Concerns over package delivery integrity have escalated in 2025, as numerous customers report receiving empty boxes instead of their ordered iPhones. Cases of suspected theft by delivery drivers have emerged, raising alarm about vulnerabilities in the shipping process. A recent incident shared on Reddit by user Teach8870 highlights this troubling trend.
In this particular case, Teach8870 was expecting a new iPhone when the delivery driver arrived. After requesting the user to sign for the package, the driver claimed the scanner was still in the truck and presented a box that appeared to have been tampered with. Noticing the suspicious condition of the package, the customer refused to accept it, prompting the driver to document the situation by photographing the box and its tracking label. The driver then called a supervisor, stating that an investigation would be initiated.
Despite the driver’s intervention, when Teach8870 contacted FedEx, they were informed that the delivery would be marked as refused, leading to a scheduled pickup of the empty box. Later, a representative cancelled the original order, categorizing it as lost or stolen and placing a replacement order. This new order was processed, yet the original device still showed as pending delivery, leaving the customer uncertain about the next steps.
Online discussions reveal that Teach8870 is not alone in this experience. Other Reddit users have recounted similar incidents of iPhone theft during delivery, with one individual reporting multiple thefts by FedEx, resulting in the loss of four devices. In one instance, two iPhones were left in empty boxes, falsely marked as delivered. Resolving these issues took several months of communication with the carrier, illustrating the challenges customers face in reclaiming their lost devices.
Another user detailed their own encounter, where they never saw the delivery driver, yet the package was marked as delivered. After several fruitless calls to FedEx, the missing iPhones eventually appeared on their doorstep days later, likely due to the driver’s fear of being caught.
These alarming reports underscore the increasing risk of package theft, even for deliveries that require signatures. The frustrations experienced by customers reveal a significant gap in the accountability of delivery services. The possibility of collusion between drivers and thieves raises further concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures in the logistics industry.
As this issue gains traction, it becomes essential for delivery companies to reassess their protocols to ensure the safety and security of their customers’ packages. The rise in reported thefts not only compromises customer trust but could also lead to broader implications for the e-commerce industry as a whole. With the rapid growth of online shopping, maintaining the reliability of delivery services remains paramount.
In response to these ongoing issues, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to their deliveries. The hope is that addressing these vulnerabilities will lead to improved processes and ultimately prevent further incidents of theft in the future.
