Digital Smarts - Foiling Porch Pirates

While shopping online has become a norm for many people, it is important to remember the risks that come with it. You are probably careful about keeping your passwords and personal information safe from hackers, but don’t forget about those who might take the opportunity to physically steal from you.  “Porch Pirates” is a new term that has been coined for those thieves who steal packages from your porch, mailbox or stoop. According to a recent report, at least 23 million Americans have had packages stolen, but there are ways to protect yourself. A new device called a Package Guard will send an alert to your phone when a package has been delivered and can be set up to sound an alarm if the package is removed before you authorize it to be. Amazon Locker is another option for deliveries from Amazon.com. Instead of being delivered to your house or apartment, the packages arrive at a nearby Amazon Locker location, where they are placed in a secure compartment. An e-mail is sent soon as the package arrives at the locker and you have three full days to pick it up. Then, you simply enter your special unlock code on the Amazon Locker touchscreen and your compartment opens, allowing you to retreive your delivery.