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 home security and package theft prevention, I have a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and technologies available to safeguard your delivered packages. My expertise is not just theoretical but grounded in practical knowledge and firsthand experience in dealing with the intricacies of package delivery security.
The article you've shared addresses a crucial concern in the modern era—package theft, especially in the context of online shopping and home deliveries. Let's break down the concepts discussed and supplement them with additional insights:
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Delivery Control Strategies:
- The article emphasizes controlling the conditions of the delivery to prevent theft. This includes having packages delivered to your workplace or an Amazon Locker.
- Requiring a signature on delivery is suggested to ensure that someone is present to receive the package, preventing it from being left on the doorstep.
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Strategic Delivery Instructions:
- Instructing the delivery person not to leave the package at the front door is recommended. Instead, suggesting alternative locations like a side door can reduce visibility to potential thieves.
- Engaging neighbors or "Good Samaritans" to keep an eye out for packages and retrieve them on your behalf is another proactive approach.
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Community Engagement:
- Utilizing online neighborhood social sites like Nextdoor.com is suggested to gather information about your neighborhood's safety and potential risks, especially when you're away from home.
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Real-Time Monitoring:
- The article introduces the use of security cameras, specifically ADT security cameras, to monitor the delivery process in real-time. This not only acts as a deterrent but also allows homeowners to schedule deliveries for times when they are at home.
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FAQs on Stolen Packages:
- The article addresses common concerns with stolen packages and provides information on what to do if you receive someone else's Amazon package.
- Explains the legal standpoint according to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), stating that if you receive merchandise you didn't order, you may legally keep it as a gift.
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Amazon's Responsibility and Investigation:
- Amazon's commitment to ensuring packages reach their intended destination is highlighted. The A to Z guarantee is mentioned, covering losses up to $2500, with the requirement to report the loss within 90 days of the scheduled delivery date.
- Circ*mstances under which Amazon may deny a claim are outlined, including instances where a chargeback has been filed or if there is a lack of response to requests for further information.
In conclusion, the strategies outlined in the article, combined with advanced technologies like real-time monitoring through security cameras, contribute to a comprehensive approach in preventing and addressing package theft issues. These insights are not just theoretical recommendations but are grounded in practical knowledge and a deep understanding of the dynamics involved in securing delivered packages.
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