How to Get a Stolen Package Refund for Free
According to a recent survey by Security.org, 49 million Americans have dealt with package theft.
When times are tough, and you need to watch every dollar you spend, the last thing you need to happen is to have a package stolen, especially if it’s an item you really need. You spent your hard-earned money on that item, and you deserve to get a refund without spending a cent.
Thankfully, there are ways to get a refund from delivery companies like Amazon, FedEx, and USPS. Here’s how to get a stolen package refund for free.
How to Get a Stolen Package Refund for Free by Company
Each delivery service will have a different series of steps you’ll have to take, so make sure you know who was responsible for delivering your package. Here are the most common delivery companies and the steps you need to take to get a refund for a stolen package.
Amazon Package Stolen
You receive a notice that your Amazon package has been delivered, only to realize you can’t find it anywhere. Don’t panic just yet. Amazon asks that you look around to make sure the package isn’t hidden out of sight. Sometimes, delivery workers will place an item beneath a welcome mat, behind the leg of porch furniture, or even in between the screen door. They can even leave packages in bizarre and unexpected places, though this is rare.
Next, make sure that one of your neighbors or family members didn’t bring the package inside. If you’re in an apartment, check the lobby or ask the landlord or front office if they have your package. If no one has your package, and it’s not in your mailbox or outside any of your doors, it’s time to head to your Amazon account.
Make sure your shipping address is accurate. If the package came from someone else, make sure they entered the right shipping information.
According to Amazon, in some rare cases, a package may say it’s delivered 48 hours before arrival.
If you still can’t find the package, glance over the Amazon stolen package policy and follow these steps.
Contact the Carrier or Third-Party Seller
Does Amazon refund stolen packages? Yes, but what you need to do varies depending on whether you bought the item through a third-party seller or not. Make sure you read up on the Amazon refund policy.
Amazon works with other carriers to deliver items. Here is the carrier contact information page, where you can find phone numbers for each company.
If your item came from a third-party seller, here’s what you need to do:
- Head to “Your Orders”
- Look for the order containing the missing item
- Click on “Problem with order”
- Choose a topic from the list
- Contact the seller
Ask the seller about a refund and tell them the steps you took to search for the missing package. Amazon asks that you wait 48 hours for a response from third-party sellers.
Amazon Package Not Delivered
In rare cases, a package may say it’s been delivered accidentally. For instance, a carrier may have accidentally sent the notification early.
If you receive the notice and can’t find your package, you may later receive a notice saying, “Amazon package not delivered,” including further instructions to take.
If your order has a photo of where the carrier left your package, contact Amazon and let them know it was not there when you arrived home and that you suspect it was stolen.
Amazon usually requires you to contact the carrier first, and you can follow the above steps to do so. Once Amazon has confirmed the package didn’t arrive or was stolen, they will issue a replacement or refund.
FedEx Stolen Package
If you need to get a refund for a stolen package shipped through FedEx, you can start a claims process online. FedEx recommends having the following information on hand to make the process easier:
- Photos if applicable
- Documentation (appraisals, invoices, a notice of delivery, etc.)
The first step is to enter the tracking/PRO number. Next, select the claim type. For a stolen package, you would select “Shipment not received.”
Here’s another way to report a missing or stolen package.
- Go to the tracking page and enter the tracking number
- Choose “Manage Delivery” and select “Report Missing Package”
- You’ll be asked if you checked everywhere, and then select “Yes”
- Enter your contact information and choose a preferred method of contact
- Submit and receive a case number
USPS Stolen Package
Did you have a package stolen that was supposed to come through the U.S. Postal Service?
The first step is to go to the USPS Tracking page. Enter your tracking number or several separated by a comma. Select “Track” to see the current status.
If you use Informed Delivery, you can get digital previews of your incoming mail, including packages. This can be useful information if you need to submit a refund request.
Next, complete the online Help Request form. You’ll have to use a computer for this step. The request will go to your local post office facility, where they can look for missing packages.
If you haven’t received a response or your package within seven business days, you can submit a Missing Mail request. You’ll need the following information:
- Mailing address for the sender and recipient
- The size or type of package container or envelope
- Any identifying information (tracking numbers, receipts, and pictures)
- A description of the items in the package (contents, brand, model, etc.)
- Further useful documentation like pictures
Additional Tips
When every dollar counts, you need to make your money last and receive the refund as fast as possible. If you want to get a refund for a stolen package, there are a few additional steps you can take to get your money sooner.
Report the theft to the authorities. Although there isn’t much the police can do to help you get your package back, alerting them to the theft can help prevent future issues. Also, they can create a police report, which you can use to help you get your refund.
Contact your bank or credit card company to see if they can do anything. Many offer purchase protection services. You can give a copy of the police report to your credit card company as proof of the theft.
Finally, you might want to invest in a home security system such as a doorbell camera to catch the thieves if they happen to return.
Keep Your Packages Safe
If you’re still wondering how to get a stolen package refund for free, follow our steps and then contact the delivery company. Whether your package is shipped through Amazon or the post office, you can get a refund for that stolen item.
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