Apple Store Laptop pickups Thwarted By Sophisticated Thefts
Several Southern Californians are reporting stolen Apple laptops, with some thefts occurring in elaborate schemes involving impersonation and stolen identities.
Dodging Porch Pirates Only to Face Stolen IDs
Darragh Marmorstein, a Los Angeles resident, thought she was being smart by ordering her new MacBook Pro online and scheduling a pick-up at the Apple Store instead of having it delivered to her home.
“I didn’t have it delivered to my house because I was worried about porch pirates,” she explained, nervous about the rise of package theft.
But Marmorstein was shocked to learn that despite her precautionary measures, her laptop had already been collected, even though she had not picked it up. Upon calling the store and visiting in person, she was given the same disappointing news – her laptop was gone.
Apple offered no answers, refusing to reimburse Marmorstein for the stolen device. Her frustration mounted as she explained, “He did not explain what happened. They really wouldn’t give me any answers.”
Marmorstein was told to file a police report and pursue a claim with her credit card company. The Apple employee did mention, however, that someone showed a QR code, used for confirming in-store pickups, when they claimed the laptop. Marmorstein is left wondering how her personal information was compromised and how the thief managed to get a hold of the vital pick-up code.
Beyond Stolen Packages: Impersonation Schemes at Play?
Marmorstein’s experience mirrored a similar story out of Yorba Linda, where Paul Giles attempted to pick up a $5,000 MacBook Pro he had ordered for his daughter. Grimly, Giles was informed upon arrival at the Apple store that “somebody apparently impersonated” him and collected the device.
In Sherman Oaks, Rick Markowitz had chosen in-store pickup for his $3,600 laptop to avoid porch pirates, believing the store to be a safer bet. Apparently, he was mistaken. Markowitz discovered someone had already retrieved his new laptop before he even arrived.
Stolen IDs, Stolen Laptops: A Coordinated Operation?
In addition to these seemingly unrelated incidents, two other Southern Californians in Irvine and Lawndale experienced laptop thefts, but in a different way. A brazen thief, armed with fake IDs, intercepted packages directly from delivery truck drivers – standing outside the homes where the laptops were meant to be delivered. After signing for the Macbook Pros, the suspect quickly drove away, leaving homeowners stunned.
These incidents raise troubling questions about the methods used by these laptop thieves.
Irvine police are actively coordinating with other agencies where thefts occurred, including Glendale, to investigate.
Irvine Police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp noted, “Though the methods differed, the package contents were the same…It’s all MacBook Pros. The million-dollar question is: How are these suspects getting specific info about a specific product?”
What steps can consumers take to protect themselves against in-store pickup theft?
## Apple Store Security Breached: Is Your Pickup Safe?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a disturbing trend affecting Apple customers: sophisticated thefts targeting in-store pickups. Joining us is Alex Reed, a consumer advocate specializing in online security. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This story about Darragh Marmorstein, who had her MacBook Pro stolen despite choosing in-store pickup, is alarming. Can you shed some light on how these sophisticated thefts are happening?
**Alex Reed:** It seems these thieves are targeting Apple’s in-store pickup system, which often relies on QR codes for verification.
We’re seeing reports of stolen identities being used to claim these devices. They might have obtained personal information through phishing scams or data breaches, allowing them to generate fake QR codes or impersonate legitimate customers. [[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/vegaslocals/comments/1aqyqym/apple_store_theft_in_downtown_summerlin/)]
**Host:** That’s incredibly disconcerting. So, what can consumers do to protect themselves?
**Alex Reed:** There are several precautions you can take:
* **Be vigilant about online security:**
Protect yourself from phishing scams and data breaches. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication whenever possible.
* **Check your Apple account regularly:** Monitor for any suspicious activity or unauthorized orders.
* **Consider alternative pickup options:** Some Apple Stores offer curbside pickup, which could be a safer option.
* **Report any suspicious activity immediately:** If you suspect your identity has been compromised, contact Apple and your local authorities promptly.
**Host:** This is a wake-up call for all Apple customers. Alex Reed, thanks for bringing this to our attention and offering valuable advice.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure. Stay safe out there.
