What actually happens to lost packages?

If there's no way to identify the package's intended delivery address or sender, then the USPS discards, donates, recycles, or auctions the item off.
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Does UPS actually investigation lost package?

We may inspect the package at the shipper's or receiver's site, or collect the package for inspection at a UPS facility. Once our investigation is complete, we will email, fax, or mail a notification letter to the shipper. We will not send inspection information to the receiver of the package.
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Do packages actually get lost?

The US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, and other major parcel delivery services pride themselves on accuracy and timeliness. But sometimes packages do go missing.
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Do lost USPS packages get found?

The Postal Service™ will attempt to find and return your lost item(s), but submitting a search does not guarantee a successful outcome. We will return any mail piece from which we can locate a good address or match with an official search request.
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Where do all the lost USPS packages go?

If items can't be delivered or returned, the Postal Service donates, recycles, discards, or auctions them off. Auctions of unclaimed items are popular with the reseller community, although it's a risk-reward proposition.
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USPS LOST Packages. Now what?



What does USPS do with abandoned packages?

If a Postal Service package hasn't been claimed within 90 days, it'll likely be auctioned off on GovDeals, a company the US Postal Services contracts with to sell unclaimed items. Items could be sold in lots, rather than individually — so you may wind up with a bunch more stuff to sift through, resell or donate.
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Who pays if USPS loses package?

Either the sender or the recipient may file a claim for insured mail that is lost, arrived damaged, or was missing contents. The person filing must have the original mailing receipt. Each claim must be filed within a certain time period and include proof of insurance, value, and damage.
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Can I sue USPS if they lose my package?

You can't sue for lost mail, so think about getting insurance if you are concerned about a particular package. You can also send it through certified mail to receive proof that the mail was delivered.
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How many USPS packages go missing?

Nationwide, more than 1.7 million packages disappear every day, contributing to a total of $25 million in lost goods and services, the report found.
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Does USPS pay stolen packages?

What does a USPS Claim cover? If your delivery were insured, USPS's claim process would cover the costs of shipping and the package value, up to the amount specified. If you did not have insurance, but a Missing Mail Search determined your delivery is lost or damaged, a claim will cover the cost of shipping.
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Does USPS do anything for stolen packages?

USPS may reimburse you for stolen, lost or missing packages if the mail was insured. If your packages weren't insured, they likely won't issue a refund. Instead, you'll want to contact the seller. This holds for other delivery services, too.
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What happens if UPS leaves a package and it is stolen?

File a Claim with UPS

You will need to indicate your status as a receiver, report a lost package, and include any documentation to support your claim. UPS claims that it typically takes them between 8 and 15 business days to investigate lost or damaged package claims.
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Does UPS refund stolen packages?

Generally, UPS will not reimburse a consumer if the package was delivered to a residence and then stolen. It will work with both the sender and the purchaser, as well as, law enforcement for a given claim. However, UPS will not issue a refund unless there's proof that it was responsible.
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How long does it take for UPS investigation?

Some investigations can take up to 6 months depending on the amount of incidents in the area. 6 months is the longest period of time I've seen one take.
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What happens if a shipping company loses your package?

If the shipping carrier is unable to locate the packages, you need to file an insurance claim to cover the combined insured value of the lost packages. This requires the tracking number, proof of value of the item, and proof of insurance.
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How does USPS investigate lost packages?

Here's how it works: the USPS processing centers send all their undeliverable mail to the Mail Recovery Center. They scan and open the packages to look for identifying info that may help get the package to its rightful owner—if the item has a value of $25 or more.
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Can I keep a package that was delivered to me by mistake?

Legally, you're allowed to keep a mistaken delivery. Surprising, right? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rules that allow you to keep merchandise that's wrongly delivered — even if you didn't pay for it. The logic is that sellers can't just send you goods and demand money for them.
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Can you buy unwanted Amazon packages?

Yes, you can legally buy unclaimed Amazon packages.
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Are the unclaimed Amazon boxes legit?

While the Facebook posts are fake, people can buy unclaimed Amazon parcels through legitimate websites like Liquidation.com. We rate the Facebook claim that Amazon is selling boxes for $1 False.
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What does USPS do with dead mail?

Adds Sandy Paonessa, another retired postal service employee: “Undeliverable and unreturnable First-Class mail is sent to the Mail Recovery Center. Letter mail is destroyed or recycled. If it is an item of value, it is held for a period of time awaiting someone to file a claim for it.
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Is it a federal crime to steal USPS packages?

Federal law already treats the theft of mail and packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service as a felony.
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What do porch pirates do with packages?

Porch pirates likely hope that small packages contain expensive items that can be resold, such as phones, video game systems, sound systems, or computers. Some people might simply have a compulsion towards theft that drives them to seek out the thrill of stealing.
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Does USPS investigate mail theft?

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigates: Mail Theft.
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