In 2024, a whopping 22.4 billion parcels were shipped in the United States, according to shipping management vendor Pitney Bowes. The average American received 78% more packages in 2024 than in 2017 (growth fueled primarily by online purchasing). And this total is expected to climb even higher in 2025. Many consumers and businesses have already experienced package theft or shipping fraud. But even if you haven’t, know that crooks have devised ways to take advantage of shifting consumer behavior. As the holidays approach, protect your packages — whether you’re sending or receiving — by learning about common schemes and how to foil them. Outside Theft For consumers, “porch piracy” is probably the biggest threat, and it’s particularly prevalent around the holidays. Unfortunately, home security systems, including cameras, don’t...

Even before the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck, Americans received a lot of packages. About 18 billion parcels were shipped in the United States in 2018, according to Pitney Bowes, and the parcel delivery industry has been growing at an average 4.7% each year. But given the recent “shelter in place” orders, 2020 may break records for services such as UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service. Not surprisingly, thieves and fraud perpetrators are looking for any opportunity to profit from what has become an essential service. Here’s what you should watch out for to assist you in foiling parcel delivery thieves. Porch piracy You may already be aware of physical package thefts by “porch pirates” — a crime that usually flares up around the holidays. A...