Question:
Sometimes institutions or utilities include a return envelope that says "return postage guaranteed" or "prepaid." Usually, this is intended to mail them the payment that is due.
If there is no need or intention to use this return envelope to mail a letter, is it permitted to cross out the printed address it was originally intended for (such as a utility) and write in someone else's address, then mail it to them as is without pasting a stamp, since the postage is already paid or will be paid?
Answer:
Hello,
The term 'return postage guaranteed' does not mean it has already been paid, but rather that if you send the letter back, they guarantee to pay for it. You can't use such a letter to charge the institution for your mail. If it says the letter is prepaid, that indicates it has been paid for, making it like receiving a cheap gift. It seems unlikely that someone could simply cross out their name and use the letter to send it to a different address, but if that is indeed possible, you may do so. The reason is that they sent it knowing it was paid for and might not be mailed back. However, as mentioned, this scenario doesn’t seem very realistic.
Best wishes
