Amazon Package Stolen? | 7 Steps To Take + Prevention Tips

Package thefts always tend to rise around the holidays. With more people utilizing e-Commerce and ordering items online, these types of thefts are only getting worse. Many people find themselves at work all day, so their Amazon package might sit on the front porch for hours before they arrive home to retrieve it. This leaves ample time for porch pirates to grab the package and run while the intended recipient has no idea what happened to it. So, what do you need to do if your Amazon package gets stolen? We will tell you exactly what to do and provide some tips for preventing package theft at your home.

 

How To Handle A Missing Amazon Package

One of the first questions people usually ask when their package is missing is, “What do I need to do to locate my package?” You can take steps to locate your package and even recoup your money for stolen packages. If Amazon says that your package has been delivered, but you cannot find it anywhere, it may have been stolen. Here is what you need to do in that case.

 

— Track Your Package

Many people wonder how to track a package on Amazon. Start by looking up the Amazon tracking number for your package to get detailed tracking information. Perhaps your confirmation email showed an expected delivery date of the 10th of the month, but it’s not there that day. It could be something as simple as a shipping delay or delivery exception. You might find that the tracking has been updated to show arrival on a different day.

If the tracking information reveals that the package has been delivered, then you can sometimes glean some additional information there as well. You will find that many carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, and Amazon delivery service will leave notes about the delivery. For example, they might add a note that says, “Left at the front door.” This could help locate your package. If you are still unable to find the package, then move on to the next step.

 

— Talk To Your Neighbors

Next, you should ask your neighbors if the package may have been mistakenly delivered to their house instead. This frequently happens, especially in neighborhoods with similar street names or numbers. If your neighborhood has a Facebook page or Nextdoor group, it can be helpful to post something in the group asking your neighbors if anyone has seen your package. This simple delivery mistake can often be corrected quickly and easily.

 

— Contact The Retailer

If your package is still unaccounted for, you will want to go ahead and contact the retailer. You should inform them that your package is missing, and they should give you information on their policy regarding Amazon missing packages and refunds. They will likely need your order number and some other identifying information. Direct retailers often have better refund policies than third-party sellers, so it can be helpful to order directly from an authorized retailer in these cases. Some Amazon sellers offer an A-to-Z guarantee, while others do not. If you are unsure who the retailer is, you can always contact Amazon directly to assist you with your lost package. You might end up getting credit to your Amazon account at the least.

 

— File A Claim With The Carrier

Unfortunately, you sometimes are unable to get much help from the retailer, especially in the event of porch piracy. It can also be helpful to file a missing package claim with your carrier. UPS, FedEx, USPS, and other carriers each have their own policies when it comes to package insurance and filing claims. It can be a hassle, but your carrier will have a policy in place to file a claim for missing items. Depending on the value of the item, many Americans often decide just to consider the item a loss and order another one. It can often take 30 days or more for the carrier to investigate the claim, but you should end up getting reimbursement if the package was indeed lost.

 

— Utilize Credit Card Features

You might have benefits from your credit card company that protect you in the event of a lost package. Many credit card benefits provide protection for lost, missing, or damaged packages when you use that credit card for the purchase. Most people use a credit card when doing online shopping, so go ahead and give your card company a call. If you had a problem with the package delivery, they might be able to issue a refund to your card for the amount of the purchase. This is an often-overlooked benefit that many people do not even realize they have.

 

— File A Police Report

If you have confirmed that the package was stolen, then you will want to go ahead and file a police report. The police can conduct an investigation into the matter, and they might even be able to recover your package from the criminals. Filing a police report is sometimes required to get a refund from your credit card company or the retailer. When you file the report, it will help to provide as much information as possible, such as the delivery date and time as well as what item was inside the package.

 

— Use Your Homeowner’s Insurance For Large Losses

Believe it or not, you can file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance carrier if the loss is large enough. Most people have a deductible of at least $1,000 on their homeowner’s policy. However, if the value of the item that was stolen is greater than your deductible, you might be able to recoup a portion of your money by filing an insurance claim. Talk to your agent first to make sure that the loss will be covered, and they can also guide you through the claims process. Depending on your insurance carrier, you could have a check for your loss within a week or so.

 

How To Prevent Package Theft

In a perfect world, instead of learning what to do after the theft occurs, the theft would never occur in the first place. So, how can Amazon customers prevent their packages from being stolen? There are a few things that you can do to lower your odds of becoming a victim of package theft. Here is what you need to do.

 

— Include Specific Delivery Instructions

An easy way to avoid theft is by providing specific instructions to your delivery driver. Ask him to place the package in a specific delivery location that is less likely to be subject to random theft. You might ask him or her to leave the package at the back door or a basement door instead of on the front porch. Anything that you can do to help keep the package out of the eyes of a package thief will reduce the chance of theft.

 

— Schedule In-Person Delivery

One of the best ways to prevent theft is by receiving the package in person. This way, it is not left on your porch for someone to come along and grab. You will need to work with the postal service or your specific carrier to schedule delivery at the shipping address while you are home. Some carriers allow you the ability to schedule delivery on a specific date or even during a specific window of time.

— Install Security Cameras

Installing a doorbell camera is a great way to deter package theft from your home. Cameras are often just one piece of an overall security system, and other items like lights and motion detectors can also help prevent theft. If someone does steal your package after your cameras are installed, you can at least provide the police with a video of the criminal. This increases the odds that they will be caught and your package will be recovered.

— Use A Lockbox Service

Lockboxes are similar to a PO Box, and no one else can access them except you. Your package will be placed into the locker, and only you can open it with your key or access code. Search for Amazon lockers in your area and consider having your package delivered there instead of to your home. This will protect your package while allowing you the convenience to pick it up when your schedule allows.

 

The Bottom Line

If your package tracking reveals that your item has been delivered, but you’re wondering, “Where is my Amazon package,” then your package might have been stolen. With more items being ordered online during the COVID pandemic, theft is becoming a major issue. If you find yourself the victim of package theft, then take the steps outlined in this article to get your item or money back.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Will Amazon refund my missing package?

You might be wondering, “Can I get a refund if I never received my Amazon package?” Yes, Amazon will typically refund your missing package. You must wait 48 hours after the delivery notification to file a claim to ensure that the package is truly lost. If you ordered from a third-party seller, then you will need to contact the seller directly. Some sellers might be more difficult to work with when trying to get a refund, so it is helpful to order directly from Amazon.

 

What is the best way to protect my Amazon package?

Consider using an Amazon locker service to help protect your package from theft. If there are none in your area, then work with your carrier to schedule an in-person delivery. Installing security cameras will also help deter theft, as will leaving special delivery instructions so that your package is out of view of potential thieves.

 

Is there any way to find the package if it was stolen?

The police can sometimes find your stolen package if they catch the criminal who took it. If you have cameras installed, then providing the police with photos and video of the incident will increase the chances that your package will be found. Unfortunately, there are many times when stolen packages are never found. You will need to work with Amazon to obtain a new item or a refund in that case.