Receiving unexpected mail can be confusing—especially when it comes from a cryptic address like PO Box 1170 Cardiff CF11 1AH. You’re not the only one curious. This postal code has raised questions across the UK, as many individuals wonder whether it’s linked to official agencies, financial institutions, or something more serious.
Whether you’ve received a letter from this Cardiff-based PO Box or are simply searching its origin online, this guide will give you the clear, fact-based answers you’re looking for. We’ll break down who uses this address, the types of messages typically sent, and how you should respond.
Let’s decode the mystery behind PO Box 1170 Cardiff CF11 1AH.
Who Uses THIS?
Often Linked to Government and Financial Institutions

PO Box 1170 Cardiff CF11 1AH is commonly associated with official communications, particularly from government departments such as:
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HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
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TV Licensing
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Certain financial service providers and debt recovery firms
This address is a centralized mailing hub used for security, efficiency, and anonymity. Organizations use PO Boxes to process high volumes of correspondence securely—especially when dealing with tax-related issues, benefits, or enforcement notices.
Why Did You Receive a Letter From mail box
Common Types of Correspondence From This Address

Mail originating from PO Box 1170 Cardiff CF11 1AH may include:
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Tax code notifications or tax rebate letters from HMRC
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Benefit eligibility updates
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Overdue television license reminders
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Debt recovery communications for unpaid fines or overpayments
Each letter typically includes your full name, national insurance number, or a taxpayer reference, which confirms its legitimacy. If you’ve recently interacted with a public service or filed tax information, this letter could be a routine follow-up.
In most cases, these letters are not spam or scams—they’re official notices requiring your attention.
How to Confirm If the Letter Is Legitimate
Don’t Panic—Do This Instead
If you’re uncertain about the authenticity of the letter, follow these steps:
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Check the sender name and reference number. Official departments like HMRC will always include a unique ID.
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Look for your national insurance number or date of birth as a verification cue.
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Avoid calling any number in the letter unless you verify it from the official GOV.UK or agency site.
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Search the return address (like you’re doing now) to understand its background.
Most importantly, never provide personal information or make payments until you’ve verified the request through an official channel.
Is it Connected to Scams?
Understanding Risk and Authenticity
While the address itself is legitimate, scammers have occasionally spoofed official-looking letters using similar formatting and return addresses. Here’s how to tell the difference:
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Official letters use correct formatting, fonts, and legal disclaimers
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Scam letters often contain typos, suspicious links, or pressure tactics
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If you’re ever unsure, call the official agency directly using contact info from GOV.UK
Being cautious is wise—but in most cases, if your name and personal ID are included correctly, it’s a real communication from a UK government agency or partner organisation.
What You Should Do Next
Take Action—Don’t Ignore It
If the letter requires action, here’s what to do:
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Follow the instructions carefully
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If it’s a tax or benefit issue, log into your GOV.UK account for more details
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For debt-related queries, contact the agency listed, but only using trusted numbers
Ignoring these letters could result in missed deadlines, penalties, or delays in payments. That’s why it’s important to act, even if the envelope seemed generic or unexpected.
Receiving a letter from PO Box 1170 Cardiff CF11 1AH might be unsettling at first, but the reality is often far less alarming than it seems. In most cases, this address is tied to legitimate correspondence from trusted UK government bodies or official financial services.
If you’ve received a letter, don’t ignore it—investigate it. Verifying details like your national insurance number, reference codes, and comparing contact information with official government sites will help you distinguish a valid notice from a potential scam.
When it comes to official mail, being informed is the best protection. Take a moment to verify—then take the right action.
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Conclusion:
Letters from PO Box 1170 Cardiff CF11 1AH may arrive without much explanation, but they’re rarely random. Often sent by financial institutions, legal services, or government agencies, these letters can contain urgent or impactful information that requires your attention. While the unfamiliar PO Box might raise concerns, ignoring it could mean missing out on critical updates or facing unintended consequences. Open the envelope, verify the sender, and respond appropriately—because knowing the truth is always better than guessing.

