What to Do When Your Package Is Stolen Off Your Porch
Quick Answer
Step 1: Confirm the Package Was Actually Stolen
Before reporting theft, rule out these common situations:
- Tracking shows "delivered" but the package is still at a neighbor's address or hidden near your door
- The carrier left a notice and the package is held at a local facility
- A household member accepted delivery without mentioning it
- The package was left at a building mailroom or leasing office
Check tracking through the carrier's official website using the tracking number from your order confirmation.
Step 2: Contact the Retailer
Most retailers will reship or refund a stolen package without requiring a police report, particularly for first-time incidents. Contact customer service through the retailer's official website or app and report the package as not received despite the tracking showing delivery.
What to have ready: your order number, the tracking number, and the delivery address.
What to expect: Major retailers typically offer a replacement shipment or refund within one to three business days. Some retailers require a waiting period of one to three days after the stated delivery date before they will process a claim.
Step 3: File a Claim with the Carrier
If the retailer directs you to the carrier, each major carrier has a claims process:
| Carrier | How to File | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | usps.com/help/claims.htm | 1-800-275-8777 |
| UPS | ups.com/us/en/support/file-a-claim.page | 1-800-742-5877 |
| FedEx | fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html | 1-800-463-3339 |
| Amazon Logistics | Through Your Orders in Amazon account | N/A |
Carrier liability for stolen packages depends on whether the shipment included declared value or shipping insurance. Standard shipping typically includes limited liability coverage.
Step 4: File a Police Report
A police report is not always required by retailers or carriers, but it is worth filing because it creates an official record that supports disputes, insurance claims, and homeowner or renter's insurance claims.
Most police departments accept reports for package theft online or by phone. In-person is not usually required. The report takes approximately 15 minutes.
Contact your local non-emergency police line or the city/county online reporting portal.
Step 5: Dispute the Charge with Your Credit Card Issuer
If the retailer refuses to reship or refund and you paid by credit card, dispute the charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act. The basis for the dispute is "goods not received." File within 60 days of the statement date.
Provide your police report number as supporting documentation.
Preventing Future Theft
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Require signature on delivery | Carriers will not leave the package unattended |
| Ship to a carrier pickup location | USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer hold-at-location options |
| Use a secure delivery box | Lockboxes designed for package delivery |
| Request delivery to workplace | If package theft is a recurring issue at your address |
| Homeowner or renter's insurance | Some policies cover theft of delivered packages; check your policy |