Porch Pirates and Fake Delivery Notifications – Securing Your Holiday Gifts

The convenience of online shopping makes holiday preparation easier, but it also opens the door to porch pirates and delivery scams. Here’s how to outsmart them this season.

Porch piracy spikes during the holidays when thieves take advantage of unattended deliveries. A single stolen package can ruin the joy of gift-giving and cost you hundreds of dollars.

How to Protect Your Packages
• Track Deliveries: Use tracking apps to monitor when packages are arriving.
• Schedule Deliveries: Opt for delivery times when you’re home or use a secure delivery locker.
• Invest in Security Cameras: Many porch pirates avoid homes with visible cameras or video doorbells.
• Work with Neighbors: Arrange for a trusted neighbor to retrieve packages if you’re away.

Fake Delivery Notifications: A Digital Threat
Scammers also target shoppers through fake delivery emails and text messages, claiming there’s an issue with your package. These messages often include a link to a fraudulent website asking for personal information or payment.

Red Flags of Fake Notifications
• Generic Greetings: Look out for messages without your name or specific details.
• Links to Unknown Websites: Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking.
• Urgent Warnings: Scammers rely on creating panic to push you into acting without thinking.

How to Stay Safe
• Verify tracking numbers directly on the carrier’s official website.
• Never click on links in unsolicited messages—type the URL into your browser instead.
• Report suspicious messages to the shipping company.

By staying vigilant, you can ensure your gifts make it safely under the tree and avoid falling for digital scams.