Package theft has been increasing drastically over the last few years; in fact more than, more than 40% of Americans have felt the sting of package theft. After they discover the package is missing and experience the frustration that comes with it, the question that arises next is: What do I do now?

We will warn you–due to the increase in package theft and the financial burden on the shipper & delivery services, the burden has shifted to the buyer (package receiver) and it has become more difficult to receive reimbursement or replacement. The number one thing you can do is protect yourself and try to prevent porch pirates from stealing packages.

However, here are 4 steps to consider if a package is stolen from the doorstep.

1. Contact the Delivery Company

It’s probably best to contact the delivery company first. They should have information about when and where the package was delivered. It is important to determine if the package actually made it off the truck, if it is lost in the shipping channels, or if it’s still in a warehouse somewhere.

Once it is determined that the box was left out for delivery but wasn’t received, each shipper has their own process they follow. Here’s a detailed look at what to do for each popular delivery provider.

Amazon

If you purchased the item at Amazon, go to your orders and initiate an A-to-z Guarantee refund, which covers a refund on lost, stolen, or damaged. There are a number of requirements and rules for this process, but generally it first directs customers to the seller (if it isn’t Amazon). If they don’t respond within 48 hours, Amazon allows for the filing of a claim within 90 days of the purchase.

FedEx

For FedEx deliveries, go online and file a claim. Make sure to have the package’s shipping tracking number to get started. Through this portal you can report the missing package, upload additional documentation, check the status, or cancel your claim.

Doing it online allows the victim to receive claim payments and track it for up to 12 months. Typically, the company covers up to $100 of the total value of the shipment or the full amount insured.

UPS

If the tracking information shows that UPS delivered the package but it is nowhere to be found, contact the sender of the package to initiate a trace process with UPS. To note, UPS will not allow a claim to be filed until 24 hours after the delivery took place.

The sender will then follow up with you on the progress of your shipment. Generally, UPS will not reimburse a consumer if the package was delivered to a residence and then stolen. It will work with both the sender and the purchaser, as well as, law enforcement for a given claim. However, UPS will not issue a refund unless there’s proof that it was responsible.

USPS

First, file an online request at USPS to begin a search for the missing item and to get the local post office involved. If after 7 days the package is not found, the next step is to submit a Missing Mail Search Request. At this point, enter all pertinent information and pictures.

If the package is not found, USPS customers who used Priority Mail Express can request a refund, and those that paid for insurance can file a claim. This process must be started no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

2. Contact the Retailer

If the issue cannot be quickly and fully resolved through the shipper, contact the store or retailer next. Different companies have different policies on replacement. Due to the financial burden of theft, over the last 12 months, retailers have become less likely to replace or refund.

Larger companies may have different policies than smaller retailers; a lot depends on how well they work with customers and whether or not they can afford to replace items on a regular basis. Also, if it’s a one-of-a-kind product from somewhere like Etsy, then a replacement might not even be an option.

Still, it’s worth reaching out to the retailer. They might have great customer service and create a customer for life with their response to the issue.

3. Report the Package Theft to the Police

Make no mistake, porch piracy is a crime. Reporting the theft to law enforcement is an important step that often gets skipped because the victim doesn’t want the hassle or doesn’t want to bother the police. But by reporting the crime, it gives the police a better chance of catching the thief in a certain area.

Also, If the crime is reported it will become part of the local and national crime statistics. Why is this important? Because increasingly more states are pushing for stronger penalties for porch pirates. If they can prove the issue is a serious problem, it will help get support for stronger penalties and greater vigilance.

Also, if a buyer is filing for an insurance reimbursement, a police report will probably need to be submitted along with the claim.

4. Contact the Credit Card Company

Another option is to contact the credit card company used in the purchase. Many credit cards policies offer free insurance on every purchase, so it is worth finding out what protection benefits may be available for package theft. To note, there’s usually a value limit on these types of benefits and it will typically require a police report.

Summary

The onus is on the buyer to deal with package theft, while unlikely, there are several options to attempt to get reimbursement for the loss. This is why many consumers are turning to lockable package delivery boxes and mailboxes—to protect what they buy.

Ultimately, don’t forget to report the crime. The more law enforcement and lawmakers are aware of package theft, the more all Americans can expect more measures to fight it.

Adoorn’s secure mailboxes & package boxes prevent mail and package theft and keep your deliveries safe from porch pirates. They can be easily accessed by your delivery drivers and are spacious enough to receive both mail and packages. What you get in the mail has evolved, your mailbox needs to evolve with it.