TL;DR: Package theft rises through November and December as online order volume peaks and more parcels sit on porches for longer during the busiest delivery weeks of the year. Require a signature or use a delivery locker for higher-value items, and consider a doorbell camera or having packages held at a pickup location during the highest-risk weeks.
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Package theft rises through November and December as online order volume peaks and more parcels sit on porches for longer during the busiest delivery weeks of the year.
How the Scam Plays Out
This is primarily a physical theft pattern rather than a phishing one: thieves follow delivery trucks or simply watch porches in a neighborhood, grabbing packages shortly after they're dropped off.
How to Protect Yourself
Require a signature or use a delivery locker for higher-value items, and consider a doorbell camera or having packages held at a pickup location during the highest-risk weeks.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Prime Day and Flash Sale Scams.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Severe Weather Warning Text Scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
Package theft rises through November and December as online order volume peaks and more parcels sit on porches for longer during the busiest delivery weeks of the year.
What tactics are used?
This is primarily a physical theft pattern rather than a phishing one: thieves follow delivery trucks or simply watch porches in a neighborhood, grabbing packages shortly after they're dropped off.
How can I protect myself?
Require a signature or use a delivery locker for higher-value items, and consider a doorbell camera or having packages held at a pickup location during the highest-risk weeks.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.