If you’re expecting a package this holiday season, there’s a good chance at least one will end up in the hands of a thief. Pouch piracy, or poaching of packages left on people’s doorsteps, is a major problem in the United States, costing $8 billion a year, according to Security.org, a website that reviews safety products. It is said that it is bringing
No wonder November 29th, National Luggage Protection Day, is on your calendar. In fact, there are many things you can do to prevent porch piracy, from purchasing high-tech security equipment to having your package delivered to a safe location outside your home. , such as FedEx and his UPS locations.
Still, if you find yourself a victim of porch piracy, there’s no need to despair. According to merchants, credit card companies, and others, there are remedies that can help you avoid being exposed to losses. Therefore, keep the following steps in mind:
file a police report
Although not required as evidence of loss in all cases, it is a good way to document the crime and provide such evidence if needed. SafeWise.com, another site that reviews safety products, warns that while police may not be able to do anything without witnesses to the crime, “they will keep an eye on the incident.” Still, this report can be important, especially if you’re filing a claim with your credit card issuer or homeowner’s insurance company (more on that below).
Let’s start with the merchant
This should be your next step. Many major retailers have policies in place to combat package theft and help shoppers avoid it.
Amazon
AMZN
Customers can monitor their orders using the company’s map tracking feature, and Prime members can choose specific days for their packages to be delivered each week, the company said. Customers can also send packages to Amazon locker locations. However, an Amazon spokesperson told MarketWatch that if a package is stolen, “we work directly with the customer to resolve the issue,” without providing details about refunds.
walmart
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states, “If a customer faces the unfortunate situation of having their package stolen, in most cases we will provide a free refund and/or replacement where applicable.” The company also said that typically “police reports or other evidence that would burden the customer are not required.” Walmart notes that a shipper may mark a package as delivered before it actually arrives, and advises him to wait two business days before reporting the problem (Target
target
provides similar recommendations).
But what about small shops and independent sellers like Etsy?
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creator? Etsy’s Package Protection Program offers a full refund on eligible orders if your package doesn’t arrive. Etsy says you’ll need to contact the individual seller who shipped your item to initiate a support request. If the issue is not resolved within 48 hours, you can ask Etsy to intervene and help issue a refund.
You can also contact your credit card company
Many credit card companies have policies in place to protect against theft and purchases. If you are not satisfied with the seller, that is also an option.
visa
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“Visa provides purchase protection insurance for 90 days after purchase in case a transaction goes wrong. This includes if something is lost or stolen, doesn’t work as promised, or is defective. Visa added that a police report may be required for more expensive items.
master Card
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According to , some cards come with a purchase protection benefit that “covers most eligible Mastercard purchases if they are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase.” However, Mastercard also emphasized that it first needs to see if it can resolve the situation with the merchant.
and American Express
AXP
has a similar purchase protection policy that covers accidentally damaged, lost, or stolen items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase on your eligible card. Individual policies for each American Express card can be found here. American Express says a police report must be filed to substantiate the claim.
What about shippers?
Shipper (FedEx)
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,
UPS
UPS
Nick DiNatale, founder and CEO of shipping solutions company ShipPlug, explains that the U.S. Postal Service is usually not the most important party to contact when a package you were expecting is stolen. This is because the contract is between the seller and the shipper, so it is the seller’s responsibility to figure out the details of the issue and seek redress on their part.
A UPS spokesperson told MarketWatch that they encourage customers who have been victims of porch piracy to: “We encourage customers to call local authorities, file a police report, and contact the retailer for a refund or reshipment.” However, a spokesperson added, “Customers can also contact UPS. We will work with retailers,” he added.
Still, the delivery company suggests ways customers can work around the problem. FedEx points to the fact that customers can certainly have their packages sent to a location where a FedEx staff member is present, noting that 93% of the population lives within eight miles of such a location.
The U.S. Postal Service notes that customers can customize their deliveries through the website, including allowing the carrier to place the package at a designated location. However, the service also offers the following basic advice: “Just as a wallet or handbag should not be left in the front seat of an unlocked car overnight, mail or packages should not be left uncollected in a mailbox or on the front porch for long periods of time. ” ”
Finally, there’s homeowner or renter insurance
If all else fails, you can contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company to file a claim for stolen property coverage. Most insurance policies allow this, says Samantha Bauer, Pennsylvania-based agency owner of Goosehead Insurance, which works with multiple insurance companies. But Bauer cautions that insurance policies typically have deductibles of $500 or $1,000, so the stolen items must have enough value to warrant a claim. Still, if you file a claim, you run the risk of your premium going up, Bauer added.
Nicole Lyn Pesce contributed to this article.