A new report today suggests that porch pirates - thieves who steal packages left on doorsteps shortly after delivery - have accessed tracking data from AT&T systems to follow iPhone deliveries.

There has been a marked uptick in iPhones being stolen from doorsteps after being ordered from AT&T and delivered by Fedex, apparently with the help of real-time delivery updates ...

CNET reports.

A new rash of 2024 package thefts has uncovered a disturbing technique -- with thieves seizing private tracking data so they know exactly when packages are delivered, particularly iPhones. That allows these prescient porch pirates to jump in and steal the phones right when they're delivered [...]

Thieves are somehow getting tracking numbers or similar tracking information for iPhone deliveries, so they get real-time updates about when and where packages are delivered, allowing them to swoop in the moment the package status changes.

AT&T is one of the few telecom companies that -- in many cases -- doesn't require signatures for high-value deliveries like iPhones. That allows thieves to steal packages when they are left unattended.

Neither company has commented, and law enforcement is still investigating, but one theory is that the data is being accessed internally by rogue AT&T employees and then sold to thieves.

The site recommends buying from companies and carriers who require a signature for high-value deliveries, as this should ensure packages are not left unattended on doorsteps.