nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I'm sorry that happened to you. That is why I rent a box at the post office. I rented the smallest one ( and the cheapest ) but everything I buy on-line, I have delivered to that P.O. box. When it gets to the post office, they leave me a note in it, and I go to desk and pick it up. I don't worry about porch pirates anymore. Something for you ( and everyone else who reads this) to think about. I don't regret it. Happy New Year!!!

brrywill

I'm not sure porch pirates are the problem here. There is a new scam afoot where the sender reuses an existing tracking number and applies it to your package. The package then goes to the intended address, which is usually in the same area, and all is well in th eyes of the post office. You get the notice of delivery. I have no idea how they are doing this, but my guess is it involves some sort of hacking to get the tracking numbers.

It happened to me twice, once with the post office and once with UPS. Both organizations were fully aware of the scam and how it works, and said it is widespread. Luckily they were able to trace the tracking numbers to their intended destinations, proving the information sent to me was false. The problem is, as soon as Ebay shuts the bogus seller down, they set up another account and the whole process begins anew. The items involved are usually high ticket items, so if they manage to sell one or two before they are shut down, they are probably making a good living.

Gilkar

This is a scam that has been around for several years. There is a hog thread about it somewhere. In essence the seller posts something at an incredibly low price. (A big red flag but when you are having a GAS attack you become irrational). In my case it was a Z6 camera. You pay through Paypal which is supposed to protect you somewhat. The seller sends a dummy package to any old address he chooses, usually in your area. The dummy package in my case was sent through UPS. After a few days you start to wonder where your item is. So you use the tracking number and it shows the package delivered. You go looking. You check the porch, your neighbors, etc. Then you call UPS, they show the package delivered, (In my case to a Dick Morris at an address across town. There was no such address) You call UPS back you tell them no such person at a bogus address, They refuse to help you they show they delivered the package. Then you call Paypal. They WON'T help you for the same reason, Package was delivered. I was fortunate in my case because at the time of purchase Paypal was pushing their credit card and I took advantage of their offer of zero% interest for 24 months. I called the credit card company and they refunded the money immediately with the caveat that if the seller was legit I would be out of luck. It has been two years so I think I'm safe. I know they'll be lots of sympathetic replies as well as a lot of sarcastic ones. That's just the way UHH works. I wish I could say something positive to give you encouragement but I'm afraid you are out of luck.
Gilkar

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

I do the same.

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

Hi Steveo52, I understand your thinking. Porch Thieves need to be punished! The "eye for an eye," analogy is actually an argument for having the punishment fit the crime. Prior to that idea catching on, all criminals were put to death no matter how small or great their crime. So, let's identify the thief, go to their house with a moving van and steal all their stuff!

mikenolan Loc: Lincoln Nebraska

'Their' stuff? Much of it is probably stolen stuff that should be returned to its owners.

Make them do community service at the rate of 1 hour per dollar of stolen merchandise. Set up a separate petit larceny court system if you have to.

Dan5000 Loc: New Hampshire

Thats what insurance is for.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

No, "purchase is guaranteed" is not honored in my case and rightfully so.
They are only going to give your money back if they can take it from the seller.
In this case the seller did nothing wrong and should not be charged.

From what I understand signature verification would be best but if you ask for it it still may not be purchased by the seller.. also hard to ask for with "buy it now".. not full proof, still next time I will think twice before I do without it.

Insurance would be great but only covers the seller and only the seller can purchase shipping insurance? Also hard to ask for with "buy it now" it's either offered or not.. not full proof. I will not look to pay for this if I don't have to in the future.

Thanks for all the comments and helpful insights!

BebuLamar

If the package isn't insured the USPS only pays for the shipping cost when proved that they lost the package. So really it's a very bad situation for all. You the seller and even Ebay.

pendennis

The increased number and amount of claims filed is the driver for increased insurance premiums.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Not quite true. The last time I was on eBay, their rules favored the buyer, who could reflect issues in their rating system and their comments. I never gave ratings until I had the item in my hands, and could at least superficially test it.

At least tell eBay what has happened.

mikenolan Loc: Lincoln Nebraska

The number of claims that involve fraud of one kind or another adds to the premium cost, too.

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto: "One inconvenient solution is to pay for signature required delivery so someone has to receive and sign for whatever it is."

trapper1 Loc: Southside Virginia

The CVS drugstore chain has a system whereby you can have the package deliverd to the CVS store of your choice. They notify you when they receive it and you go there with proper ID and pick up your package during their regular hours. The system utilizes FedEx as the carrier. I have used the system several times and it worked fine. The biggest advantage is that there is no opportunity for a porch pirate to steal your shipment that normally would have been left on your front porch.

Trapper1

charles brown Loc: Tennesse