Mail theft threads can be eye openers for a lot of members. People need to be aware of it. From the postmaster to the executives of every private shipping company, internal theft is an aknowledged problem. I think it's much worse at private companies than it is at the post office, but it's an admitted problem in both.

Once you receive a valuable package empty with a neat razor slit in it all re-wrapped with care, you realize how completely helpless you are against it. I haven't had an insured package not arrive safely, but have heard stories of how they are reluctant to pay off the claims. So I've quit insuring. I mean, if you pay to insure hundreds of packages and never make a claim and then one disappears and they refuse to pay the claim, then the whole insurance thing seems like a scam.

One good way for the receiver to protect himself is to have it sent sign only/trackable (without insurance) and don't pay until you receive it. I don't see how that can fail for the receiver. The seller is usually willing to assume the risk for the 99+ % chance it will arrive fine. Deal with people who you know well or have good referrals on whenever you can. If it's a trade both parties assume risk and are agreeing to make up any losses - same as with damages.

Of course some packages are lost and damaged innocently in transit. And some are stolen.

Cinch