Twelve Ways to Prevent Package Theft, and What to Do if it Happens!

Millions of online shoppers never experience theft of their packages while they are away, but recent tallies of online theft reveals that one-third of online shoppers have had at least one package stolen. According to an online survey, 31% of the 1000 American respondents reported they had a parcel stolen in 2017. It’s a bitter experience, and, although it doesn’t stop the committed online shopper from ordering again, people search for ways to make the process safer.

Shoppers like having packages left at their home—it’s vastly preferable to trekking to a faraway depot that’s always busy.

Given the fact that package theft exists in such large numbers, here are things you can do to make delivery safer:

Precautions that won’t cost you money:

Make sure someone is home

The best way to prevent mail theft is to only receive packages in person. You can do this by informing your postal service company that you require a signature for delivery. This is ‘hand to hand’ delivery, with a very small margin of error.

Have it sent to someone who is always present

If you are regularly away from home, you could have your parcel delivered to an address where somebody is always present, like a stay-at-home relative or a neighbor. Or, if it’s okay with your employer and your package is small, you can designate your workplace as the shipping address. This is a common practice—35% of the respondents in the survey said they’ve sent packages to a different address.

Have a secure area where packages cannot be easily seen

Another effective deterrent is having a secure area at your home where packages can be delivered. Some shoppers ask to have parcels delivered to a back door, a deck or porch, or possibly a side door of a garage—wherever it’s not visible to the public. You can also request that parcels be sent in discrete packaging, without brand names and descriptive text on them—announcing that a parcel is valuable is an added enticement to thieves.

Pick up your parcel in person

You can have your package delivered to your local UPS or Post Office center and pick it up there—a sure-fire way to cut out the would-be thief!.

Ask for a tracking number

Many major shipping companies and post offices offer services that will ensure you are home when the package is being delivered. Some tracking numbers are frequently printed on your email or product receipt. If not, you can ask for this when you order. This number allows you to track your parcels online and make sure you are there to sign for it when it arrives. You may have to change your plans on arrival day in order to ensure you are there, but the extra security is worth the effort.

As with many things in the digital world, however, there are some potential risks involved. Although thieves can’t easily track a parcel without a password, they have been known to find enough information via the tracking system to commit other forms of fraud.

In a November 15, 2018 article for Value Penguin, for example, Daniel Caughill discusses Informed Delivery, one such tracking service recently launched by the United States Postal Service. He says:

“So far, over 6 million users have signed up for the service, among them scammers who use it to spy on and steal your mail. Last week, the U.S. Secret Service released an internal alert that criminals were using the Informed Delivery program for identity theft and credit card fraud, referencing a recent incident in Michigan, where seven people were arrested after running up nearly $400,000 in fraudulent credit card charges.”

In this case, thieves set up Informed Delivery accounts in other people’s names, then opened new credit card accounts under those names, tracking and stealing the cards before their victims even knew those accounts existed.

Precautions that have a nominal cost:

Insure your package

While package theft insurance won’t prevent your parcel from being stolen, at least you won’t lose the value of your purchase. Insurance is relatively inexpensive—at approximately two dollars for a parcel valued at $100 at Canada Post, for example, it could be well worth the expense for your peace of mind.

Use a lock box or preferred location service

Another way to prevent stolen mail is to have packages delivered to an Amazon Locker or a UPS Access Point location. This costs, but it’s foolproof.

Or you can also buy a combination-protected lock box that sits on your porch and protects your packages until you get home.

Install a security camera

Package theft has become such a huge issue that people are installing doorbell cameras to catch thieves in the act. There are many inexpensive home security cameras that are easy to install around the perimeter of your home. Most of these cameras work with your wifi and smart phone, and allow you to check up on packages left while you are away. Would-be parcel thieves are alerted there is a security system, and in many cases, will leave your property without the parcel.

What to do if you suspect your package has been stolen:

-Track your package to make sure it isn’t still in transit.

-Check to see if a neighbor has picked it up as a favor to you. Also, check with everyone at your address, as another person there may have received or retrieved the item.

-File a claim, first with the merchant, then, if the company won’t reimburse you, with the shipping company.

-Inform your credit card company, and file a claim with them.

-File a claim with your insurance company, but only if the parcel is worth more than your deductible.

Most of all, enjoy your online shopping experience. Remember, millions of people think the convenience and lower prices are worth the time, risk and effort—and so should you!