Besides the pretty lights and maybe some caroling or other family traditions, December 1st brings a much more modern aspect to the holidays: Porch Piracy!
It wasn’t much of “a thing” when people actually left their homes to shop. Rules then still apply now, though…if you’ve made the physical rounds to the stores, don’t leave your packages in plain sight in your vehicle, lest you attract the Grinch to steal Christmas from you. But now that online shopping dominates it’s hard to keep those deliveries out-of-sight from thieves, and the US Postal Service has some tips.
. First, do you best to retrieve letters and packages from the mailbox and doorstep as soon as possible.
. If you don’t receive something as expected, contact the sender promptly to inquire. If you can’t be home to get a delivery, arrange for someone else to get it or use the USPS “Hold Mail” Service.
. Don’t send cash in the mail.
. Request signature confirmation for important mail or packages.
. Don’t forget to file a change of address with the USPS if you move, and let your financial institutions know, too.
One other reminder…if you receive a text or email about an undeliverable parcel, don’t respond. It’s more likely to be a scam trying to get your personal information. Always contact the Postal Service or other carrier directly instead.
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