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Did you get any good deals over Black Friday? Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become such huge shopping days that Ring Camera declared the Wednesday after Thanksgiving Package Protection Day. While online shopping has made getting the things we need (and want) much more convenient, it also makes it more convenient for thieves, also called Porch Pirates, to simply walk around a neighborhood and grab packages. Today we’re going to look at easy steps we can all take to protect our precious packages.  

Ordering Your Package 

• If you’ll be out of town when you’re expecting a package, contact the post office to hold your mail. This can be done at the post office or online using this website. All mail will be delivered to your local post office. For a small fee you can have your package delivered to the post office for pickup. 
• If you order from Amazon, you have the option to pick up your purchase from an Amazon Locker instead of having it delivered to your home.  
• UPS Access Points allow you to get your packages delivered to secure UPS sites (the sites may be inside a UPS Store or a CVS). 
• See if you have the option to require a signature or choose a Hold for Pickup option when placing an online order.  
• If the website you’re ordering from allows you to add comments to the delivery driver, ask them to conceal the package when it’s delivered.  
• If your workplace allows it, see if you can get your package delivered to your work. 

Tracking Your Package 

• Tracking your package gives you an estimate for when you can expect the package to be delivered. Once the package is marked as delivered, make sure to bring it into your home ASAP. The longer a package is waiting outside, the greater the chance it can be stolen. 
• Keep emails from the company you purchased from if they include a link to track your package. You can go to the email periodically and check to see when your package is expected to be delivered. 
• Sign up for Informed Delivery from the United States Postal Service. This free service allows you to see pictures of your mail before it arrives, including packages.  
• If you use a smartphone, consider downloading a free app like Shop that tracks packages for you. 
• Sign up for alerts so you know when your package is delivered. You can do this using USPS Informed Delivery, FedEx Delivery Manager, and UPS My Choice– all free of charge.  

Package Pickup 

• Don’t leave packages in plain view, including on your doorstep or in your car.  
• Having a cheap doorbell camera (or even a fake camera) may deter some porch pirates. If you do end up having your package stolen, the camera may assist with catching the thief. Make sure the camera is as visible as possible to deter thieves.  
• If you won’t be home, talk to a neighbor you trust and ask if they would be available to pick up your package.  

What to do if you’ve been Pirated 

• Confirm that the package was delivered. 
  • Check your email- is there a picture confirmation of delivery? Does it look like it was delivered to the wrong address? 
  • If you have a doorbell camera, check the footage to see if it caught any suspicious or unusual activity. 
  • Chat with neighbors. It’s possible that your package was accidentally delivered to the wrong address.  
• Report the theft to the company you ordered from. Sometimes a company will offer a refund or replace the item. 
• If the company isn’t helpful, try contacting the shipping company (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.). 
• Check with your credit card company. Some credit cards offer purchase protection. 
• You can also file a complaint with the postal service.  
• Act fast! There are usually a limited number of days you have to file a claim.