Frequently Asked Questions: Beware of thieves tracking iPhone gifts this holiday season

A new wave of package thefts in 2024 has revealed a disturbing technique: thieves seizing private tracking data so they know exactly when packages are being delivered, especially iPhones. This allows these prescient porch pirates to jump in and steal the phones as soon as they are delivered.

As shipping costs increase during the holiday season, we recommend staying aware of this issue and taking steps to prevent it, especially as holiday shoppers risk nearly $300 in package theft this year. I researched how thieves do this: here’s everything you need to know.

Read more: The 7 Best Ways to Keep Porch Pirates Off Your Package

Wait, thieves steal iPhones while they’re being delivered?

Yes! In 2024, package thieves found a new way to steal valuable items, especially iPhones. They track package delivery and pick up the shipment as soon as it is delivered. In most cases, just seconds after the delivery person has left, these thieves run up and grab a package from a porch or sidewalk.

Reports indicate that these thefts are common among AT&T iPhone purchases and FedEx deliveries, although details may vary.

Where are these iPhone thieves stealing packages?

Throughout the United Statesespecially on the east coast. Cases have been reported in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania and other states. In some cases teenagers and young adults have been arrested and charged of stealing these packages, while in other cases the thieves have not been caught.

How can thieves do this?

Two main reasons. First, these thieves somehow obtain tracking numbers or similar tracking information for iPhone deliveries, so they get real-time updates on when and where packages are being delivered, allowing them to intervene the moment the package status changes.

Second, AT&T is one of the few telecom companies that – in many cases – does not require signatures for high-value shipments such as iPhones. This allows thieves to steal packages when left unattended.

How do thieves get access to this kind of tracking data?

The companies involved are remaining tight-lipped about how this is happening, and law enforcement organizations have not yet released final reports. We assume that someone within the organizations is collecting tracking numbers and selling them to thieves, the same way customer credentials are sold on the Dark Web.

Remote data theft is also a possibility, but companies usually release news about a data breach in those cases. AT&T has reported that it usually makes changes to prevent these types of thefts, but is again light on the details.

Am I only at risk if I use FedEx or buy AT&T iPhones?

During the holidays, we recommend that you be careful with high-value purchases. Thieves were able to discover vulnerabilities in the shipping system that AT&T used to deliver iPhones. That means other farsighted porch pirates will look for similar vulnerabilities in other shipping methods for expensive, easy-to-steal packages. And if someone is selling tracking information, more people may be tempted to do the same, especially as shipping increases during the holidays.

How to stop iPhone thieves with tracking information?

Even if thieves manage to obtain tracking information, there are plenty of ways to keep your expensive shipments completely safe. Use one of these methods to permanently prevent package theft:

• Require a signature if possible: Use companies, carriers, and delivery methods that require a signature for high-value items. This makes this type of package theft essentially impossible.
• Use a sealed delivery box: If signed deliveries aren’t an option for you, consider a delivery box for your porch, door or gate. They look similar to mailboxes, but are designed for your home, allowing delivery people to drop off packages but lock the compartment until you decide to pick them up. More advanced versions also have smart features.
• Arrange deliveries in the garage: With some delivery options you can choose to have the delivery person store a package in your garage. This typically requires a smart garage door and, in the case of Amazon, a Prime subscription.
• Keep an eye on things with video doorbells: A video doorbell can’t stop a package thief, but most models can recognize a package and alert you by phone. This allows you to immediately jump to a live view and turn on the two-way audio, so you can shout at any thieves after delivery and hopefully scare them off.

Complete the protection of your holiday home with our guide to the best ways to deter burglars, when burglars are most likely to enter your home and the best cheap security systems to quickly protect your home.