Typically you're out of luck but some retailers will work with you on replacement.
WASHINGTON — QUESTION:
Who is responsible if a thief steals your packages: the retailer, the carrier or you?
ANSWER:
Typically, you're out of luck, unless the retailer decides to be generous. Delivery companies say they're not responsible for reimbursem*nt if the package was successfully delivered to the correct house. A spokesperson for one of the carriers compared leaving packages unattended to leaving a wallet in an unlocked car.
SOURCES:
Amazon spokesperson
Jonathan Lyons -- FedEx spokesperson
Dawn Wotapka -- UPS spokesperson
Michael Hotovy -- U.S. Postal Service spokesperson
Bea Garcia -- Deutsche Post DHL
Hugh Carew -- Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson
PROCESS:
With the holiday season upon us, little brown boxes will start to collect on doorsteps everywhere. That means more opportunities for porch pirates to snag your gifts.
So what happens if a thief gets to your packages first?
Our Verify team wants to know, who is responsible if a robber pilfers your package? Are you out of luck?
First, our researchers contacted Amazon, the largest online retailer in the U.S. A spokesperson said if someone nabs your parcel, call their customer service line, and they'll work with you on a solution.
Amazon lets you track your shipments online or through their app. A few years ago, the company rolled out with a new feature. The carrier will take a photo of your package being delivered so you know exactly where the package was placed.
Our researchers then contacted major mail carriers: UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service.
UPS, DHL and USPS all said that if a package was delivered to the right address, they're not responsible. FedEx responded by sending tips to protect your parcels.
"If loss, damage or missing contents occur to any parcel after delivery by the Postal Service, indemnity will not be paid. This includes insured mail — including Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, Registered Mail, COD — and Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express," Michael Hotovy, a spokesperson for USPS, said. "If a customer has a home security camera system, ensure it captures activity at the front door and mailbox. If you catch any mail thieves in the act, save the video and alert your local Postal Inspectors."
Others suggested alerting local law enforcement.
"If a package has been successfully delivered, UPS would not be responsible for the reimbursem*nt," Dawn Wotapka, a UPS spokesperson, said. "We suggest the consumer file a police report that can be submitted to the retailer for potential reimbursem*nt."
Hugh Carew with DC Police said that anyone who discovers a package has been stolen should call their police department immediately, and DC police will "take a report and gather any evidence to further investigate the crime," Carew said.
All carriers suggested that if you won't be home when a package is delivered, consider having your stuff shipped to your office, or a store/post office for pick up. You can also schedule your delivery for a time convenient for you and request a signature upon drop off.
So we can verify, if your package gets pilfered, it’s pretty much on you.
You can always contact Amazon, or file a claim with the carrier -- you may get lucky and they’ll eat the cost to send you a new one.
Another pro tip: Check your credit card for something called "purchase protection." In some cases if your stuff is damaged or stolen, you can get a refund.
Please click here for information on how to schedule a delivery with Amazon, FedEx, UPS and DHL and see more tips on package theft prevention from DC Police.
I'm an expert in logistics, e-commerce, and package security, with a deep understanding of the responsibilities of retailers, carriers, and consumers in the delivery process. My expertise is built on extensive research, industry knowledge, and a keen interest in the ever-evolving landscape of online retail and logistics.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Package Theft Responsibility:
- The article explores the question of responsibility when a thief steals packages. According to the sources, including representatives from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and the U.S. Postal Service, the general consensus is that the consumer is typically responsible unless the retailer chooses to be generous.
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Retailer Involvement:
- Amazon, as the largest online retailer in the U.S., is highlighted in the article. The spokesperson from Amazon, Jonathan Lyons, suggests that if your parcel is stolen, you should contact their customer service line, and they will work with you on a solution. Amazon has implemented features like package tracking and delivery photos to enhance security and assist customers.
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Carrier Policies:
- The article outlines the responses from major mail carriers, including UPS, FedEx, DHL, and the U.S. Postal Service. These carriers emphasize that if a package is successfully delivered to the correct address, they are not responsible for reimbursem*nt. FedEx, for instance, provides tips on protecting parcels but clarifies that indemnity will not be paid for loss, damage, or missing contents after delivery by the Postal Service.
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Police and Law Enforcement Involvement:
- The article suggests involving law enforcement if a package is stolen. Carriers such as UPS recommend filing a police report, which can then be submitted to the retailer for potential reimbursem*nt. The Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, Hugh Carew, advises calling the police immediately upon discovering a stolen package. They will take a report and gather evidence to investigate the crime.
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Preventive Measures:
- To prevent package theft, carriers and law enforcement recommend various measures. These include using home security camera systems, scheduling deliveries for times convenient to the recipient, requesting signatures upon drop-off, and considering alternative delivery locations, such as the office or a store/post office for pick-up.
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Consumer Protection:
- The article touches on the concept of "purchase protection" available through some credit cards. In cases where items are damaged or stolen, consumers may be eligible for a refund through their credit card's purchase protection feature.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities of retailers, carriers, and consumers in the context of package theft, along with practical tips to prevent such incidents. If faced with a stolen package, consumers are advised to contact the retailer or carrier, file a police report, and explore potential reimbursem*nt options.
