What Happens if Someone Steals Your Package? 6 Steps to Take

6 Steps to Do If Your Package Has Been Stolen

Step 1: Track Your Package

If you suspect a package theft, the first thing to do is to check the confirmation email from the shipping company. This typically includes a tracking number that you can use to check the parcel's shipping status. Online shopping websites and mobile apps would also have a dedicated tracking page for the packages, but sometimes, you might need to copy the tracking number and enter it manually on the store's or shipper's website.

If there's any delay with your shipment, especially during a busy holiday season, you'll be notified either via email or push notifications on your mobile phone (for app-based deliveries). The shipping status will show every movement of your package, from one hub to another.

If it's been tagged as "Delivered", proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check with Your Neighbors

If you've confirmed that the package has been delivered, check with your neighbors if they received it by mistake. Delivery drivers can sometimes drop the parcel at the wrong house number. It would save both you and the customer service the hassle if you ensure your package is just next door. And even if your neighbors didn't mistakenly receive it, they might've seen it being dropped off at your place. This could be a confirmation of a stolen package.

Step 3: Contact the Seller

Once you’ve checked with your neighbors to make sure the package isn’t with them, contact the seller or retailer to report the stolen package. Here’s what to do with some of the most popular retailers:

• Amazon: Amazon’s “A-to-Z Guarantee Protection” covers most stolen packages. For items fulfilled by Amazon, go to the “Your Orders” section of your account report the issue, and request a replacement or refund. For items sold by third-party sellers, Amazon will usually ask you to contact the seller first. If the seller doesn’t respond within two business days or won’t fix the issue, you can escalate to Amazon by filing a claim
  

• UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL: If the package was delivered by one of these carriers, the retailer might tell you to file a claim with the carrier. Each carrier has its own process, usually found on its website under the “Support” or “Help” section. Be prepared to provide proof of purchase, tracking info, and photos if you have them.

• Walmart, Target, and Other Retailers: Many big retailers have their own protection policies for stolen packages. Contact their customer service teams via chat, phone, or email to start a claim. Some may ask you to provide documentation or evidence of the missing delivery.

Step 4: File a Claim

If the retailer won’t help or tells you to contact the carrier, you’ll need to file a claim with the delivery service. Here’s how:

• UPS: Go to the UPS claims page, enter your tracking number, and fill out the form. Claims take 8-15 business days to process.

• FedEx: Go to the FedEx website and go to the claims section. You’ll need to enter tracking info and describe the missing package. FedEx processes claims in 5-7 business days.

• USPS: USPS allows claims for insured packages and has a form online. If the package wasn’t insured, they can only offer limited help.

• DHL: Like other carriers, DHL has a claim form on its website where you can report missing items. Make sure to submit all required documents for faster processing.

Each carrier’s claims process is a little different so check their guidelines and be prepared for some back-and-forth.

Step 5: Use Purchase Protection

Many credit cards offer purchase protection which can cover stolen packages if you bought the item with that card. The protection usually only applies if you file a claim within a certain time frame, often 90 days from the date of purchase. Here’s how to check if your credit card has this benefit:

1. Check Your Credit Card’s Policy: Go to your credit card company's website or call customer service to see if your card has purchase protection and what it covers.

2. File a Claim: If eligible, submit a claim through your credit card provider’s website or customer service. You may need to provide proof of purchase, tracking number and evidence the package was stolen (e.g. correspondence with the retailer).

3. Exclusions: Be aware of exclusions—some credit cards don’t cover items over a certain value and others may require a police report before they’ll process your claim.

4. Secondary Coverage: Keep in mind purchase protection is usually secondary, meaning it only kicks in after other forms of coverage (like homeowners insurance) have been used.

Step 6: Claim High-Value Items with Your Homeowners Insurance

For high-value items like electronics or expensive clothing you might want to file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance. Here’s what to know:

1. Check Your Deductible: Most policies have a deductible, usually between $500 and $2,000 so filing a claim is only worth it if the stolen item is over that amount.

2. Coverage Limits: Coverage limits vary and high-value items may have specific limits unless you added them to your policy as scheduled personal property.

3. File a Police Report: Insurers usually require you to file a police report when filing a claim for a stolen package. Contact your local police department and provide details about the theft, including any security camera footage.

4. Premium Increases: Filing a claim may result in higher insurance premiums so weigh the cost against the value of the stolen package.

Reimbursement and Compensation

If your package was stolen the reimbursement and compensation options will vary depending on the retailer and carrier involved.

1. Retailer Policies: Major retailers like Amazon have comprehensive protection policies in place. Amazon for example has an "A-to-Z Guarantee Protection" that will refund or replace a missing item. Other retailers may have less generous policies offering store credit or no compensation at all. Always check the retailer’s policy on lost or stolen packages and be prepared to advocate for yourself if needed.

2. Carrier Policies: Carriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL and USPS have their own claims processes. These usually require documentation like proof of purchase and evidence the package was marked as delivered. Filing a claim quickly will help your chances of getting compensated.

3. Credit Card Purchase Protection: Many credit cards offer purchase protection which will reimburse you for stolen items if you bought the item with that card. This protection usually has a time frame for filing a claim and may require additional documentation like a police report for high-value items.

How to Prevent Package Theft in the Future

Preventing future package theft requires a proactive approach using both personal security and community-based solutions. Here are some steps:

1. Install Security Cameras: Security cameras are a great deterrent for package thieves. Visible cameras around your home will discourage theft and provide evidence of a package theft. Choose smart cameras that sync with your smartphone so you can get real-time alerts and monitor activity remotely.

2. In-Person Delivery: Whenever possible request a signature upon delivery or have your packages delivered to a secure location. This could be a UPS Store, an Amazon Locker or even a neighbor’s house if they’re available to receive it. In-person delivery means your package won’t be left unattended.

3. Lockboxes or Parcel Lockers: Consider getting a lockbox for your porch. These secure boxes are designed to receive deliveries and keep your packages safe until you pick them up. Or use services like Amazon Locker where you can pick up packages at a designated location reducing the risk of theft.