It’s a problem that police say plays out often during the holiday season – a car drives up to a home, someone hops out, grabs a package and takes off. The crime takes only minutes, but it often leaves families scrambling to replace a stolen gift.
“There’s a way to prevent that,” said Debra Fetterly, USPS Spokesperson in South Florida. “You have control.”
The USPS’ Informed Delivery service can help consumers manage their package deliveries.
“It’s very easy to use,” Fetterly said.
All you have to do is sign up online and go through a verification process.
“So we will make sure that you are who you say you are,” said Fetterly. “Someone else cannot create an account and then divert your packages.”
Within three days, Fetterly says you’ll start getting text messages alerting you that a package is on the way. You can then decide what to do with that delivery.
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“You can have it sent to your neighbor or back to the post office for pick up at your convenience,” Fetterly said.
To learn about Informed Delivery click here.
If you’re expecting a package that was shipped via FedEx, you can sign up for the FedEx Delivery Manager program. The free service also allows you to view arrival dates, provide delivery instructions and even sign for a package. Click here to learn more.
UPS also offers similar benefits through its “UPS My Choice” program. A free membership allows you to provide “leave at” instructions. A paid membership gives you the option of having a package delivered to another address. You can sign up for this service by visiting: UPS.
