me. How do you not know they are watching with binoculars your movements as you open the box and remove the money etc… maybe it's like a sideshow for them.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2015 - 23:33

      Now they have cameras installed everywhere watching Op even at work! Maybe that's that guy last month or even those guys that also last year…

  • wtfnodeal on 16/09/2015 - 23:30

    Instal a cam? Havent you watched paranormal activity?

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 02:31

    Someone with underground phoneline tap, cable, power. Do you have open wifi?
    Strata surplus rebate you didn't know about.
    All unlikely, but giving away money needs a reason I think.

  • endotherm on 17/09/2015 - 03:20
    +2

    Are you a kind person that helps the local little-old-lady with her groceries or hold the gate open for your neighbours, etc? It may be a local person grateful for the help and wants to reward you or acknowledge your interactions.

    Could be the local kids are mistaking it for a coin slot in an amusement machine. Perhaps there is a peep-show happening in your bathroom window and the random amounts reflect the intensity of the show you are inadvertently putting on?

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 04:16
    -6

    in my letterbox every month or so for the last few years

    And in all that time no one has been home to observe this phenomenon? This is horse shit. Where are the mods to trash these rubbish topics?

    for the last 3 months, a cute redhead has come to my door at 11:00am on Saturday to pleasure me. 'Personally I don't mind this too much but it's creeping out my neighbours who have to watch us screwing on the lawn'. DO you think I've contracted the clap?

    • Dsquall on 17/09/2015 - 14:09

      Lol, I haven't really got a kick/benefit out of this money, nor do I think it is quite up there in terms of tall tales, "hey guys, I randomly get 2-20 dollars deposited in my mailbox every now and then" isn't really a topic that I find anyone will be amazed by.

      I was just gauging if anyone else had a similar experience because I really wanna know why this is happening.

  • RefusdClassification on 17/09/2015 - 04:16

    Just be happy and accept the money as a gift from God. Divine welfare, and oh boy, Australian do love their handouts. I certainly wouldn't complain if I got something for nothing.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 17/09/2015 - 10:32
      +4

      Just be happy and accept the money as a gift from God.

      If I knew your address, I'd mail you some spaghetti.

  • winterseed on 17/09/2015 - 06:17

    It's probably a friend of the previous tenant who was helping them out with a bit of spare cash and doesn't know they moved.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 07:36
    +1

    Maybe someone has failing eyesight.
    http://www.anorak.co.uk/289837/strange-but-true/man-posts-le…

    • enforcer on 18/09/2015 - 11:32

      Maybe OP's name real is "BANK DEPOSIT" in big letters.

  • c64 on 17/09/2015 - 08:04

    damn drunk leprachauns! leaving coins all over the place after a late night out …

  • jonas on 17/09/2015 - 08:37
    +4

    Congratulations, you've discovered the secret to time travel and you're putting that money into your own mailbox for all the components that you can buy on oz bargain that day. Now you just need to look up the deals for the same price as what you received and start building. :p

  • WaywardOne on 17/09/2015 - 08:48
    +4

    I reckon it's a pensioner neighbour who thinks you are struggling. They have time, small amounts of cash, and misguided empathy. The logic could be:
    "If I was a young battler, and a stranger gave me a few coins to buy a loaf of bread or a carton of milk that would really make my day"

    TL;DR: Someone with more dollars than sense/cents and a big heart full of misguided sympathy

    • Dsquall on 17/09/2015 - 14:12
      +2

      I really do hope so, perhaps I'll just assume this until proven otherwise cause it makes me think the world's a nicer place.

  • moza on 17/09/2015 - 08:53
    +2

    Could there be a small "money tree" growing in the soil at the back of the mailbox?

    When I was young, our grandparents had money trees in their backyard with our names on them, and when we'd visit, we would run outside and harvest the 20c coin out from our money trees. So yea, I'm now convinced that trees can grow money :)

  • ramb9 on 17/09/2015 - 09:31

    Have you watched "The Gift"??

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3IiZU9JBuE

  • Hirolol on 17/09/2015 - 09:49

    Not sure if it has been suggested but if you have a car and its close by you could put a camera in there and aim it towards the mailbox.

  • Baebs on 17/09/2015 - 10:19
    +1

    Maybe you should ask your parents about this.
    They probably became aware of your Ozbargain activities and secretly decided you were in need of some pocket money.

    +some of these conspiracies are just ≥3≤

  • spychiatrist on 17/09/2015 - 11:49

    Must be (Secret) Santa who gave you a sucky gift a long time ago and trying to make up for it

  • darwin123 on 17/09/2015 - 13:26
    +1

    Whoever that money is from, there is no free lunch in this world…. =p

    • Dsquall on 17/09/2015 - 14:04

      That's what I'm worried about lol

  • Pornboy69er on 17/09/2015 - 17:39
    -3

    must be the pesky halal tax

  • adam149 on 17/09/2015 - 21:08

    Seriously, ozb is becoming like those Womens day magazines. Anyone who believes the OP is a gullible fool. The OP likes the attention he is getting and people are intrigued by the thought. This happens on reddit quite a lot. Some of these stories even make the news from time to time but in the end they are just lonely trolls.

  • GameChanger on 17/09/2015 - 22:34

    It's drug money.

    Someone had a debt and are trying to pay it back.

  • POWER1 on 17/09/2015 - 23:38
    +1

    Well I think you are in a difficult position. We human don't like anything that is unknown to us and this is the reason members keep using the word "weird." Honestally must of us do not want to be in your situation (maybe a few of OzBargainers). You may see this as a blessing or as a curse. We here at OzBargain hope it is a blessing and nothing but good keeps out of this.

  • ganymede on 18/09/2015 - 00:38

    Any chance you house is situated on an old pet cemetery? The person putting money in your mail box probably did it to appease the animal spirits.

    Just kidding!

  • Zonty on 18/09/2015 - 00:55

    Lucky ato not find it, will make u pay tax. I can give may address if want forward lol.

  • Mumbles on 18/09/2015 - 06:12

    It may be a mentally handicapped person or a senile elderly person. It would be sad if it was their lunch money. Leaving a note would be of no use in such a case.

  • DrStinge on 18/09/2015 - 07:14
    +1

    Maybe someone is just paying it forward. I think the charity thing is a good idea.

  • lethalmoney on 18/09/2015 - 08:56

    It's definitely not drug debt. Noone makes drug repayments like that on tick.
    I'm going to suggest its someone with an intellectual disability who is giving away their own small amount of spending money. You'll probably find there is a yooralla house nearby.

    I'd definitely try and work out who is doing this. If it is someone with an ID, you could take your time to teach them about money as a repayment.
    My wife worked at multiple yooralla houses and quite a few clients had no concept of money.

  • T1OOO on 18/09/2015 - 10:55
    -2

    It's ur strata refund Money we don't spend and give back. Sheesh. Sif u couldn't work that one out!

    • [Deactivated] on 21/09/2015 - 06:16

      I negged cause I think you're making it up. Sorry if you do know the OP's strata situation.

  • pongie on 18/09/2015 - 14:42

    There a hole above your mailbox where loose change from above funnel down to.

  • moraldk on 18/09/2015 - 18:48
    +1

    I dealt with people who held respect above else. Do you know haw many bags of rice I could buy for six hundred dollars…Well I did not spend it all on grains. I purchased some chookhs, No pellets, but enough eggs to share. Never underestimate a good deed it is a seed indeed..

  • chumlee on 21/09/2015 - 07:02
    +1

    Maybe it's counterfeit. People who produce counterfeit money need to filter it into the public domain to throw police of the sent so they cannot accurately pinpoint their location. They do this buy dropping money on the ground in loads of locations and/or putting money in letter boxes hoping these "Lucky" people will spend the money and police will have reports of counterfeit money all over the state.

  • gooddealmate on 25/09/2015 - 21:03

    Have you noticed your stash of Woolworths Coke Cans or Toilet Rolls in the shed diminishing rather quickly of late?

  • djones145 on 28/09/2015 - 18:59

    Maybe it's gearbest refund on item that hasn't been received for 3 months

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/211479

  • [Deactivated] on 23/11/2015 - 00:34

    How did you go?

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