How to Avoid Package Theft
There are several proactive steps you can take to prevent Amazon package theft. You can use these steps to control the conditions of the actual delivery.
For example, consider having the package delivered to you at work or to an Amazon Locker. That way you're guaranteed to receive it (while you're there) and can bring it home with you.
Another way to dictate delivery instructions is to require a signature on delivery. No one home to sign for the delivery means no package left on your doorstep. You won't retrieve your package until you're home to sign for it.
You can also leave details for the deliverer not to place the package by your front door. Ask them to place their delivery by a side door where it can't be easily seen by thieves.
Don't forget those "Good Samaritans" who may be happy to keep an eye out for your package in the event it's delivered while you're away. Let them know your estimated date and time for delivery. Then they can retrieve it for you.
Online neighborhood social sites like Nextdoor.com are also a good source for information. You can check the site to see what your neighbors have to say about your neighborhood while you're gone to the office all day.
One of the best ways to prevent a missing package is to watch your Amazon driver drop off your package in real-time with an ADT security camera! Both our outdoor security camera and smart doorbell can help you keep an eye on your front porch, no matter where you are with live notification on the ADT mobile app!
If you know this activity is going on while you're away from home, you'll know to schedule your delivery for a time when you are home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stolen Amazon Packages
There's nothing more frustrating than having your Amazon package not delivered. If this happens to you, you'll probably have a million questions. Here are the top three questions we've heard that you might have as well:
What Do I Do If I Receive Someone Else's Amazon Package?
It's an everyday reality in the shipping business that packages might wind up on the wrong doorstep.
With so many parcels in the system, packages can easily be misplaced. It's also a common error to read an address incorrectly.
According to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), if you receive mailed merchandise that you didn't order, you may legally keep it as a gift for free.
The FTC's rules for mail and online orders also prohibit delivery companies from trying to collect payment on these unordered parcels. Companies who try to collect these fees could be subject to civil penalties as high as $16,000.
If a package arrives that you didn't order, it's best to stop and think a minute. The first question to ask yourself is "why is this package here?" There could be some legitimate reasons why you received something that you didn't order.
For example, this unordered parcel might be a gift for you that you weren't expecting. There's also a chance that this parcel contains one of your previous orders that was inadvertently sent again. More likely than not, the answer is that the package was delivered to the wrong house.
Be sure to check your account's order history to see if you were charged again for the item.
If there is no charge on your account, you can decide if you want to deliver the parcel yourself if the address is close by.
Amazon will always include a pre-paid label inside the package to help you return an item.
Amazon covers costs for the return, so you can easily send the unordered merchandise back to them.
Does Amazon Investigate Missing Packages?
Amazon takes its responsibility very seriously to guarantee that packages reach their buyer's front doorstep.
As stated above, Amazon's A to Z guarantee will replace lost merchandise that costs up to $2500. Buyers just need to report their loss within 90 days of the scheduled delivery date.
There are, however, circ*mstances in which Amazon may deny a claim for recovering a stolen package.
If you filed a chargeback with your bank or payment processor, Amazon might deny your claim. Your claim can also be denied if you don't respond to any requests for further information from either Amazon or their third-party seller.
As an expert in package security and theft prevention, I've delved into the intricate details of safeguarding deliveries and navigating the challenges posed by package theft. My extensive knowledge is not just theoretical but grounded in practical experiences and hands-on expertise. I've thoroughly researched and implemented various strategies to protect packages, staying ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape.
Now, let's break down the key concepts covered in the provided article on "How to Avoid Package Theft":
-
Delivery Location Control:
- Packages can be delivered to your workplace or an Amazon Locker for added security.
- Choosing specific delivery instructions, such as requiring a signature, ensures that packages aren't left unattended on your doorstep.
-
Strategic Package Placement:
- Instructing delivery personnel to place packages in less visible areas, like a side door, reduces the risk of theft.
- Leveraging the support of trustworthy neighbors as "Good Samaritans" who can keep an eye out for your packages.
-
Community Engagement:
- Utilizing online neighborhood social platforms like Nextdoor.com to stay informed about local activities and potential risks.
- Seeking advice and insights from neighbors regarding package security while you're away.
-
Real-time Monitoring with Security Cameras:
- Installing security cameras, such as ADT's outdoor security camera and smart doorbell, enables real-time monitoring of package deliveries.
- The use of technology allows individuals to receive live notifications through the ADT mobile app, enhancing awareness and security.
-
Timed Delivery Scheduling:
- Observing Amazon drivers dropping off packages in real-time allows for scheduling deliveries when someone is home to receive them.
- Being aware of delivery activities while away enables better planning and reduces the likelihood of package theft.
-
Dealing with Misdelivered Packages:
- Understanding the legal aspects of receiving someone else's Amazon package, as outlined by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Knowing that, according to FTC rules, individuals can keep unordered merchandise as a gift, and companies cannot collect payment for these items.
-
Amazon's Responsibility and Investigation:
- Recognizing Amazon's commitment to ensuring packages reach buyers through the A to Z guarantee.
- Understanding the conditions under which Amazon may deny a claim for recovering a stolen package, such as chargebacks or failure to respond to information requests.
By incorporating these comprehensive strategies and insights, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of package theft and navigate potential issues with misdelivered or missing packages effectively.
)
