BBB warning: Watch out for holiday delivery scams and 'porch pirate' theft

Consumers recently wrapped up a holiday weekend of intense online shopping, so their new purchases will be arriving soon, at least that's what they assume.

The Better Business Bureau is alerting shoppers to "Porch Pirates," thieves who take delivered packages from your front door, and a variety of delivery scams that can steal your identity.

According to Security.org's recently reported figures, Porch Pirates stole more than 113 million packages from the porches of homes last year. Those losses add up to $8 billion dollars. Average loss per package - $50.

"Porch Pirates often will target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and is easily visible," said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB. "These bandits can make a killing when you consider that the average consumer receives 3.5 packages per week."

Discouraging package theft can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your residence, type, and community. For instance, preventing package theft at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a suburban residential community.

Also, beware that fake text messages and emails about deliveries are surging as well. These messages can falsely tell you there is a problem with your delivery or account and look like authentic messages from shippers. Never click on links or call phone numbers in any messages about delivery and go directly to the shipper site to verify any messages about your account. Phony emails and text are a regular tactic of scammers trying to get to your personal information or access to your computer.

How to avoid delivery scams:

• Take precautions to ensure safe delivery: If you have a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, purchase shipping insurance. In addition, always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically.

• Watch out for texts, calls, or emails about a missed delivery. Legitimate delivery services usually leave a "missed delivery" notice on your door. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic, and only then follow their instructions. Keep track of what you've ordered to understand better what is coming and when.

• Request a signature: Chances are this feature may come with a price tag, but it may be worth the extra fee. Requesting a signature means that a delivery service won't be able to drop a package on your doorstep unless someone is around to sign for it.

• Don't leave packages sitting on your doorstep. Packages left sitting outside are particularly vulnerable to theft. To ensure safe delivery, have your package delivered to your workplace or a trusted friend or neighbor who will be home to accept delivery. Some delivery companies now have lockers where your packages can securely wait for you to pick them up using a one-time code to open the locker.

• Consider a package receiving service. Some major retailers, such as Amazon, offer secure package-receiving locations away from your home that you can access with a key or code. Some independent businesses also specialize in this service, allowing you to designate a different delivery location for your packages and the ability to pick them up on your way home.

• Ship to store. If purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages they have received, and this is a sure way to avoid porch pirates.

• Open your delivery upon receipt to check for damage or signs of tampering. Contact the seller immediately if you believe something is wrong with the shipment or it's not what you ordered. Also, be sure to review the seller's return policy for damaged or unwanted items.

• Use a security camera. Installing a home security system with cameras or a camera-enabled doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is under surveillance. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of internet-connected devices and research before you purchase).

"Along with package theft there are other concerns," Bernas said. "Con artists have developed many ways to steal from shoppers. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from their shady tactics."

The first scam to look out for is phishing texts or emails that pose as official notices from delivery companies. These either contain a "tracking link" or a message that the shipper is having difficulty delivering a package to you, or most recently, a link to update delivery preferences. Clicking the link either takes you to a form that asks for personally identifying information or to a site that downloads malware onto your computer.

You might get a call, email, or even a text from someone claiming to be a mail carrier or a parcel delivery service saying they could not deliver a package to your home. If you don't remember ordering anything to be delivered, the caller may try to convince you the package is a gift from a friend or relative. The caller may sound friendly and professional, making the scam harder to spot. The email messages also look legitimate - containing official logos and using professional language. However, things get suspicious quickly. The caller will ask you to verify personal information or give them your credit card information to reschedule the delivery.

Another delivery scam involves fake "missed delivery" tags. Scammers place a note on your door that claims they have challenges delivering a package to you. They ask you to call a phone number to reschedule your delivery, but it's a ruse to get your personal information.

Remember to always look for the BBB Seal. It's the sign of a better business.

If you've encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report exposes scammer tactics. Sign up for BBB's free consumer newsletter, BBB Edge, at BBB.org/ChicagoBuzz.

Visit BBB.org or follow @ChicagoBBB on social media.