Porch pirates are hacking tracking numbers to beat you home

November 26, 2025

By Kim Komando

Porch pirates are getting bold. Really bold. Last year, someone disguised as a bag of trash crawled up to a porch to steal packages. Funny to watch, not funny when it’s your stuff.

Thieves are hacking into AT&T, UPS and FedEx records to watch tracking updates and pounce on packages minutes after they arrive. Many pirates simply follow delivery trucks and swoop in seconds after the driver leaves.

👉🏼 Free ways to protect your packages

Request a signature: For anything expensive, always require someone to sign. Amazon can email you a secure passcode you have to give to the delivery driver in person for pricey deliveries. Here’s how. 

Get it right to the garage: Amazon’s In-Garage Delivery lets drivers use a one-time secure code to open your garage, drop the package and leave. Background-checked drivers only. No repeat access. See if it’s available in your area.

Send it to the office: If your office allows it, send your packages to the front desk. Make sure you’re not ordering anything you would be embarrassed to pick up in front of HR. 😳

Try an Amazon Locker: Amazon Lockers are basically smart PO boxes. When the package arrives, you get a single-use code to open the locker. There are more than 40,000 nationwide. Use this map to find one near you.

👊🏼 How to outsmart ’em

• A video doorbell like the Ring Doorbell Plus lets you see packages being delivered and speak through the intercom remotely to deter thieves (or at least capture evidence of the crime). 
• The more cams, the better. Thieves don’t know these cheap ones aren’t really recording. (Get a two-pack for under $29!)
• A smart lock like the Eufy C220 gives delivery drivers temporary access to your back garden, garage or hallway via a single-use code.
• A storage bench looks nice on the patio and hides your stuff from someone walking by.
• A porch lockbox like this lockable delivery box works well for bigger packages on the porch.
• Signs are still effective. They’re an inexpensive, proven deterrent.

And if thieves still manage to snag something, call your credit card company. Many cards include purchase protection for theft.

📸 I set up a quick reply on my doorbell camera so it says, “Smile big for the cops!” Porch pirates don’t stick around for the photo shoot.

Oh, did you hear that Apple came up with a new revolutionary eye patch for pirates. It’s called the iEye patch. (Tell that one to the kids for a huge groan!)

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