FAQ: Beware Thieves Tracking iPhone Gifts This Holiday Season

A new rash of 2024 package thefts has uncovered a disturbing technique — with thieves seizing private tracking data so they know exactly when packages are delivered, particularly iPhones. That allows these prescient porch pirates to jump in and steal the phones right when they’re delivered.

As holiday shipping increases, we suggest staying aware of this problem and adopting measures to prevent it, especially since holiday shoppers are risking nearly $300 in package theft this year. I dug into how thieves are doing this: Here’s everything you should know.

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

Wait, thieves are stealing iPhones as they’re delivered?

Yep! In 2024, package thieves found a new way to steal high-value items, specifically iPhones. They follow package deliveries and nab the shipment the moment it’s dropped off. In most cases, these thieves run up and grab a package from a porch or doorstep only seconds after the delivery person leaves.

Reports indicate that these thefts are frequently occurring with AT&T iPhone purchases and FedEx deliveries, although the details can vary.

Where are these iPhone thieves stealing packages?

Across the United States, especially on the East Coast. Cases have been reported in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania and other states. In some cases teens and young adults have been apprehended and accused of stealing these packages, while in other cases the thieves have not been caught.

How are thieves able to do this?

Two important reasons. First, these thieves are somehow getting tracking numbers or similar tracking information for iPhone deliveries, so they get real-time updates about when and where packages are delivered, allowing them to swoop in the moment the package status changes.

Second, AT&T is one of the few telecom companies that — in many cases — doesn’t require signatures for high-value deliveries like iPhones. That allows thieves to steal packages when they are left unattended.

How are thieves accessing this kind of tracking data?

The companies involved have been very tight-lipped about how this is happening, and law enforcement organizations haven’t made any final reports yet. We are assuming that someone within the organizations is collecting tracking numbers and selling them to thieves, the same way customer login information is sold on the Dark Web. 

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

Am I only in danger if I use FedEx or buy AT&T iPhones?

This holiday season, we advise you to be careful with any high-value purchase. Thieves were able to find vulnerabilities in the shipping system AT&T used to deliver iPhones. That means that other farsighted porch pirates are going to be looking for similar vulnerabilities in other shipping methods for expensive, easily stolen packages. And if someone is selling tracking information, more people may be tempted to do the same, especially as holiday shipping ramps up.

How do you stop iPhone thieves with tracking information?

Even if thieves manage to get their hands on tracking info, there are plenty of ways to keep your expensive shipments totally safe. Adopt one of these methods to prevent package theft permanently:

• Require a signature if possible: Use companies, carriers and delivery methods that require a signature for high-value items. This essentially makes this kind of package theft impossible.
• Use a locked delivery box: If signed deliveries aren’t an option for you, consider a delivery box for your porch, door or gate. They are similar to mailboxes but designed for your home, allowing delivery people to drop packages off but locking the compartment until you decide to pick them up. More advanced versions have smart features, too.
• Arrange for in-garage deliveries: Some delivery options include having the delivery person put a package inside your garage for safekeeping. This usually requires a smart garage door and, in Amazon’s case, a Prime subscription.
• Keep an eye out with video doorbells:  A video doorbell can’t stop a package thief, but most models can recognize a package and send you a phone alert about that. That allows you to immediately jump to a live view and turn on the two-way audio so you can yell at any thieves following the delivery, hopefully scaring them off.

Complete your holiday home protection with our guide on the best ways to deter burglars, when burglars are most likely to strike your home and the best cheap security systems to get quick home protection.