New iPhones are reportedly being stolen outside homes across the country—because the thieves are somehow getting ahold of their tracking numbers.

Apple iPhones from AT&T delivered by FedEx have been stolen in at least nine states, including Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Texas, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Massachusetts police investigating the thefts say the thieves are meeting the delivery drivers at the front of the homes and taking the packages.

In Texas, a woman says her iPhone 16 was stolen in September from her porch just northwest of Houston. Teenage thieves reportedly rented a car to steal iPhones around Houston. They were charged with felony theft and released on bond, according to the report.

While Verizon and T-Mobile typically require signatures for phones delivered via FedEx, it varies for AT&T, which also works with other delivery services besides FedEx.

FedEx tells the WSJ that customers should report any stolen packages. AT&T didn't specify how or why the thieves have tracking numbers, either, but says it's not due to any breach or hack.

"We require signatures in several markets where we have experienced theft issues," an AT&T spokesperson tells PCMag via email. "We regularly make changes to our processes, whether it is type of delivery or even type of packaging, to reduce instances of these thefts.

"Parcel theft is a concern across many businesses, and it is something we take seriously," the AT&T rep continues. "We work with law enforcement agencies and parcel carriers to protect our deliveries from these sophisticated criminals. We understand how frustrating and stressful these events can be for our customers. When these unfortunate events occur, we work as quickly as possible with the customer to make it right."

The AT&T rep also says both state and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating the issue. FedEx tells PCMag that it's working closely with law enforcement to prevent future thefts.

Parcel theft is a big problem, especially when high-value items are swiped. Over 119 million packages were reported stolen last year alone, and 26% of people have experienced at least one package theft.

There are some ways to make it harder for thieves to steal your tech and valuable deliveries, though. If you're buying something from AT&T (or Apple), you can choose the in-store pickup option. Otherwise, it's a good idea to try to schedule deliveries when you'll be home, if you can, or set packages to be delivered to remote pickup locations like Amazon lockers or a P.O. box.

With FedEx, a company rep explains the range of options customers have in a statement. "A shipper can request Hold at Location or Direct Signature Required services, or redirect a package to FedEx Office or Walgreens, so a package is not left unattended at a business or residence. These tools have proven very helpful in combating porch piracy." FedEx tells PCMag. "Additionally, our solutions such as FedEx Delivery Manager, Estimated Time Delivery Window, and the FedEx mobile app offer recipients a convenient experience with more control over the timing and location of their deliveries."

You can also request that delivery drivers leave packages in a more hidden location, or toss them over a fence or gate if you have one (and the package isn't fragile). Video doorbell cameras can also document thefts as they happen—and notify victims in real-time.

By: DocMemory
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