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Family Gets Empty Package -- Then Resistance From Retailer, Delivery Company

(CBS) – With the holidays just around the corner, you're bound to hear about people stealing packages from porches.

But what happens when the box arrives and there's nothing inside?

CBS 2's Pamela Jones.

"Are you kidding me?"

That was Jennifer Bean's reaction Monday when she opened the box that was supposed to have a new iPod Touch inside.

Jennifer and her husband, Jerold, say they ordered the more than $200 music player from Wal-Mart online.

A FedEx driver placed the box at their door, knocked and walked away. Jennifer heard the knock and ran outside to retrieve the package. She immediately opened the box, excited to see the Christmas gift they'd bought for their daughter.

Only it wasn't there. Some had lifted the tape on the bottom of the box and plucked the iPod out. She noticed right away it had been tampered with.

They contacted Wal-Mart and FedEx. Jennifer says neither could assure they'd get a replacement by Christmas.

"Each one was saying, 'No, it's not our issue. It's the other side's issue,'" her husband says.

Shipping experts say the millions of packages shipped during the holidays can create a virtual holiday smorgasbord for thieves.

FedEx says if one of its packages doesn't arrive or if it arrives damaged, contact customer service immediately to file a claim.

After CBS 2 began making inquiries, both companies agreed to make Christmas merrier for the Bean family with a replacement product.

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