Andrew Orr
Thieves are exploiting stolen tracking data to intercept iPhone deliveries the moment they arrive.
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.
Wesley Hilliard
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
10 Comments
I knew they had to be getting data from the inside if they're stealing packages like this.z
https://youtu.be/cLlQ6dOE71s
It doesn't help that by default in the US, Apple's own shipments via UPS do not require signature.
The carriers have had a tough time with internal theft. I remember hearing a story years ago about Verizon employees that were Hell’s angels members that didn’t have a criminal record. They would be assigned to customer service and would be able to get customer data to have their members make fake IDs and go buy carrier financed devices with new service or pay homeless to sign up for new service with fake IDs and give them cash for the new phones. It took months to weed them out and from my understanding is the reason why Verizon changed their policy on selling devices unlocked while under contract.
FedEX and UPS will both allow you to divert shipments that are en route to your home. For each, you can set up an account that will enable you to see when you have packages on the way. If you see one that would be better not left on the porch, you can have it diverted to a nearby FedEx or UPS store location, where they'll require some kind of verification to allow you to pick it up. I think one or both of them will charge a fee if you want all your packages diverted all the time, but individual diversions are free.