The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, but it’s also a season when the freight industry experiences an upsurge in business.

As we enter the holiday season in 2023, it’s important to remain vigilant against the ever-present threat of fraud in the freight industry. Whether you’re a shipper, carrier, or consumer, being on the alert for fraudulent activities is essential to safeguard your business and ensure a smooth holiday season. Read on to see our freight fraud prevention tips.

1. Understand the Common Types of Freight Fraud: Fraud in the freight industry can take various forms, including identity theft, invoice fraud, cargo theft, and false documentation. Being aware of these common types of fraud is the first step in preventing them.
2. Verify the Legitimacy of Freight Companies: When dealing with freight carriers or brokers, it’s crucial to verify their legitimacy. Check for proper licensing, certifications, and insurance. Don’t hesitate to request references and research the company’s reputation online. Trustworthy businesses will be transparent about their credentials.
3. Scrutinize Documentation: Double-check all documentation related to your shipments. Ensure that bills of lading, invoices, and delivery receipts are accurate and authentic. Any inconsistencies or discrepancies should raise red flags.
4. Stay Informed About Current Scams: Fraudsters are continually devising new schemes to deceive unsuspecting victims. Keep yourself updated on the latest scams and fraud prevention strategies. Industry associations, government agencies, and news sources can be valuable resources for staying informed.
5. Be Wary of Unsolicited Communication: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls from individuals or companies offering services that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters often use persuasive tactics to trick businesses into fraudulent deals. Verify the legitimacy of any offers before proceeding.
6. Educate Your Team: If you’re a shipper or part of a logistics team, ensure that your staff is well-informed about the risks of fraud and knows how to recognize and report suspicious activities. Implement strict protocols for verifying the identity of those you work with.
7. Use Secure Payment Methods: When it comes to financial transactions in the freight industry, opt for secure payment methods and be wary of any requests for unusual payment arrangements. Establish a clear payment process to minimize the risk of theft or fraud.

Established institutions like BM2 Freight have a compliance team on staff that will verify insurance, oversee transactions, and handle any issues that may arise as your freight is transported. This ensures not only that we’re operating under code, but that you and your business also won’t be left in the trenches if things go awry.

If you’re looking to ship with an established freight broker, you can get a load quote through our website. Our team is available 24/7.

For more freight fraud preventions tips and data, check out this article from Truckstop.