A troubling new trend is emerging as thieves exploit tracking information to intercept iPhone deliveries as they arrive at customers’ doorsteps, according to a new report. When thieves target iPhone deliveries, it leaves Apple users particularly vulnerable, obviously. But you can take action to protect your deliveries.
Thieves target iPhone deliveries using stolen tracking data
This holiday season, package thieves are targeting iPhone shipments — especially AT&T iPhone shipments delivered via FedEx — using stolen tracking data to time their thefts with precision, according to CNET. This sophisticated approach allows criminals to swoop in moments after delivery, often before recipients become aware their packages arrive. And that can result in not-so-happy holidays.
The surge in package theft has reached alarming levels. An estimated $12 billion worth of goods has been stolen from porches in 2024 alone, affecting approximately 58 million Americans. And high-value Apple products became prime targets for these increasingly organized theft operations.
Law enforcement sources suggest thieves obtain tracking information through internal breaches. Tracking numbers are leaked or sold on the black market. While some speculate about remote data breaches, shipping companies have not officially confirmed such incidents.
AT&T’s policy of not requiring signatures for high-value iPhone shipments inadvertently contributed to the problem. That leaves expensive devices vulnerable to theft when left unattended at delivery locations.
The East Coast has emerged as a particular hotspot for these crimes. New York, Massachusetts, Florida and Texas report significant increases in iPhone-related theft cases. While some perpetrators have been apprehended — mostly teenagers and young adults — many cases remain unsolved.
Protect your Apple deliveries
Apple users can take several precautions to secure their deliveries:
- Request signature confirmation for all high-value shipments.
- Install a locked delivery box at your residence.
- Use in-garage delivery services where available.
- Deploy video doorbells with real-time notifications.
- Ship items to secure locations like Apple Stores or workplace addresses.
The theft pattern varies by region. Some states, like Kentucky, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Alaska, report higher overall package theft rates. But others, such as Maine, maintain relatively lower incident rates. In any case, authorities say a combination of proper security measures and awareness can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these targeted thefts.
