A recent investigation indicates that porch pirates – individuals who pilfer packages left outside homes shortly after delivery – may be using AT&T’s tracking information to monitor iPhone deliveries.
There’s been a noticeable increase in the theft of iPhones from doorsteps after being purchased from AT&T and delivered via FedEx, seemingly facilitated by real-time delivery notifications.
CNET has reported on this situation.
This new wave of package thefts in 2024 reveals a concerning method — thieves accessing private tracking information to pinpoint the exact moment packages arrive, particularly iPhones. This enables these clever porch pirates to swoop in and steal the phones as soon as they are delivered […]
Criminals are reportedly obtaining tracking numbers or comparable information for iPhone deliveries, providing them with real-time notifications about package arrivals, allowing them to act immediately when delivery statuses update.
AT&T is among the few telecom providers that often do not require signatures for high-value shipments like iPhones. This opens the door for thieves to take packages left unattended.
Neither AT&T nor FedEx has released any statements, and law enforcement continues to investigate. One theory posits that the information might be accessed by rogue AT&T employees and subsequently sold to criminals.
The report advises consumers to purchase items from retailers and carriers that mandate a signature for high-value deliveries, as this practice can help ensure that packages are not left vulnerable on doorsteps.
Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash
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