Q: A package sent to me from Wichita via UPS was stolen from our front door where it was left. Is (leaving packages outside) accepted practice during Christmastime? — Sean Stephans, Denver
A: There’s never a shortage of Scrooges around the holidays, grinching their way into people’s lives.
The damper on your holidays isn’t that uncommon an occurrence, according to a number of police departments, though the U.S. Postal Service and UPS say it’s not a big problem.
Nevertheless, UPS has a pretty specific policy on delivery: “no signature required” means it can be left on the doorstep. Drivers are trained to leave packages out of sight and safe from weather. Safe from thieves is another matter.
With an expected 400 million packages to be delivered this holiday, UPS will leave word with a customer if a package is left in an out-of-the- ordinary location.
Also, they sometimes mandate that a package require a signature. Some consumers waive their signature to avoid additional delays in getting the gifts under the holiday tree.
The bottom line is unless there was insurance on the package and if there was no requirement for a signature, your best bet is to file a police report and contact your homeowner’s insurance agent if the item was pricey.
UPS does allow for a change in delivery address even after you’ve dropped the package off, ensuring it goes to an actual person.
Q: Instead of canceling a credit card, what’s wrong with just stopping use of it and removing it from your billfold? — Bruce Baskette, Denver
A: One would think that’s a practical approach, especially if a card’s interest rate shoots up.
But there’s actually a downside to what might have once been acceptable. Though there’s no impact to your credit score for not using your available credit, credit-card issuers more and more are monitoring usage practices.
Non-use of a credit card is viewed dimly by issuers, who in turn either raise the interest rate in an effort to push you to cancel or simply cancel the account for inactivity.
Best practice: Keep dormant cards active with a small purchase every couple of months and pay it off immediately.
