Thieves are using stolen tracking data to steal iPhone packages

The holiday season is a time for giving — but it's also prime time for thieves. Reports reveal an alarming rise in package thefts, with $12 billion worth of goods, stolen from porches in 2024, affecting approximately 58 million Americans.

High-value items like iPhones are often prime targets. These thieves have developed sophisticated tactics, using stolen tracking information to intercept deliveries right off doorsteps.

The porch pirates are using tracking data to precisely time their thefts, letting them swoop in moments after delivery, often before the recipient even realizes the package has arrived. These incidents frequently involve AT&T iPhones shipped via FedEx, according to CNET.

Tracking data theft often originates from internal breaches, where tracking numbers are either leaked or sold. In some cases, there's speculation about remote data breaches, although the companies have yet to confirm such incidents publicly.

Adding to the issue, AT&T frequently doesn't require signatures for high-value shipments like iPhones. This policy leaves packages vulnerable, as they can be left unattended and easily taken.

While no region is immune, the East Coast of the United States has been hit particularly hard. States like New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas have seen a spike in iPhone-related cases. In some incidents, teenagers and young adults have been caught and accused of stealing packages, but in other cases, law enforcement wasn't able to capture the perpetrators.

For other package thefts, Kentucky, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Alaska reported the highest incidences. In contrast, states like Maine have seen lower rates, indicating regional disparities in package theft occurrences.

How to protect your packages

There are several practical ways to protect your deliveries from theft. Requiring a signature for high-value items ensures packages aren't left unattended, making it much harder for thieves to act.

Another solution is to use a locked delivery box at home, which secures packages in a compartment only accessible to the owner. For added security, in-garage delivery services, like Amazon Key, allow packages to be placed directly inside your garage, keeping them out of sight and reach of thieves.

Modern technology also offers tools like video doorbells, which notify you immediately when a package arrives. With real-time alerts and the ability to monitor your porch remotely, these devices can help deter thieves and protect your deliveries.