UPS listens to Shippers and Implements Important Changes
I recently spoke with a UPS representative who said that UPS has “listened to its shippers” and, as a result, has implemented some important changes that will take effect next week.
Currently, if a shipper sends a package via UPS service the recipient can have the package redirected to a different address while the package is still enroute. The recipient doesn’t even have to know the tracking number to get the package redirected. As a result, there are two critical implications: (1) The shipper is billed for the change of address even if requested by the recipient without the shipper’s knowledge or consent and (2) delivery to an alternate address could void any seller protections and remedies available to the shipper.
However, beginning July 13th the receiver cannot redirect the package enroute. Any redirect that occurs at the request of the receiver, after the first delivery attempt to the original address, must be paid for by the receiver and not the shipper.
There are other changes taking place next week but the changes to package redirect are the most important changes to UPS policies. Detailed information about the upcoming UPS changes can be found directly on the UPS website at the following URL: UPS Service Updates
So, what does a criminal care about paying an extra $10 or $15 to get their stuff sent to a different address?
TekGems
July 10, 2009
TekGems, it is not the extra money that is the issue because, of course, the scammers don’t care about having to pay a few extra bucks to get something for free.
Something you may not have thought about — when the criminal “pays for” the extra fee they must do so with a credit card which establishes identity. Also, it allows UPS to separate out the shipments that were redirected by the shipper and those that were redirected by the recipient.
And redirection can ONLY occur beginning next week if the recipient has the tag number of the notice left at the original address. That fact alone will stop the vast majority of criminal instances since most of the time the criminal gives an original address that doesn’t belong to them and then has the package redirected.
I see these changes to the UPS policies as a big step to eliminating fraudulent activity currently being accomplished with redirect. And it puts control back into the hands of the shipper since only the shipper can redirect a package while it is enroute.
thebrewsnews
July 10, 2009
if you can redirect with tag left at door, that is a good change. re cc — criminals can use the same stolen credit card they used to buy your goods. if the criminal has to call in the new address, that’ll be a great help since ups can record the conversation hopefully. if the buyer name is Tom jones but sound like s/he is from Latin america or Africa, it’s a dead give away.
TekGems
July 10, 2009
Yes, I agree that requiring a credit card to pay for the redirect will not stop the criminal activity but it will stop the small-time infrequent fraud buyer who doesn’t use stolen credit cards. And, most importantly, is the requirement for the recipient to have in hand the door tag left at the original address.
Will the new UPS policies stop the most determined dedicated criminal? No, of course not. But it is the the equivalent of leaving a front door unopened at night versus closing the door and putting a lock on it to secure it. Nothing is criminal-proof but you’ll certainly discourage theft when you make it considerably more difficult to steal.
I think UPS has it right — it will not be impossible for recipients to have the package redirected but beginning next week it sure will be more difficult and time-consuming as well as costly… for the recipient.
thebrewsnews
July 10, 2009
what the criminal do is deliver the product to a vacant house.Get the door tag number,call the ups from a prepaid throw away cell phone and pay with the stolen credit card.
The UPS should only allow the seller to re-direct the package not the buyer.
customer
July 12, 2009