In the digital age, the thrill of the unknown has taken a new form with the 'mystery box' trend.

These boxes, which contain several unknown items, have been luring many Aussies online.

However, a concerning variation of this trend has raised alarms about privacy and safety.

The 'mystery box' phenomenon often involves individuals purchasing boxes filled with 'unclaimed' parcels that did not reach their intended recipients.

These packages, still sealed and complete with labels, are being opened for entertainment and curiosity's sake.

First seen as a trend in the United States, Australian content creators immediately jumped on the bandwagon as they opened these parcels on video.

Some of the parcels still contain other people's personal information. Image Credit: TikTok/The Buxtons Wotsup

Several items, including charging stations, shoes, motorbike parts and even garden hoses, have been featured in these videos.

Each mystery box costs from $50 for a small collection and up to $150 for larger assortments.

Some of these parcels bear the Australia Post label, which prompted the national postal service to voice serious concerns.

'Australia Post has significant concerns about the inclusion of addressed packaging within these boxes and confirms we have no connection or affiliation with the mystery box scheme,' an AusPost spokesperson stated.

'We encourage anyone receiving envelopes or mailer boxes with address or personal details included to dispose of them immediately and securely.'

'Australia Post urges social media creators to take care when making videos of this nature to avoid revealing customer address details,' the spokesperson concluded.

Here's an unboxing video of one mystery box:

Source: @the_buxtons_wotsup/TikTok​

Australia Post handles approximately 2.5 billion items annually.

Inevitably, some of these mail get lost or tagged as undeliverable.

Parcels that could not reach their destination due to incorrect addresses or missing labels are immediately sent to the Mail Redistribution Centre.

These undelivered parcels are then opened, catalogued, and auctioned for charity if unclaimed within two months.

Theodore Bruce, one of AusPost's approved auction houses, reportedly sold a variety of unclaimed designer and luxury goods.

These items included Louis Vuitton handbags, high-end electronics, fashionable sneakers, kitchen appliances, and designer accessories.

Unlike the mystery boxes circulating online, Australia Post assured that any items auctioned do not contain identifying markings or labels.

The rise of this' mystery box' trend should be a reminder of the importance of privacy in the digital era.

It's crucial to be aware of where our personal information might end up and the potential risks associated with such trends.

Key Takeaways

• The 'mystery box' trend, featuring unclaimed mail, has sparked privacy and safety concerns in Australia.
• Australia Post expressed their grave concern about the sale of these boxes and the personal information still visible on the labels.
• Lost or undeliverable mail is often auctioned for charity by approved auction houses after two months.
• Unlike the mystery boxes on social media, Australia Post ensured that items sold at auction do not have identifying marks or labels.

What are your thoughts on the 'mystery box' craze? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.

 

[Parrot]

Not interested you never know what’s in them.. Australia Post have expressed their concern
We should take their concerns seriously.

 

[HelenB55]

If the parcels have a legitimate address to where it’s going to as well as a Senders address then I don’t see why certain parcels are not being delivered.
I worked for a small business for 20 years & we sent parcels both overseas as well as all over Australia. Every parcel had our business name & address on them, yet so many of our customers did not receive their parcel.
Why is this happening?
Are Couriers keeping the items for these Mystery Boxes or what? Or keeping the items themselves?
It really makes you wonder……

 

[riskydave]

Be big business in Australia with the amount of "lost" parcels by Australia Post.

 

[phantomrose102]

I bought a “AMAZON” mystery box as did thousands of others. $100.00 and when it arrived, we all got the same! A cheap pair of iPods and a charging cable? Valued at about $15. It was not AMAZON actually but was advertised as such. Luckily I only lost $100.

 

[kerrikennel]

If the parcels have a legitimate address to where it’s going to as well as a Senders address then I don’t see why certain parcels are not being delivered.
I worked for a small business for 20 years & we sent parcels both overseas as well as all over Australia. Every parcel had our business name & address on them, yet so many of our customers did not receive their parcel.
Why is this happening?
Are Couriers keeping the items for these Mystery Boxes or what? Or keeping the items themselves?
It really makes you wonder……

I was wondering if these are sometimes stolen parcels from doorsteps???

 

[Towing]

If they have a sender's address on them they should be returned. I believe that may not happen if the item is sent from overseas. If they have anybody's name and address on them that is a breach of the privacy act
Another one is you pay for re-direction and they still deliver parcels. Somebody saw the Australia Post Van.

 

[cblayney]

If Aust post aren't involved it is a worry.
Makes me wonder if the boxes are filled with stolen packages or just not delivered.
I sent a package to a retirement village but it wasn't delivered. I eventually tracked it down to the local post office where it had sat after the delivery driver said the address did not exist. .. just couldn't be bothered going into the village. The PO didn't try to inform me or check the address.
Boxes are probably filled with these type of packages

 

[Miss Chris]

Must admit it’s tempting….but I’d hate to think that one of my lost parcels was sold in a job lot to someone, particularly if my name and address was still on it….