# Criminals Have Discovered a Wild New Strategy to Steal Your AT&T iPhone 16
In a troubling emerging trend, criminals have found an innovative way to snatch iPhones, especially focusing on AT&T users. These thefts occur right after packages are delivered, often before recipients even get a chance to handle their new gadgets. The increasing frequency of these incidents has many puzzled over how these package thieves manage to obtain the critical information to time their heists so accurately.
## The Escalating Danger of Package Thieves
Package thieves, a phrase that refers to those who pilfer deliveries from porches, have become a rising issue, particularly with the surge in online shopping. Nonetheless, what makes this new surge in thefts especially alarming is the efficiency exhibited by the criminals. They appear to have access to tracking details for iPhones dispatched by AT&T via FedEx, enabling them to determine precisely when a parcel arrives.
This suggests that even if you’re home, your iPhone might be taken within moments of its delivery. These criminals are so swift that in some instances, they’ve been caught on video making off with packages mere seconds after they are dropped off.
## What’s Their Method?
As per various reports, the thieves seem to be acquiring access to the tracking details for iPhones shipped by AT&T. This grants them knowledge of the exact delivery time, facilitating their swift actions to steal the package.
While the exact nature of how this information is accessed remains ambiguous, several theories exist. One possibility is that certain employees could be gathering tracking data and selling it on illicit online marketplaces. Another theory posits that the thieves might be taking advantage of weaknesses in the shipping companies’ tracking systems, like that of FedEx.
What’s particularly worrying is that AT&T and FedEx have both claimed their systems remain uncompromised, suggesting the criminals are utilizing alternative methods to gather the information they seek.
## High-Incidence Areas and Victims
The reported thefts are predominantly concentrated on the East Coast, particularly in states such as New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, which have become hotspots for these crimes. Although some thieves have been captured on surveillance footage, many still evade capture.
A notable incident involved a family in Snellville, Georgia, who ordered five iPhones from AT&T. All five devices vanished from their porch mere minutes after being delivered. The family’s doorbell camera recorded the thief sprinting from his vehicle, seizing the package, and escaping in just 10 seconds. Similar occurrences have been noted in Texas and other regions.
## How Can You Safeguard Your iPhone?
With the holiday season nearing and the iPhone 16 being a coveted item, it’s more crucial than ever to implement measures when ordering your new device. Here are some strategies to help safeguard your iPhone from package thieves:
1. **Security Cameras**: Setting up surveillance cameras around your residence can deter criminals and offer critical evidence if a theft does happen. Numerous package thieves have been recorded on camera, which can aid in their capture.
2. **In-Person Pickup**: If feasible, choose in-store pickup instead of home delivery. Though it may be less convenient, it eliminates the chance of your package being pilfered from your entryway.
3. **Secure Delivery Boxes**: Think about installing a robust lockbox for deliveries. This can provide a secure area for packages, minimizing theft risks.
4. **Alternative Delivery Locations**: If you’re unavailable to accept your package, consider having it sent to your workplace or a reliable neighbor’s home.
5. **Explore Other Retailers**: If you’re apprehensive about the risks linked to AT&T deliveries, contemplate acquiring your iPhone from another retailer with different delivery practices.
## Final Thoughts
As package thieves become more adept in their tactics, it’s essential to remain alert and take proactive measures to secure your deliveries. With iPhones being highly desirable targets, particularly during the holiday period, considering alternative delivery methods or investing in home security is wise to protect your new device from falling into illicit hands.
By staying vigilant and implementing the proper measures, you can significantly lessen the chances of becoming a victim of these progressively prevalent thefts.
