Americans are set to take record advantage of the convenience of online ordering during the 2024 holiday season. But with that comes a higher risk of falling victim to porch pirates.
As millions of packages are set to arrive on doorsteps around the country, Local 4 is looking at how you can protect your stuff.
According to Adobe Analytics, Americans will earn $240.8 billion in online sales this holiday season.
With most purchases slated for home delivery and providing more opportunities for Porch pirates, Cnet Money Editor Dashia Milden says now is the time to be more vigilant.
Milden says protecting packages can begin before items leave the warehouse by choosing options like package tracking notifications or requiring a signature for delivery. And purchase with a credit card that offers a refund or replacement in the event of theft.
“Go ahead and check with your credit card issuer and see ‘Do I have purchase protection? What are the limitations in case something like this does happen? It’s better to be proactive in this case rather than reactive,’” said Milden.
Milden says a slight upgrade for extra recording capability around the holiday rush can help households using a doorbell camera.
“If you don’t have storage availability or recording, definitely see if that’s something you can add on,” Milden said. “Usually, just log online and pay that fee.”
Consumers should consider in-store pickup for online orders or have packages delivered to pickup locations to reduce risks.
Milden also suggests contacting neighbors to help watch for your packages and theirs in the spirit of the season.
Experts add one step that victims of porch pirates often overlook is reporting the theft to law enforcement.
Taking that step and providing information and doorbell footage could help catch a thief and reduce the number of swiped packages.
