<prompt> Human: Ring at the door this afternoon and its my postal carrier with the mail and some packages. One of them was a t-shirt I ordered from a large national clothing retailer. Before handing me the package the postal carrier says something about how this carrier has been stuffing packages in peoples mailboxes instead of the doorstep. As a result, I had to give him 3.78 to hand over the package or he would have to send it back. In support of this he pointed to the number 3.78 scrawled on the label in pencil.This seemed a little shady to me, but the amount was small so I gave him a few bills, rather than have to deal with the hassle of having it send back. While it was only a couple bucks the more I thought about it the less it made sense.1. Since the mailbox is my property why doesnt the shipper have the authority to leave something in it? Its not like the Postal Service currently brings the mail from the mailbox to my front door?2. What is the basis for the 3.78? Is this a published finetariff? Should I have asked for a receipt or paid by check so theres at least a paper trail? 3. When they have packages, the mail carrier typically brings them straight from the truck along with any letters and rings my doorbell? Why would he have even looked in my mailbox? How do I know he didnt just pick it up in the driveway?4. If is was sent by third party carrier, what jurisdiction does the USPS have to arbitrarily send it back thru the postal system? Now Ive known my mailman for almost 10yrs and havent known him do anything dishonest before but there just seems like a lot that doesnt add up here.Im thinking of going to the POst Office tomorrow, not to complain but to better understand what just happened. TL:DR: Postal carrier shook me down for 3.78 in cash for a package that he claims was inappropriately left in my mailbox, otherwise he would send it back. Did I just get scammed?Edit: thanks everyone for the tips. Will confirm today but this sounds like a real thing. But on the other hand its a pain and doesnt appear to be thoughtfully implemented.  <response>: Was it sent USPS or UPS? If it was sent USPS and was in the mailbox I dont see the issue at all. If it were UPS putting it in the mailbox I think thats illegal.. and any fine would have to be taken up by UPS not you. I think its weird.. The only time Ive ever heard of having to pay to get your package is if the sender underpayed by weight or dimensions for the package and you have to pay whatever is left over to meet correct shipping charges, which again wouldnt happen on your doorstep as far as I know.. 