Thieves reportedly use AT&T data to track and steal iPhones — how to protect yourself

As the holiday season ramps up, so do the schemes of so-called "porch pirates" — and this time, they're alarmingly tech savvy.

The Wall Street Journalreported last month on a wave of thefts involving AT&T iPhones delivered via FedEx, largely attributed to both companies’ lax policies on requiring signatures for high-value deliveries. However, an incident in September has highlighted a disturbing escalation.

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KHOU 11, a station located in Houston, broke the story: Deer Park Police arrested two teenagers for allegedly stealing four iPhone 16 devices in a highly orchestrated operation involving stolen tracking data.

The alleged thieves, who reportedly flew to Texas from Detroit for a weeklong heist spree, were caught red-handed with tracking numbers for multiple deliveries. Armed with this data, they targeted FedEx trucks, tailing them for hours and even confronting a driver with a legitimate tracking number to demand the package.

The big mystery here is how these teens gained access to the tracking numbers for iPhones being shipped in Texas. Neither AT&T nor law enforcement has offered much clarity.

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“These are crimes committed by sophisticated criminals that are being investigated by both federal and state law enforcement agencies,” AT&T said in an email statement to Mashable. “Parcel theft is a concern across many businesses, and it is something we take seriously. We work with law enforcement agencies and parcel carriers to protect our deliveries from these sophisticated criminals."

One theory, circulating without confirmation, points to a possible rogue employee inside AT&T funneling tracking data into the black market. Regarding this, AT&T refused to comment on "rumors and speculation."

How to protect yourself

With the idea that porch pirates may be getting more sophisticated, here are some simple ways to safeguard your deliveries.

1. Require signatures for all packages

One of the easiest ways to deter package theft is to require a signature for delivery. By adding this extra step, you ensure that your package isn’t left unattended on your porch. Major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS allow you to select this option during checkout or shipping setup.

2. Use an alternate locked delivery box

Consider setting up a secure delivery box outside your home. These locked containers provide a safe spot for couriers to drop off packages and are designed to prevent unauthorized access. Some models even include smart locks that sync with delivery notifications, giving you full control over access. You can also explore delivery services like Amazon Key, which allows packages to be placed inside your garage or another secure area.

3. Invest in a Ring Camera

Most porch pirates are looking for quick, easy targets, and the sight of a camera can be enough to make them think twice. Many models, like the popular Ring or Google Nest cameras, offer motion detection, two-way communication, and real-time alerts to your phone, so you can keep an eye on your packages from anywhere.