Over the past few months, iPhone thefts have been occurring frequently across the United States. The thefts are being carried out by “porch pirates” who are often seen on doorbell camera videos scooping up boxes right after they are delivered. According to a Wall Street Journal article published yesterday, phones shipped by AT&T are being targeted more often than phones made by Verizon or T-Mobile.
“The key to these quick crimes, investigators say, is that the thieves have tracking numbers. Another factor that makes packages from AT&T especially vulnerable is that AT&T typically requires a signature upon delivery. “Verizon and T-Mobile require signatures, whereas AT&T typically does not require signatures for smartphone distribution,” the article states.
WSJ spoke with Lt. Chris Brown of Deer Park, Texas, who said, “The suspects had inside information about the AT&T package tracking number.” Deer Park police worked with AT&T to track down the suspects. We are investigating how they obtained that information.” . ”
An AT&T spokesperson contacted by Ars today said the phone company uses multiple delivery companies and is “delivering.”[s] We can successfully deliver tens of thousands of packages per day,” AT&T said.[s] Signature in several markets where theft issues have occurred, and we regularly make changes to our processes. [the] To reduce such instances of theft, the type of delivery and even the type of packaging needs to change. ”
AT&T also says it is “cooperating with law enforcement and couriers to protect our deliveries,” and that these crimes are “perpetrated by sophisticated criminals who are being investigated by both federal and state law enforcement.” “We are aware of this,” he said. We asked both AT&T and FedEx about the number of thefts, but received no answers.
Below is a WMUR-TV report on one such theft in New Hampshire, which also includes doorbell camera footage.
Hampton’s cameras captured porch pirates using iPhones to steal packages.
AT&T: No evidence of hacking
WSJ quoted AT&T as saying, “There is no evidence of any compromise of our systems and this is not a hack.” If there was no hack, the tracking number may have come directly from the employee or contractor. AT&T told Ars there is no evidence of a breach or hack yet.
