I'm darkweb esq -- an attorney by day, and a legal advisor to vendors by night. I typically only stick to the vendor side of things (legal issues, opsec, etc) but I'm breaking from my usual routine to address a pet peeve of mine... the FUD surrounding fake names. Opinions range from "never, ever use a fake name" to "a fake name is perfectly fine."
My argument is that using a fake name is, more often than not, acceptable except in a few circumstances. I know this opinion is probably going to be controversial but I have reasons for coming to this conclusion, which are outlined in this post.
That being said, vendors certainly have the right to insist that you use your real name. After all, vendors are putting far more on the line than you are as a customer, so they have the right to set their own terms. If a vendor wants you to use your real name, I think you should go along with their wishes. If you don't like a vendor's terms, find another vendor.
Common myths about the USPS
The biggest myth I see propagated on Reddit and elsewhere is that the USPS has some kind of database that details who lives where, and that using a fake name will set off a "red flag."
No -- the USPS maintains no such database. They have no idea who lives where, nor do they care. The only exception is, perhaps, if there is an active change of address on file.
Another myth is that your mail carrier may be "tipped off" by a fake name because they know who lives at the residence. First of all, if the mail carrier knows that John Doe lives at 123 Main Street but there's a piece of mail addressed to Frank Walker at 123 Main Street, they aren't going to jump to the conclusion that this package is full of drugs and they need to call the DEA. That's just dark web paranoia. They probably don't care that much; and even if they did, they are required to deliver it anyway. The policy can be summed up as, "When in doubt, deliver."
One thing which isn't a myth: never check your tracking number using Tor or your home computer. If you must do it, use public WiFi. The USPS is aware of Tor.
So what's the USPS regulation on names anyway?
You may be surprised to learn that, in most cases, a name isn't even necessary for a package to be deliverable. Of course, 90% of vendors will not ship without a name, since it's in everyone's best interests for the package to blend in with all the other mail being delivered that day. The vast majority of mail is sent with a name, so your package should be sent with a name too. But does it need to be your real name?
The answer is no. See the section below for what will happen if your package is held. However, for those interested, I can tell you that a fake name has no impact on deliverability -- if your package gets held, it's for reasons other than your fake name. The USPS policy is to deliver if at all possible. Whether it says your real name or fake name or "Current Resident", they don't care.
What if my package gets held at the Post Office?
The main reason that a package might be held at the Post Office is that it won't fit in your mailbox. They'll usually attempt delivery several times. Your postal carrier should leave a little card with which you can authorize them to simply leave the package at your door. This is called "Notice Left" mail. This card won't be available for packages that require a signature, but dark web packages shouldn't require a signature in the first place.
If you want to pick it up at the post office, you typically need to show ID -- which you wouldn't have if you used a fake name.
If you absolutely cannot find a way to pick up held mail from the post office, it will be returned to the sender. Usually, the sender address doesn't exist or if it does, it's some random place. This may result in the drugs being discovered. While this is certainly nerve-wracking for you and for the vendor, the reality is that a vendor's opsec should protect against harm coming to them. After all, if you are a vendor and LE orders one of your packs, they will have your fake return address anyway. If this could compromise you, then your opsec sucks and it's only a matter of time before you get busted. From the buyer's perspective, you used a fake name so you have excellent plausible deniability. As far as law enforcement is concerned, someone could have been using your address as a drop.
It's entirely possible that due to human error, a Notice Left card is not left. I would say, though, in the vast majority of cases it will be. In case you do get a Notice Left card, simply allow them to leave it at your doorstep.
What implications does this have for a controlled delivery?
The above section probably led you to this logical conclusion: if the package is big enough to fit in your mailbox but your delivery person wants to see you at the door, then it's going to be a controlled delivery 9/10 times. Don't accept it.
Which types of mail require a signature?
The following types of mail do not require a signature: Regular mail, Priority Mail
The following types of mail do require a signature: Certified Mail, Registered Mail (this requires ID as well), Priority Mail Express, and anything with insurance on it
Obviously, vendors should never use a type of mail that requires a signature. If anything that requires a signature does not fit in your box, the only recourse is to pick it up in-person at the Post Office. They will not leave a Notice Left card.
When should I definitely not use a fake name?
If you have a cluster mailbox, do not use a fake name. Typically, these are found in apartment or condo complexes. They look something like this: http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-14044557065217/12-door-cbu-mailboxes-7.jpg. That's a free-standing one, but they might also be inset into a wall.
A cluster mailbox usually contains a piece of paper or a card that lists who can receive mail at this address. Some carriers may still deliver the letter even if the name doesn't match up, since most of them don't care enough to check. (Bear in mind, postal carriers have long and boring routes, and lots of mail to deliver. They're not going to analyze every letter and package as if it contains drugs. They just want to stuff it in the mailbox and move on.) However, you don't want to risk it in this circumstance.
What about using the name of a previous resident?
This is inadvisable because (1) if your package is intercepted for whatever reason, you will bring the heat down on a completely innocent person and (2) if they file a change of address, your package will end up being sent to them. It's not worth the risk.
If you don't want to use your real name, just use a fake name. Don't rope the previous resident into this.
What about using a vacant address?
Don't do this either. If the address is known to be vacant, USPS will not deliver. It would probably end up being delivered in many cases, but you shouldn't rely on this. It's a crap shoot.
My conclusion
My conclusion is that a fake name is generally okay to use. If the package gets held because it's too big to fit in your mailbox, you have a way to let the post office drop it off at your door. The cons to a fake name are low, but the benefits are high.
I would like to reiterate that if a vendor requires you to use your real name, follow your vendor's wishes. They have far more to risk than you do. Sure, buying drugs comes with a penalty but selling drugs is a whole different ballpark. They've taken this huge risk to provide you with a service, so respect that.
Says the internet lawyer. I'll keep using my real name.