What to do if USPS Claims I signed for a package when I did not sign/nor receive it?

[amodoko]

I purchased an item on eBay that was fairly valuable so the seller sent it via USPS and had Signature confirmation on it, which is great.  However, today USPS claims they delivered it and that I signed for it when I did not sign for it nor receive it.  They also misspelled my last name slightly saying I signed for it on the tracking page.  I know that as of the past few years due to changes in the industry it has become more common for shipping carriers to no longer get signatures from recipients, even when the seller pays for signature confirmation, but it does create a problem in this kind of situation.  How do I tackle a problem like this when USPS claims I signed for it when I definitely did not, and now the package is lost?  Thank you so much for any help, I will update this thread if I find a resolution. 

[12345jamesstamps]

USPS and FedEx and UPS do ask for a signature now...the past is the past...if a signature confirmation is required your package will be handed over after signing.

I can't for the like of me when my doorbell rings who else would sign for me..LOL...I live in a multi-building by the way.

I can only assume your USPS who delivers items in your neighborhood might have a problem.

It's a carrier problem with USPS in Saint Louis in your neighborhood.

Haven't ever had a problem in my neighborhood.

[amodoko]

As far as receiving packages where I'm located, I've noticed that in two addresses I have here about 15 miles apart that both FedEx and USPS don't actually get signatures consistently when the seller pays for it (I haven't gotten a package from UPS requiring a signature here so I can't speak about them).  I've also noticed that when I ship items out via UPS to other states that UPS sometimes also doesn't get signatures in different states. That's just been my personal experience.  I've only asked FedEx about this specifically when they were not asking for signatures from me in my area, and all they said was "it doesn't matter anymore." I guess everyone's experiences are different, but that's just been mine where they are still not getting signatures consistently. 

[kensgiftshop]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote:

USPS and FedEx and UPS do ask for a signature now...

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No, not all the time.

My daughter has received packages that should be signed for.

I'm home when they come and they ask my last name and they give me the package.

I ask if it needs a signature and they say no, they'll take care of it.

That's UPS and FedEx.

I did have a laptop show up Thursday for my Granddaughter through USPS that usually requires a signature, but they just left it on our porch.

[simba6]

Call your post office and ask if was delivered to your address.   This could be the fake tracking number scam. If it is and since it was signed for, you would have to file an item not as described case.  If it's the scam, they did not send the actual item so not as described is correct. You then return an envelope if the seller asks for a return.

That is an extreme way to handle it. So, first find out if that tracking number is to your address or not. Did you pay by credit card? 

[12345jamesstamps]

I guess then San Francisco does a better job than some other towns or whatever townships...where a signature is required.

I have a doorbell and it rings when I need a signature.

[12345jamesstamps]

Again, it depends about your neighborhood and shippers.

I have to walk 4 floors down when my doorbell rings and it's USPS or FedEx or UPS.

I let them in and they wait for me.

I guess I live in a better location without a problem.

[kensgiftshop]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote:

I guess then San Francisco does a better job than some other towns or whatever townships...where a signature is required.

I have a doorbell and it rings when I need a signature.

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Probably depends on where you live also.

We don't have to worry to much about theft around here.

They can set it on the porch in the morning and it'll be there in the afternoon.

I live across from the county jail, sheriffs department and court house.

[amodoko]

Yes, it will always depend on how the shipping carriers are managed/run in that respective area and even comes down to the specific delivery worker.  It varies from area to area and from worker to worker.  Signatures are not reliably handled everywhere anymore.  I wish I lived in an area where they were handled properly.  

[amodoko]

I will definitely call USPS when they reopen on Tuesday (they will be closed on Monday for holiday).  After looking at the tracking number, USPS tracking claims it was delivered to the correct zip code but they could have just delivered it to someone close by or scanned it in my area before actually delivering it to me or done something else with it.  The seller is someone I purchased from before and I haven't had an issue with receiving packages from them so far.  This appears to be more an issue with USPS than anything else, but anything is possible.  I did pay by credit card, but I believe it becomes tricky to file a credit card dispute when USPS claims I signed for it, even when no one signed for it.  You mention I may have to open an Item Not as Described Case, but if I never actually received it shouldn't I file an Item Not Received case?  

[jg.mason]

I think if you file an INR all the seller will have to do is upload the tracking that shows it was delivered and you'll lose.

[amodoko]

I wanted to give you all an update on the situation just since it might be an interesting data point on this problem for someone in the future.  So a day after USPS claimed it was delivered and signed for by me and even had proof of delivery on their website with a scribbled signature from someone else (the postal carrier usually signs for it here), they have now changed the tracking to show that it was sent back to the post office later that day and was not delivered.  The prior tracking showing it was delivered is now erased from the tracking history.  They then claim they attempted redelivery on a Sunday, the next day, but had "No access to delivery location" meaning they probably just couldn't get time to deliver it since they're so behind.  But they do say that they will attempt redelivery the next business day.  So I'm just glad that it's at least not officially lost yet, but it is frustrating that USPS will sign for all my packages themselves and claim it was delivered when it was not.  Creates a lot of problems in situations like these. 

[fern*wood]

It is definitely troubling. It also seems a waste of money to pay for a quasi service.  It should mean what it claims or there is little need for the requirement to stand for higher dollar items.

[soh.maryl]

Glad to hear it might be on its way to being solved.  Please do give us an update tomorrow if you can.  

[amodoko]

Another update!  So even though it is a federal holiday, USPS actually delivered the package today (two days after the claimed delivery date).  It appears that packages can be delivered even on holidays for various reasons.  Once again, they just signed for me and left the package.  They scribbled something for the first line on the signature and then printed my last name for the latter part of the signature.  It's odd that I now have two "Proof of Delivery" receipts from USPS.  One saying they delivered the package to me on Saturday with one signature and then another saying they delivered it to me on Monday with a different signature.  I do hope that one day signature services go back to being more legitimate nationwide so they can be reliably used as actual proof of delivery again.