A co-worker and his family recently purchased their first home in a new community of new construction, every neighbor is new to everyone else. So far it appears like young families are purchasing meaning new playmates for my co-workers children. Very cool.
I decided to send him a house-warming gift, so I got his address and ordered something from Amazon (of course). When I entered the delivery address, however, Amazon blipped and asked Are you sure that’s the address? Even Google Maps didn’t recognize the address either, and kindly suggested the address of a home a few doors away. Amazon trusts their customers – though I did add some comments – and the gift was delivered.
The United States Postal Service is the authority of what is a valid address, and their determination is final: my co-worker’s address does not exist. The address database is updated monthly, but couldn’t determine what event triggers new addresses to be added.
Not everyone, however, was as accommodating as Amazon. He was unable to update some existing accounts – e.g., credit card – as an unvalidated address is considered fradulent; I didn’t ask, but wonder if he could even forward mail.
Fortunately, the address database has been updated and his address now shows on Google Maps.
