THE THREAT: CRIMINALS TARGETING HIGH-VALUE SHIPMENTS

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• On: 10/26/2026 13:32:41
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Date: October 24, 2026 Coin and precious metal dealers should be on heightened alert for organized criminal activity involving the interception, theft, and diversion of high-value packages shipped through major carriers, said Doug Davis President of the Numismatic Crime information Center.
These schemes can involve far more than an ordinary package theft. Criminal investigations may uncover networks of individuals working together to identify valuable shipments, obtain shipping information, exploit delivery procedures, intercept packages, and move stolen gold, coins, and precious metals through additional channels.

Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing cases involving suspected package runners, multi-state theft networks, and potential insider disclosures of sensitive shipping information. The scope and circumstances of individual investigations vary, but the threat to businesses handling high-value shipments is significant.

A package can be properly addressed, accepted by a carrier, and entered into a legitimate tracking system—and still be vulnerable to theft before it reaches its intended recipient.

Dealers must recognize that shipping a package is not the same as securing its delivery.
HOW THESE SCAMS WORK

Criminal operations can use several methods, sometimes in combination, to target high-value shipments.

1. Identifying valuable shipments
Criminals may exploit information about a dealer's shipping patterns, shipment schedules, package destinations, pickup arrangements, or the apparent value of goods being transported. Information can come from compromised accounts, improperly disclosed business information, social engineering, or other unauthorized access.

Repeated shipping routines and predictable pickup schedules can make a business an attractive target.

2. Impersonating legitimate personnel
Suspects may pose as carrier employees, authorized pickup personnel, delivery representatives, or other individuals with a plausible reason to handle a package. In some cases, criminals may attempt to exploit confusion surrounding scheduled pickups, delivery exceptions, or changes to shipping instructions.

A convincing uniform, identification badge, vehicle, or tracking number should not, by itself, establish that a person is authorized to take custody of a shipment.

3. Intercepting packages in transit
Packages may be targeted during pickup, transportation, transfer between facilities, or final delivery. Criminals may attempt to divert shipments, obtain unauthorized possession, exploit delivery handoffs, or interfere with the normal chain of custody.
Theft can occur even when the tracking system initially shows normal movement.

4. Exploiting shipping information or potential insider access
Investigators may examine whether shipment details, customer information, pickup schedules, tracking data, or other sensitive information were improperly accessed or disclosed.

Dealers should not assume that every unexplained loss involves an insider. However, businesses should recognize that unauthorized access to shipping information can increase risk and should restrict such information to personnel who need it to perform their jobs.

5. Using runners and broader criminal networks
The person who takes possession of a package may not be the person who organized the theft. Suspected runners may act as intermediaries, while other participants arrange transportation, identify targets, coordinate handoffs, or attempt to resell stolen property.
The involvement of multiple people and jurisdictions can complicate investigations and delay recovery.

6. Exploiting the time between discovery and reporting
When a shipment goes missing, delays in notifying the carrier and law enforcement can reduce opportunities to preserve records, locate the package, identify involved individuals, and prevent additional losses.

Dealers should treat suspicious handoffs, unauthorized pickup attempts, unexpected tracking changes, and unexplained delivery discrepancies as potential security incidents—not merely routine shipping problems. (Law enforcement agencies are seeing unauthorized re-routing of packages to authorized carrier drop-off locations such as FedEx stores and Walgreens)

WHY COIN AND PRECIOUS METAL DEALERS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE
Gold bullion, investment-grade coins, and other precious metals can represent substantial value in a small, easily transported package. Certain items may also be difficult to trace after they are separated from their original packaging or documentation.
A single shipment can represent tens of thousands of dollars or more. Multiple packages, repeat targeting, and coordinated thefts can produce devastating financial losses.

The consequences can extend beyond the value of the stolen property to include:

• Customer disputes, refunds, and replacement costs.
• Insurance claims, deductibles, and coverage disputes.
• Business interruption and increased security expenses.
• Reputational damage and loss of customer confidence.
• Potential contractual, regulatory, or other legal exposure, depending on the circumstances.

Dealers should not assume that carrier tracking, declared value, insurance, or a signature requirement alone eliminates the risk.

1. Strengthen Pickup and Handoff Procedures

• Verify the identity and authorization of anyone arriving to collect high-value shipments (Ask for secondary ID if things appear suspicious).
• Use established carrier contacts to independently confirm unusual pickup requests, personnel changes, or revised shipping instructions.
• Do not release packages to an unexpected driver, substitute courier, or individual whose authorization cannot be confirmed. (Ask for secondary form of ID if things appear suspicious).
• Require documented custody transfers, including the date, time, shipment identifier, and identity of the person accepting the package.
• Establish a written procedure for refusing suspicious or unverified pickups.
• Train all employees that urgency, familiarity, uniforms, and apparent authority are not substitutes for verification.

Important: Use carrier-approved verification methods and established business contacts rather than relying exclusively on contact information supplied by an unexpected visitor or caller.

2. Protect Shipping Information

• Limit access to tracking numbers, shipping labels, customer addresses, shipment values, and pickup schedules.
• Restrict shipment information to employees and contractors with a legitimate business need.
• Use multifactor authentication for shipping, email, and other accounts that control shipment information whenever available.
• Require strong, unique passwords and promptly revoke access when employees or contractors leave.
• Review account activity, shipping-address changes, pickup modifications, and other unusual transactions.
• Train staff to recognize phishing, impersonation attempts, and requests for confidential shipping information.
• Investigate suspected unauthorized access or disclosure promptly and preserve relevant records.

Do not publish predictable shipping schedules or disclose shipment contents unnecessarily.

3. Reduce Predictability and Limit Exposure

• Evaluate whether shipment timing, pickup arrangements, and handoff locations create avoidable security risks.
• Consider varying operational routines where practical without compromising documented controls or carrier requirements.
• Avoid leaving high-value packages unattended in pickup areas, loading docks, or other accessible locations.
• Keep valuable inventory and prepared shipments in secured, access-controlled areas.
• Separate the preparation, authorization, and release of exceptionally valuable shipments when staffing and operations permit.
• Consider splitting shipments only after evaluating the additional handling, exposure, insurance, and cost implications.

4. Use Appropriate Shipping Security Controls
Work directly with your carrier account representative and insurer to establish safeguards appropriate for the value and frequency of your shipments.
Consider the following measures:

• Approved service levels: Use services and shipping arrangements specifically suitable for high-value goods.
• Signature and delivery controls: Determine which signature, restricted-delivery, or authorized-recipient options are available and appropriate.
• Pickup verification: Establish documented procedures for scheduled pickups, substitutions, and exceptions.
• Tracking oversight: Monitor shipments from acceptance through confirmed delivery, with escalation procedures for unusual scans, unexplained delays, and unexpected changes.
• Tamper-evident packaging: Use appropriate packaging and document package condition at dispatch and receipt.
• Chain-of-custody records: Maintain records of package preparation, carrier acceptance, transfers, and final receipt.
• Independent reconciliation: Compare shipping manifests, tracking records, inventory records, and customer confirmations.

Do not assume that a service advertised as insured or signature-required guarantees reimbursement or prevents every form of loss. Confirm applicable exclusions, limits, documentation requirements, and claim deadlines in writing.

5. Establish Internal Controls and Employee Accountability

• Conduct background screening where lawful and appropriate for positions involving valuable inventory or shipping access.
• Maintain a current list of personnel authorized to prepare, approve, release, and receive high-value shipments.
• Use dual authorization or independent verification for unusually valuable shipments and changes to delivery instructions.
• Reconcile packages against shipping records at the end of each operating day.
• Review exceptions, unexplained inventory discrepancies, and repeated delivery problems.
• Provide a confidential method for employees to report suspicious requests or possible information leaks.
• Preserve relevant access logs, video footage, emails, messages, and shipping records when suspicious activity is identified.

Internal controls should protect honest employees as well as deter and identify misconduct. An unexplained loss should trigger a documented investigation, not an unsupported accusation.

6. Develop a Carrier-Specific Security Plan
Dealers should establish direct working relationships with their FedEx, USPS, and UPS representatives, as applicable.
Ask each carrier to explain its available procedures for:

• Reporting suspected package interception, theft, or fraudulent pickup.
• Verifying authorized drivers or pickup personnel.
• Reviewing unexpected changes to shipment instructions.
• Escalating suspicious tracking activity and delivery discrepancies.
• Preserving relevant scan, delivery, pickup, and investigation records.
• Coordinating with law enforcement when criminal activity is suspected.

Document the appropriate reporting channels and escalation contacts for your business. Procedures and available services differ among carriers, service levels, and shipment types. WHAT TO DO WHEN A SHIPMENT IS MISSING OR SUSPECTED STOLEN
Time is critical. A missing high-value package should not automatically be treated as a routine delivery delay.

1. Secure the remaining evidence. Preserve the tracking number, shipping label, manifest, proof of carrier acceptance, delivery confirmation, pickup records, invoices, surveillance footage, access logs, and relevant communications.
2. Contact the carrier promptly. Report the incident through the carrier's official reporting channel. Request escalation to the appropriate security, loss-prevention, or investigative personnel when available.
3. Notify law enforcement. Report suspected theft or fraud to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
4. Preserve the chain of custody. Record when the package was last confirmed in your possession, who handled it, where it was transferred, and when the discrepancy was discovered. Distinguish verified facts from assumptions.
5. Protect related shipments. Review other packages, recent pickups, account changes, and shipments to similar destinations. Temporarily strengthen controls where warranted.
6. Notify your insurer and relevant business partners. Follow applicable notice requirements and preserve documentation. Do not delay required notifications while waiting for the carrier's investigation to conclude.
7. Coordinate communications. Designate a responsible employee to manage the investigation, maintain a chronology, and coordinate with the carrier, insurer, customers, and law enforcement as appropriate.
8. Preserve evidence before making changes. Secure original records and retain copies of digital information. Avoid altering or deleting relevant data.

  LEGAL AND FINANCIAL EXPOSURE: PREVENTION IS A BUSINESS NECESSITY
A dealer's obligations and potential liability depend on the facts, applicable law, contractual arrangements, insurance terms, and the dealer's conduct.
Businesses should not assume that they are automatically liable whenever a package is stolen. However, inadequate safeguards, failures to follow contractual obligations, misrepresentations about shipping security, or disregard of credible warning signs may create legal or financial exposure in particular circumstances.

Dealers should consult qualified legal counsel and their insurance professionals regarding:

• Applicable duties of care and contractual responsibilities.
• Carrier terms, declared-value provisions, and insurance exclusions.
• Documentation and notification deadlines.
• Employee access controls and privacy obligations.
• Procedures for responding to suspected theft, fraud, and unauthorized disclosure.
• Appropriate record retention and cooperation with law enforcement.

When recurring incidents, credible warnings, or suspicious conduct indicate a heightened risk, management should document its response and take reasonable corrective action.

The cost of prevention is generally far less than the potential cost of a major theft, prolonged dispute, or repeated targeting. KEY WARNING SIGNS
Employees should escalate an incident when they encounter:

• An unexpected pickup or an individual claiming to be a substitute driver.
• A request to release a shipment without the required verification.
• Unexplained changes to delivery instructions, recipient details, or pickup arrangements.
• Tracking information that conflicts with the physical movement or documented custody of a package.
• Repeated losses associated with a particular route, pickup window, facility, or operational process.
• Unusual requests for confidential shipment information.
• Missing packages accompanied by suspicious account activity or unexplained inventory discrepancies.
• Attempts to pressure employees into bypassing normal security procedures.

One warning sign does not establish criminal activity. Multiple unexplained indicators, however, warrant prompt review and appropriate escalation. FINAL MESSAGE TO THE INDUSTRY
Organized package theft is not simply a shipping inconvenience. For coin and precious metal dealers, it can represent a direct threat to inventory, customer assets, employee safety, and business continuity.

Criminals may exploit trust in familiar delivery services, weaknesses in pickup procedures, access to shipping information, and delays in reporting. Effective prevention requires attention at every stage—from the moment a shipment is prepared until the intended recipient confirms receipt.
Verify before releasing. Document every handoff. Restrict sensitive information. Monitor every shipment. Report suspicious activity immediately.

Every dealer should review its shipping security procedures with employees, carriers, insurers, and legal counsel and implement appropriate safeguards without delay.

Protect the shipment. Protect the customer. Protect the business.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Doug Davis
Numismatic Crime Information Center
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org
 
The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to serve as a national and international resource for collectors, dealers and law enforcement in the education, prevention and investigation of crimes involving coins, paper money, tokens, medals, and related numismatic items.

The success of the Numismatic Crime Information Center in “Targeting Numismatic Crimes Around the World” depends on the financial commitments of the numismatic community. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 14080 Arlington, Texas 76094 or www.numismaticcrimes.org.