How to Protect Yourself From Porch Pirates And Scams This Holiday Season

By the time your holiday order shows up on your phone, it might already be halfway gone. Porch pirates do not wait for you to get home, and the worst part is they usually target the exact moment you assume everything is fine.

It starts with a delivery, a quiet porch, and the kind of routine that feels safe until it isn’t. Sheriff Carmine Marceno is seeing more thefts, and NBC News flagged a 30% jump last year, which means more neighbors are scrambling, more packages are disappearing, and more people are learning the hard way that “out for delivery” is not the same as “protected.”

Here’s how to lock down your deliveries before someone else grabs them.

Tips from Experts to Protect Your Packages

As the holiday season approaches, the risk of porch piracy increases, and experts are urging shoppers to take proactive steps to secure their deliveries. Sheriff Carmine Marceno stresses the importance of utilizing package tracking services to stay updated on delivery times.

By knowing when your packages are expected, you can better plan to be home to receive them or arrange for a trusted neighbor to retrieve them on your behalf. This simple practice can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft.

Getty/Cavan Images RF

For added protection, experts recommend installing video doorbells or outdoor security cameras.

These devices not only serve as a deterrent but also provide valuable evidence in case a theft occurs. Security systems like Ring or Nest allow homeowners to monitor their front porches in real-time, alerting them immediately when packages are delivered—or when someone is tampering with them.

Dimensions/Getty

Major delivery services also offer tools to help ensure package security.

UPS, for example, has a service called My Choice, which sends real-time delivery alerts and lets customers choose where their packages are dropped off. FedEx's Delivery Manager system provides similar benefits, allowing users to customize delivery instructions, schedule holds, or request specific drop-off locations.

USPS also offers Informed Delivery, which lets customers track their mail and packages online and even see photos of their incoming items. These services not only offer convenience but also provide peace of mind during busy shipping seasons.

Melissa Ross/Getty

That first delivery alert is supposed to be your safety net, but it only works if you actually use it to time your pickup or have a trusted neighbor grab it.

Once Sheriff Carmine Marceno’s warning clicks, the next move is making your porch impossible to “casually” walk off with, starting with a video doorbell or outdoor camera.

And if you’re worried about ruining someone’s big moment, this is like the best friend’s bachelorette party pregnancy announcement dilemma.

As the holiday season approaches, package theft becomes a pressing concern.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/porch-piracy-rising-package-thefts-holidays-rcna59707'>NBC News, porch piracy incidents increased by 30% last year alone, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.

Security expert Kurtis D. McCoy emphasizes that investing in high-quality surveillance cameras and smart doorbells can deter thieves significantly.”

Then the shipping companies get involved, because UPS’s My Choice and FedEx’s Delivery Manager let you steer drop-offs instead of crossing your fingers.

In addition to enhancing physical security, community vigilance plays a crucial role in preventing package theft. Neighborhood watch programs have seen a resurgence, as communities band together to keep an eye on each other's deliveries. By fostering communication and collaboration, residents can collectively reduce the risk of porch piracy. It's about creating a community where everyone looks out for each other, thereby enhancing overall safety.

Even USPS has your back with Informed Delivery, so you can spot what’s coming and react fast when the porch turns into a crime scene.

If you do fall victim to porch piracy, report the theft to local authorities and provide any surveillance footage you have to assist in the investigation.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can reduce the risk of package theft and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.

The surge in porch piracy during the holiday season is a pressing concern that cannot be ignored.

If you plan the drop, you take the power away from the porch pirates.

Before you assume you’re stuck with unfair rent, read about the roommate demanding luxury upgrades and a bigger split.