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Holiday shopping scams and stolen packages: how to stay safe

Fake stores, paying safely, fake delivery texts, stopping porch theft, what to do if a package is stolen, and charity and gift card scams.

Quick answer

Be wary of deals that look too good, brand-new sites and no real reviews. Pay with a credit card so you can dispute charges, and avoid sellers who want gift cards, wires or payment apps. Ignore surprise “delivery problem” texts; check orders in the official app. Prevent porch theft with tracking, lockers, store pickup or signatures. If a package is stolen, contact the seller first, then report it to the carrier and police and dispute the charge if needed.

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Your checklist

  • Skip deals that look too good
  • Pay with a credit card
  • Ignore surprise delivery texts
  • Use lockers, pickup or signatures
  • Stolen? Call the seller, then report
  • Check charities; never pay with gift cards

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Fake stores and deals

Scam sites copy real brands and advertise huge discounts, especially on social media. Check the web address carefully, look for reviews from other sources, and be wary of brand-new sites with no history.

Pay the safe way

Use a credit card, which usually lets you dispute charges for items that never arrive. Avoid sellers who ask for gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or payment apps.

Fake delivery texts and emails

Messages about a “delivery problem” with a link are a common trick to steal card numbers or install malware. Check orders only in the store’s or carrier’s official app or site.

Prevent porch theft

  • Track deliveries and bring packages in quickly.
  • Ship to a locker, store pickup or your workplace if allowed.
  • Require a signature for expensive items.
  • Ask a neighbor to grab packages.
  • A doorbell camera can deter thieves and help with reports.

If a package is stolen

1. Contact the seller; many replace or refund stolen packages. 2. Report it to the carrier. 3. File a police report. 4. If needed, dispute the charge with your card or use its purchase protection.

Charities and gift cards

Verify charities before donating, and never pay anyone with gift cards. Report scams to the FTC.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • [your city] police non-emergency report theft
  • check a charity before donating

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Is it a crime to steal packages?

Yes. Stealing packages is theft, and taking mail can also be a federal crime. Report it to police. More ›

Does homeowners or renters insurance cover stolen packages?

Sometimes, but the deductible often makes a claim not worth it. Try the seller and your card first. More ›

How do I spot a fake online store?

Huge discounts on popular items, a web address that’s slightly off, a brand-new site, no contact information and no reviews from other sources. More ›

What should I do if my package was stolen?

Contact the seller first, report it to the carrier and police, and dispute the charge with your credit card if needed. More ›

Are delivery texts with links safe?

Surprise texts about delivery problems are often scams. Check orders only in the official app or site. More ›

How can I stop packages from being stolen?

Track deliveries, use lockers or store pickup, require signatures for expensive items, or ask a neighbor to bring them in. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.