Published 7 months ago • loading... • Updated 7 months ago
How to protect packages from theft and damage
Online shoppers use secure lockers, trusted neighbors, and credit card purchase protection to reduce theft risk as holiday online orders surge, the USPS advises.
Online shoppers can route deliveries to secure pickup points like Amazon Lockers or UPS Access Points inside local businesses, where packages are held for several days until collected.
During the holiday season, rising online orders increase theft risk, and the U.S. Postal Service says packages near public walkways face higher chances of repeated theft.
Practical steps include asking a trusted neighbor to retrieve boxes and installing a video doorbell, while using tracking tools and alerts from major carriers to monitor arrivals.
To limit financial loss, use a credit card with purchase protection, as many cards and providers reimburse stolen or damaged items for online shoppers and homeowners.
Before carrier deadlines, check last ship-by dates from major carriers to ensure deliveries arrive by Christmas Eve and reroute packages away from exposed front porches to stop porch pirates.