What to Do if a Package Says Delivered but Isn't There?
Learn what to check, when to wait, and how to file carrier and seller claims for a missing delivered package.
Check delivery address, tracking status, photo proof, and nearby hiding spots first, then wait about 24 hours. Then contact the carrier branch and the seller to start a search, claim, or refund. A delivered scan is the carrier electronic record that a driver marked a package as dropped off.
For prize wins and mailed samples, that scan can appear before the box reaches your door.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
Recheck the delivery details
Confirm the address in your order confirmation matches where you looked. Check the tracking page for address changes, delivery time, and photo proof. UPS tracking support advises this address and photo check before treating a delivered scan as lost.
Look behind planters, bins, grills, and parcel lockers. Check the mailroom, front desk, and household members. Ask nearby neighbors if a driver left it at the wrong door.
- Confirm street number, apartment, and ZIP in the order record
- View tracking updates and delivery photo if shown
- Search porch, side door, garage area, and mailroom
- Ask household members and immediate neighbors
Should you wait a day?
Many delivered but missing packages arrive the next business day. USPS vehicles and handheld scanners can trigger GPS delivery updates early, according to USPS missing-mail guidance. Use the waiting time to save the tracking number, order number, and seller receipt.
Take a wide photo of your porch and mailbox area. Note the date, time, and address shown on the tracking page. If the package still has not arrived after about 24 hours, move to carrier help.
Do not discard packaging from other recent orders that may show correct address format.
How to ask UPS, FedEx, or the Post Office for help
Contact the local Post Office with the tracking number for USPS mail. Ask where the GPS delivery scan occurred and who delivered it. USPS missing-mail guidance points to the destination unit for this scan detail rather than only the national hotline.
For USPS mail still missing, submit a Missing Mail search starting 7 days from mailing. Include tracking, sender and recipient addresses, size, color, and contents. USPS sends confirmation and periodic search updates while the local unit investigates.
For UPS, check the delivery photo on the tracking page, then ask the seller to start a claim. UPS help and support center notes that a loss investigation should begin within 30 days of expected delivery, as described in UPS help and support center. For FedEx, track the package, check picture proof when shown, then use Manage Delivery and Report Missing Package with contact details, as described in FedEx tracking FAQs.
How to ask the seller for a replacement or refund
Contact the seller with order number, tracking number, delivery date, and photos of the delivery location. Ask for reshipment, store credit, or refund, and keep messages in writing. Many sellers start carrier claims only when the buyer reports the problem.
Sellers shipping by mail, internet, or phone must ship on time or within 30 days if no time was promised. They must offer delay consent or a full refund if they cannot ship, according to FTC merchandise rule guidance. If the seller refuses a required refund, dispute the charge with your payment provider using order records.
What if someone took the package?
Check with witnesses and doorbell video before assuming theft. Ask neighbors if they saw a passerby, vehicle, or misdelivery. Save video files with date and time stamps for the report.
Report suspected stolen mail to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service online or by calling 1-877-876-2455. Call 911 for a crime in progress.
Such reports aid enforcement but do not themselves recover refunds.