| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
theo
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
588 Posts |
 Posted - 03/06/2009 : 09:49:55
|
I've been buying coins over the mail (through ebay mostly) for about three months. I typically track what ebay coins I've recieved by leaving feedback. In the last couple weeks, I've noticed that I haven't recieved a couple of fairly expensive packages ($50 to $100). I checked with the post office on first package, which was insured. They said it was delivered to my house, but I'm almost positive that I didn't recieve it; no signature was required. They told me that I'd have to convince the post master that I didn't recieve it; which sounded odd. Now that a second package has turned up missing I suppose I have to go down there again. BTW both sellers provided tracking numbers so I think they are in the clear.
I've always known this was a risk, but up until now I haven't had a problem. I prefer buying face to face, but the opportunities to do that is limited where I live. Has anybody had this happen to them? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. FYI I plan to start insuring everthing over $50.
Theo
|
|
|
Tourney64
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1035 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 09:53:26
|
| Start requiring signatures for receipt. |
 |
|
|
horgad
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1641 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 10:01:39
|
It sounds like somebody may have figured out that your packages are worth stealing. I would first suspect somebody raiding you mail-box or porch after the package is delivered. Second choice would be your postman, but I doubt it...most people wouldn't risk that type of a job in these times for a few extra dollars.
So either watch you mail-box or get some kind of drop-box or have a trusted neighbor pick-up your mail or send your packages to your work address or whatever, but do something. Also consider talking to your postman and getting to know him.
Two missing that close together is not a fluke and will likely continue... IMHO
Edit: And making an insurance claim is not that big of a deal. You fill out a form and the person that sent it fills out a form. You are given the benefit of the doubt. It could also spur the post office to investigate the record of the postman (and you) to see if he (or you) has an unusually high amount of insurance claims.... |
Edited by - horgad on 03/06/2009 10:04:53 |
|
|
|
theo
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 10:08:46
|
quote:
Originally posted by horgad
It sounds like somebody may have figured out that your packages are worth stealing. I would first suspect somebody raiding you mail-box or porch after the package is delivered. Second choice would be your postman, but I doubt it...most people wouldn't risk that type of a job in these times for a few extra dollars.
So either watch you mail-box or get some kind of drop-box or have a trusted neighbor pick-up your mail or send your packages to your work address or whatever, but do something. Also consider talking to your postman and getting to know him.
Two missing that close together is not a fluke and will likely continue... IMHO
I agree, I'm worried that somebody has recognized my buying pattern. I'd be surprised if somebody is stealing out of my mailbox though. I live on a cul de sac and my mail is rarely the box more than an hour. I'll look into getting a drop box though. Thanks |
|
|
|
psi
Penny Collector Member
Canada
399 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 11:59:56
|
| Another concern is that now someone knows you likely have pm's in the house. The drop box is a good idea but you might want to think about how good your locks are etc. |
|
|
|
NotABigDeal
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 17:02:11
|
quote:
Originally posted by psi
Another concern is that now someone knows you likely have pm's in the house. The drop box is a good idea but you might want to think about how good your locks are etc.
Correct. If they know what's going TO the house, they know what's INSIDE. Or at least they think they do, which is all that matters....
Deal |
Live free or die.
Plain and simple.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your council or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
- Samuel Adams |
|
|
|
theo
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 18:22:56
|
quote:
Originally posted by NotABigDeal
quote:
Originally posted by psi
Another concern is that now someone knows you likely have pm's in the house. The drop box is a good idea but you might want to think about how good your locks are etc.
Correct. If they know what's going TO the house, they know what's INSIDE. Or at least they think they do, which is all that matters....
Deal
Points well taken. After some thought I have a possible theory. A new cable provider has moved into our area. The sub-contracter they have hired is said to be using . . .ahem "immigrant" workers to help lay cable (fiber optic?). My neighbor switched over to them about they same time I should have received my coins. I didn't see the workers myself at this time, but I could tell some work had been done. I'm guessing that one of the workers saw my postman put one of those padded packages in my mailbox and, when the time was right, helped himself. My concern is that this may have happened on two different days (about 4 days apart). I try not to stereotype, but I've seen some of these workers and a few of them do look suspicious.
Anyway, I think I'm going to get a drop box at the USPS. Also I'll mention my theory to the post office people. Perhaps they've gotten other complaints. Finally I'll try to get my neighbors to be more vigilent without tipping my hand. As far as breaking in I live on a cul de sac and I have a pretty good dead bolt on my front door. The locks on the back aren't quite as good, but there are three of them and any burglar would have to defeat them in full view of a couple dozen houses. Having said that; any suggestions for security improvements would be welcome. |
Edited by - theo on 03/06/2009 18:41:48 |
|
|
|
slickeast
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
2533 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 18:41:37
|
I have a P.O. Box....$20.00 for 6 months. Nobody will know what you have and I have all my packages sent there. I had a package from FedEx delivered across the street and 3 houses down. How he did that I don't know but the guy that lives there brought it to my house. Contents worth 500+.
GET A P.O. BOX it is worth every penny |
You don't have to be the BEST you just have to be.......SLICK
|
|
|
|
theo
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 19:22:01
|
quote:
Originally posted by slickeast
I have a P.O. Box....$20.00 for 6 months. Nobody will know what you have and I have all my packages sent there. I had a package from FedEx delivered across the street and 3 houses down. How he did that I don't know but the guy that lives there brought it to my house. Contents worth 500+.
GET A P.O. BOX it is worth every penny
Unfortunately my P.O. charges $36 for 6 mos; but I agree that its worth it (especially considering your scary fed ex story). Come to think of it I received somebody else's pills last week (across the street six houses down). I delivered them myself. Thanks! |
|
|
|
keys
Penny Collector Member
383 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2009 : 19:25:47
|
I had read something a coin appraiser stated to his customers-
Always send coins
-not only insured,
-not only signature required,
but send them by Registered Mail.
Registered Mail does cost more, but it is the highest level of security a letter or package can have. The reason, every postal worker who handles the letter or package has to sign for it. This creates a paper trail and keeps the workers honest.
I can't say anyting bad about postal workers since I have never run accross a bad one personally, but there are a few bad apples in any organization, public or private.
Concerning the back door, buy one of those dummy security cameras and attach it to your house so it can be seen by a potential burgler. Make up a little sign to put in the back door that reads "Video Image Recorded from a Remote Location"
A potential burgler doesn't know that the camera is real or a recording is being made remotely.
To help prevent identity theft and prevent packages from getting stolen form your mailbox, get one of those locking mailboxes for in front of your house. If someone is willing to steal a few coins worth $100 don't you think they would want to steal a person's identity worth much, much more?
Better a little caution than a lot of regret. |
I change with the times-
but like silver coins found in your change
I stay the same.
*****************
The United States of America started out as the new Republic of Rome.
Will The United States of America end up as the New Imperial Rome? |
Edited by - keys on 03/06/2009 19:28:54 |
|
|
|
darsemnos
Penny Sorter Member
96 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2009 : 14:19:47
|
I sent some gold back to Apmex. I sent it registered mail. No problem whatsoever. I got the check in the mail on time and without the slightest complication. I was a little worried about it. I didn't like that I had to declare the value. It was a small package and I declared a value of $9100, so people handling it had to know something very valuable was in it. But it worked that someone might see that and take advantage.
A PO box is a good idea. Despite being a government operation, the post office seems reliable (see example above). |
|
|
|
Carbonic Chris
Penny Sorter Member
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2009 : 22:18:16
|
As an avid autograph collector, I have mailed and received a ton of valuable packages from other collectors around the country. I'm quite familiar with the horror stories of stolen mail told by other collectors and can give you three pieces of advice...
1. As stated above, ship registered mail. The mailman will protect it with his life unlike something shipped regular first class or media mail.
2. Use the zip code plus the extra four digits. It will cut down on the number of people within the PO handling your mail. You must be logged in to see this link.
3. Finally, if you change your theory and suspect the PO of stealing mail, don't complain to the local PO. Directly contact the regional PO or the inspection service. However, your mailman would have to be extremely stupid to steal any type of mail as it is a federal offense.
|
|
|
|
novillero
Penny Sorter Member
USA
86 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2009 : 08:34:56
|
| I'm wondering if there is some tell-tale sign on the package. How would someone know to steal those 2 packages? Is the shipper's name something like RARE COINS? |
|
|
|
sunsetcliff
Penny Pincher Member
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2009 : 17:53:41
|
Only 1 time. The mail sorter ripped a slit in the envelope. So the coin fell out. Then the postman did not notice it and processed the tracking number. This was $15.99. I complained to paypal. I had to send it back = where by I could send in a tracking number. That cost $6 ish. SO I lost $10 over it all.
I know what time the postman should show up. Down to a span of 20 minutes. I make sure nothing sits in the mail box.
Ild think alot has to do with the house location. The houses are not too close and I live on a corner.
I am not saying it will never happen. The mail is pretty trustworthy, IMO.
I had a PO Box for many years. It was a waste of money.
|
It is great to be here ~ !
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/silverme/ |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Coins stolen through the mail?
Forum Locked
