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What are the chances my trade-in phone was stolen by USPS?
mikelaaron
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎10-02-2014 09:30 AM

I successfully traded-in one iPhone 5s using the pre-paid USPS envelope from VZW, and got my electronic rebate card.

The second trade-in of an iPhone 5s was put in the mail (using another pre-paid envelope from VZW) 2 days later and is no-where to be found in the system.  There doesn't seem to be a way to get a tracking number for the physical package.  I'm out $325

For anyone who touches the mail, its got to be obvious what's in the package, so it wouldn't surprise me if there are thefts.

Anyone else have a missing trade-in issue?

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Re: What are the chances my trade-in phone was stolen by USPS?
RushFan2112
Specialist - Level 2
‎10-02-2014 09:37 AM

Please tell me you saw the post office scan the mail when you handed it in?  If they didn't and the phone goes missing, it's all on you.  The initial scan says it's now the post office's responsibility and no longer yours.  If they didn't scan it, you didn't mail it.

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Re: What are the chances my trade-in phone was stolen by USPS?
Not applicable
‎10-02-2014 09:39 AM

You did get a receipt tracking number off the return package?

The USPS has a Postal Inspection Service that insures thefts and the like are investigated and why certain procedures are followed.

You can find the number in the phone book under US Government.

File a charge.

The post office is required to do a scan on the return at time of return. This would hold you non liable for the return back to Verizon Wireless.

It also gives you proof it was sent back and that you can take Verizon to small claims court for the full cost of the loss.

The tracking number is a tear off strip on the label you affixed to your return. You are responsible to make sure you retain it.

Hope it works out.

Good Luck

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Re: What are the chances my trade-in phone was stolen by USPS?
mikelaaron
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎10-02-2014 09:42 AM

yeah. ugh.

went thru my office mail department (100% positive they gave it to mailman).

kicking myself for not handing it over in person.

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Re: What are the chances my trade-in phone was stolen by USPS?
mikelaaron
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎10-02-2014 09:44 AM

Thing is-

with the recycle program, they send you a small, brown, padded envelope with the "to" address stamped on it.

there is no label, nothing to scan, etc. 

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Re: What are the chances my trade-in phone was stolen by USPS?
Not applicable
‎10-02-2014 09:55 AM

Ah I was not aware of that change.

Normally they sent a Return to Vendor Label (USPS) it had a tear strip to save showing the tracking number.

You hand to post office (get a scan) you hand to postal carrier (They have scanners on their person) they do an acceptance scan. That scan will set you free.

Without a scan there is no proof the device was shipped back, let alone if it was stolen by any postal employee.

I know the US Postal Inspection Service can research the issue if you claim it was stolen by a USPS employee.

They fire the employee and have placed them in jail. It is a Federal Offense to mess with the mails .

However without that tracking label (You could have bought one on your own at a very small cost. Which tracks the package available in any post office or over the internet or as you said in your own mail center.

Hope it works out for you.

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