Holiday Theft Prevention Tips

According to a 2019 Theft Report, 24% of adults have had a package stolen from their homes. In 2019, this amounted to nearly $730 billion lost from stolen packages alone. Identity theft can also increase during the holidays. Continue reading to learn what you can do to protect your home and your identity this holiday season.

At Svendsen Insurance Agency, we make protecting your home our priority. Contact us in Woodbridge, Connecticut, for more home protection guidance.

How Can I Avoid Porch Theft?

Millions of Americans experience porch theft every year. Here are some tips for deterring theft from your home deliveries: a person delivering a package to a front door

a person delivering a package to a front door

Get your packages delivered to work or a locker.
Provide specific drop-off instructions for packages.
Install security cameras.
Track your packages.
Change your delivery settings to require a signature.

Reschedule your deliveries so your packages don’t arrive while you’re away.
Ask a trusted neighbor to bring your packages inside.
Insure your packages.

If you believe your package has been stolen, contact your delivery service to confirm it was dropped off. Write down any notable characteristics of the thief (e.g., gender, height) to give to local authorities. If you or your neighbors have a security camera, give the police a copy of the video.

How Can I Avoid Identity Theft?

Some experts believe identity theft increases during the winter holidays because there’s a greater chance the theft will go unnoticed. Consider these tips for avoiding identity theft this winter:

Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi.
Verify requests for donations.
Make purchases with credit cards instead of debit.
Be suspicious of unexpected deliveries or sales calls.

Don’t fall for get-rich-from-home ads.
Check for skimming devices on ATMs and card readers.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, report the theft immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

Contact Svendsen Insurance Agency today for further guidance.

Getting the Protection You Deserve

We’re here to help you and your family stay safe year-round. Contact Svendsen Insurance Agency to learn more about our home insurance coverage and to speak to an agent.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.

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