If you’re shopping online for the holidays, watch out for your packages! According to recent studies, one in seven consumers experience package theft from porch pirates. The average cost of items stolen rings up to $112.30. Your chances also depend on where you live. Half of the packages were stolen from suburban neighborhoods, 39% from urban residences, and 11% from rural areas.
Another issue is that package delivery scams are on the rise. Hackers will impersonate shipping companies and retailers to gather consumers’ personal information. DHL is the company most impersonated by these hackers, accounting for 22% of all phishing attacks in the world. DHL also has a fake affiliate named “BHL” that is used by scammers for cyber theft, as well. Another popular company to impersonate is Walmart, accounting for 5% of all phishing worldwide.
To help prevent porch pirates, experts recommend consumers be diligent regarding their deliveries. Most people (60%) monitor delivery tracking, and 43% have signed up for delivery alerts. Collect the package as soon as possible to reduce the chances of it being stolen. You can also install a doorbell camera, send the package to your workplace or to a trusted neighbor or relative, or opt to pick up an online order in their store.
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