Buzz
Track down your package when Amazon gets it wrong
That burst of joy from the 'Order delivered' alert quickly fades when you realize your package isn’t actually there. Did Amazon mark it delivered by mistake? Or did it end up at the wrong door? Most importantly, how do you recover your order or secure a refund? This guide breaks down your next steps when Amazon’s delivery misses the mark.
Amazon Delivered It to the Wrong Place? Here's What to Do
Take a good look around your entryway—sometimes packages are tucked into strange spots. Check with nearby neighbors too. Still nothing? Reach out to Amazon Customer Service through live chat or by calling them. You can ask them to launch an investigation or request a refund or a replacement item.
Next Steps
Steps to Take If Your Amazon Package Ended Up at the Wrong Address
Double-check the shipping address on your Amazon order. You might’ve accidentally chosen an old address or mistyped it. If that’s the case, follow these instructions to correct the issue.
Inspect your porch and nearby hiding spots. Drivers sometimes tuck packages behind planters, furniture, or bushes to keep them safe from weather or theft. Do a quick scan around your home’s entryway in case it’s hidden in plain sight.
Check for a delivery slip near your front door. If a signature was needed and you weren’t home, the driver may have left an 'attempted delivery' notice. Look around your mailbox, doorstep, or any spot where such a notice might’ve landed.
Talk to housemates or neighbors to see if they accepted it. The package could’ve been handed to someone else nearby. Check in with family, roommates, neighbors, or building staff to see if they received your delivery.
Give it 48 hours after the delivery alert. Sometimes carriers jump the gun and mark a package as "delivered" before it's actually dropped off. Hold off on panicking or reordering for at least two days—it’s annoying, but faster than replacing the item.
Still no package? File a missing delivery report. If your Amazon-shipped item hasn’t shown up, call Amazon Customer Service at 1-888-280-4331 or use the live chat via the app or site. For items shipped by third-party sellers, reach out using the contact info in your Order Details.
- To start a live chat, go to Amazon’s Customer Service page, choose your missing item, click “Says delivered, but it’s not here,” and begin the chat.
Steps to Take If You Entered the Wrong Delivery Address
Entered the wrong address? Contact Amazon ASAP. If your package went to the wrong place because of an address error on your part, first log in and update your shipping info. Then, get in touch with Amazon Customer Service. Explain the mistake—they might send a replacement or refund you.
- If the address was someone you know or a nearby neighbor, reach out to them to see if they received your order and can hand it over.
Is a refund possible if Amazon ships your package to the wrong address?
Yes, but Amazon usually requires a 48-hour wait before issuing a refund. They want to ensure the package wasn’t prematurely marked as "delivered" by the carrier.
- If after two days the package still hasn’t shown up, you’ll be given the option to request either a refund or a replacement. Choosing a refund means the amount will be credited back to your card or Amazon gift card balance.
Why Amazon Deliveries Sometimes End Up at the Wrong Address
Typos or address input mistakes can throw off the delivery. A swapped digit, a misspelled street name, or forgetting a directional cue like “E.” or “Blvd.” can easily mislead GPS and delivery drivers, sending your order to the wrong place.
Your home might be tricky for drivers to locate. Rural addresses, missing house numbers, or unclear labeling can lead to confusion. To avoid issues, include precise delivery instructions in your Amazon account to help drivers find you easily.
Sometimes, drivers simply make mistakes. A misread address or a package grab meant for a nearby delivery can result in your order ending up at the wrong home.
- To report this, rate the delivery as "Not so great" in the Amazon app under Your Orders. On the website, head to Your Orders, locate the item, and click "Leave delivery feedback."
Your package might’ve been stolen, not misdelivered. It’s possible porch pirates swiped it—1 in 4 Americans have experienced package theft, so it’s not uncommon.
- If you suspect theft, consider installing outdoor cameras that monitor your porch and driveway. If you capture the thief on camera, report it to local authorities.
Is it okay to keep Amazon packages that were sent to you by mistake?
Yes, you can legally keep misdelivered Amazon packages not addressed to you. The FTC allows recipients to keep unsolicited deliveries without being charged or needing to return them.
- If you want to return it anyway, Amazon must give you a prepaid return label. Otherwise, they might simply let you keep the contents.
How to Return an Amazon Package That Isn’t Yours
Let the seller know they shipped to the wrong address. Avoid opening the box or leaving it somewhere vulnerable—store it safely indoors while you await further instructions.
- If Amazon sent it, reach out to their Customer Service. They might send you a prepaid return label—or tell you to just keep the package.
- If it came from a third-party seller, either contact them for a return label or ask the carrier for a free return option.
How to Handle Amazon Packages in Your Name That You Didn’t Order
Start by asking friends or family if they sent it. It could be a surprise gift or a temporary delivery sent by someone staying with you or using your address for convenience.
If no one you know sent it, check your active subscriptions. You might have signed up for auto-delivery of items like dog food or vitamins without realizing it.
- To cancel, go to Your Memberships and Subscriptions in your Amazon account, then hit "Manage Subscriptions."
- Click the link under Advance Controls to access the main subscription page and begin canceling.
If it’s not a gift or a subscription, report the package to Amazon. Use Amazon’s Report Unwanted Package form if you receive an item you never ordered. You’ll need to log in or create an account to fill it out.
- Include how many packages you received, any tracking numbers, and details from the shipping label to help Amazon investigate.
Watch out for brushing scams using your name. These scams involve third-party sellers sending packages and then posting fake reviews under your name to boost their product rankings—even if you never ordered anything.
