If you’ve ever had a package delivered to the wrong address, you know how frustrating it can be. But what if it happened not once or twice—but seven times in a row?

That’s exactly what Atlanta resident Elena Bales experienced when she ordered $800 worth of products from Amazon. Each delivery ended up at a different incorrect address, despite her doing everything right. The real kicker? It kept happening even after Amazon acknowledged the mistake. So, what went wrong—and how did she finally get her packages?

Here’s how one consumer’s persistence, with a little help from TrustDALE, finally led to a resolution—and what you can do if it happens to you.

When Every Doorstep Is the Wrong One

For years, Elena had been a regular Amazon customer without issue. But this time, her order—worth nearly $800—kicked off a bizarre string of delivery failures.

“When I looked at my email and checked the picture [of the delivery], I noticed that that was not my house,” she recalled.

It turns out her order had been shipped to someone else’s home. Amazon emailed an apology and promised to “make it right.” But when the replacement was sent—again, it went to the wrong address.

Then it happened again. And again. Seven times in total. Seven different wrong addresses.

Despite multiple email apologies from Amazon, Elena still had no idea how or why her deliveries were landing on the doorsteps of strangers. And as each failed delivery mounted, her patience wore thin.

 

When Big Tech Gets It Wrong, Persistence Pays Off

After exhausting her options with customer service, Elena turned to a local consumer advocacy group she trusted: TrustDALE.

That’s when things finally started to change. After TrustDALE intervened, Amazon made a personal phone call to Elena—and things quickly came into focus.

“I was like, listen—can you go to Google and type in my address?” Elena asked the Amazon rep. He did. And there it was—the realization that something in Amazon’s system had completely misinterpreted her address.

“This is not right,” the representative admitted.

Elena’s response was simple and sharp: “I think the phrase is: just Google it.”

It may sound absurd, but sometimes the simplest solution—like verifying an address using Google Maps—can solve a problem that’s been dragging on for weeks. In Elena’s case, that moment of clarity finally got the packages rerouted correctly.

As of today, Amazon is delivering to her correct address—and Elena has her long-awaited order in hand.

What You Can Do When Deliveries Keep Going Wrong

Elena’s story is extreme, but incorrect deliveries are more common than many think. According to a recent Contimod report, it is estimated that over 1.7 million packages go missing every day. 

If you find yourself stuck in a delivery nightmare, here are some steps that can help:

  • Double-check your address: Make sure your shipping address is entered exactly right in your account settings, including apartment or unit numbers.
  • Use delivery instructions: Add details that help identify your home (e.g., “Blue house with white trim,” or “Leave at side door”).
  • Monitor tracking photos: Most major retailers now include delivery photos—compare them to your property.
  • Escalate when necessary: If basic customer service fails, ask to speak with a supervisor or use corporate escalation channels.

Know when to bring in help: Consumer advocacy organizations like TrustDALE can make a big difference when you’re not getting traction on your own.

Final Takeaway: Sometimes, You Have to Be the Squeaky Wheel

Elena’s case is a cautionary tale about the limitations of automated systems and outsourced customer support. Even a massive company like Amazon can struggle to fix something as simple as a shipping address without proper oversight.

But her experience also shows the power of persistence—and the value of having advocates in your corner when things go off the rails.

So if you're still waiting for that package, and the photo shows a porch you’ve never seen before, don’t just shrug it off. Speak up. Escalate. And if that doesn’t work—well, you know who to call.

Need help with a consumer issue Amazon (or anyone else) won’t fix? Visit TrustDALE.com to connect with a team that fights—and fixes—for consumers.

Got a story like Elena’s?
 We’d love to hear about it. Your voice might be just what another consumer needs to take action.