As online shopping increases in popularity, so does the potential for theft. Unfortunately, there are people who follow delivery trucks around with the hope of finding a package with good merchandise left on a porch to steal. A few years ago, I had a friend who ordered a new cell phone, and the box was delivered while she was at work. When she arrived home expecting to see the box, it was gone. Someone saw the box on the porch and stole it. Also, recently, I ordered an item from Amazon and the tape that was used to seal the box said “Kindle Fire”. I received an email from Amazon saying that there was a delivery delay due to UPS, and when I finally received the package a couple of days later I saw that my package had been tampered with. The shipping box was partially opened just enough so someone could peak inside to decide if they wanted the item or not. Luckily for me, the person decided that they didn’t want my purchase and then the package was delivered to me.

It’s hard to prevent someone responsible for transporting your package from tampering with your purchase, however there are steps that you can take to ensure the safety of your package upon delivery.

1. Track your packages. If you track of your package, you will know when to expect it and you can pick it up soon after it is left on your doorstep. This minimizes the time that the package sits, and thus reduces the likelihood of theft.
2. Watch the timing of purchase. Do not purchase a package if it will arrive when you are out of town. If the package sits too long, it can become a magnet for theft, and it also signals to potential criminals that someone isn’t home which is even worse.
3. Arrange for delivery to someone else. If you know that you will not be home soon after the package arrives, have the package sent to a neighbor, trusted friend, or your job. If you do this, be sure to make sure that someone will be around to physically take delivery of the package.
4. Upgrade the shipping to require a signature. If you upgrade your shipping to include a signature, then your package cannot be left on your doorstep unattended. If you live in a house, you may be able to arrange for pick up at the local UPS, FedEx, or USPS facility. If you live in an apartment or condo, then the person in the office will generally sign.
5. In-Store Pick-Up. Stores like Best Buy will allow you to order online and pick up in stores. By doing this you not only totally avoid shipping, but you also receive the benefit of online pricing. Additionally, if you live in a market with Amazon Locker, you can purchase through Amazon and have purchases stored in a safe locker until you pick them up.

Hopefully these tips will help you to keep your online purchases safe this season and during the year. Please let me know which ones you decide to use.

Aisha Taylor is a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author of the book “5+5 FNPhenomenal Ways to Save $100 This Week Without Killing Your Lifestyle”, and the Founder of FNPhenomenal (Frugal –n- Phenomenal). FNPhenomenal helps women to break the vicious cycle of making money, but not keeping it. FNPhenomenal provides education about money management, empowers women to take control of their lives, develop a healthier relationship with money, and pursue being phenomenal.

Visit Aisha online at www.FNPhenomenal.com

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