3 Types of Freight Scams to watch out for – and how to spot more

As long as there is commerce, there’ll be those who illegally exploit it. Looking for weaknesses for easy gains. And the freight arena is no stranger to this. More and more, players in the logistics industry, from those who file the orders to those who execute them, must be on alert as freight scams logistics continue to increase in both volume and sophistication. 

But forewarned is forearmed, as they say. Knowing what to look for and nip it in the bud is always more effective than playing catch‑up with a fraudster. In short, acting proactively to secure your freight operations always beats reacting — a mindset that is becoming essential as freight scams logistics grow harder to detect. 

It’s time to take control. Read on to gain some insights on how fraud is impacting the freight business, the types of freight scams carriers should know, and quick routes to protection. 

Freight Fraud: The numbers are climbing 

Also known as cargo crime, freight fraud is estimated to cost businesses over €8.2 billion per year in Europe. Thanks to high‑traffic volume, Germany, France, Italy and Spain are the most heavily targeted countries. Already, the number of cargo theft incidents in Europe was up 18 % year‑on‑year in January 2026, with the value of stolen goods rising by 42 %. 

Adding insult to injury is that fraudsters are growing ever‑more sophisticated. Keeping up with their tactics isn’t just forward‑thinking – it's becoming basic business sense. And a good way to do this is to always consider the origins, especially when strengthening cargo theft prevention  strategies. 

Why is Freight Fraud increasing? 

Think of the freighting business as a river, growing ever stronger. The more it increases, the more opportunities naturally present themselves for fraudsters to exploit. And there are certain key factors that make it easier for them. 

Easy‑to‑Sell products: Food and beverages especially are very easy to offload, so to speak, once they’ve been stolen. This often happens at a discount price. After all, it’s pure profit for the perpetrator. 

Digital weaknesses: The more advanced ordering, allocation and communications become, it opens vulnerabilities that can be exploited by fraudsters with keystrokes from far away. 

Long processes: An inherent transport planning quality that compounds the issue is that the process is often long, with multiple subcontractors. These multiple steps open more chances for fraud, particularly through double brokering freight schemes. 

Shortage of safe parking: When drivers are forced to stop in unsecured areas, it gives rise to more forceful fraud methods. Fraud doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it's ruthlessly simple, making cargo theft prevention measures increasingly important. 

Supply chain disruptions: Exposes weaknesses and opportunities where fraudsters can swiftly take advantage. 

3 Key scams you should be aware of 

Freight fraud takes many forms. To get ahead of it, it’s vital to be aware of the key areas and techniques where and how this happens. 

1: Phishing 

This is common in many industries, but right at home in the freight world. Among other things, scammers use fraudulent emails and links to steal sensitive information, which include shipping details. Stolen credentials are often the first part of the ruse. But scammers can go as far as creating wholly fake websites, to keep victims engaged, and convinced as long as needed. 

How to beat it: 

• Train and prepare staff to be on the lookout for generically addressed emails, as well as domain names and email addresses that may look correct, but which will have a small spelling deviation from the expected. 
• Resist opening unfamiliar or unexpected attachments to emails. Requests for payment should be treated with serious caution, particularly those which demand urgency. 
• Verify any unusual requests by pausing the communication and using another resource, such as calling the requester on an established, trusted telephone number. 

2: Illegal Sub‑Contracting / ‘Double Brokering’ 

Imagine a load has already been assigned by a broker or a shipper. Then, it is fraudulently reassigned to another carrier, in essence, re‑brokering it to another carrier without consent to pocket the rate difference. What’s more, a fraudulent carrier or broker can impersonate a trusted, approved carrier via false documents and identity, to take on a load from an entirely innocent shipper and then steal the load. This is very prevalent in our business and commonly associated with double brokering freight — be vigilant! 

How to beat it: 

• Be sure to corroborate all company history, information and contact details about carriers and brokers with trusted industry contacts, trade registers and websites. 
• Apply a rigorous selection process: ask for copies of the transport licence, insurance, and references from other companies. 
• Are you offered the chance to take a load at rates too good to be true? Proceed with due caution. 

3: Cargo theft 

This form of theft is so common, it actually has two components. First there’s strategic theft, which involves fake carriers, and all that entails: stolen identities, fake documentation, and forged emails. 

More straightforwardly, common theft occurs either from hijacking or simply removing goods from trucks and warehouses. Read on for more on cargo theft prevention. 

How to beat it: 

• Beware of enquiries asking for specific details of the load when there is no reason to do so from a logistics perspective. 
• Screen all drivers: seek references and background checks, including evidence of criminal record. 
• Use high‑security seals on trucks: they provide early evidence of attempted break‑ins or unauthorised access. 
• Be wary about probing questions regarding the freight contents. Oftentimes, the fraudster will reply that the driver wants or needs to know. But this information is not needed for the driver, and a red flag to be aware of, should it be asked. 

These are only a few top‑line suggestions to prevent freight fraud from impacting you. The greater reality is that scammers are growing ever‑more sophisticated – and that’s where knowledge comes in. 

Taking control of your freight operations starts with being aware of how you can be targeted. From there, you can map out a strategy and safeguard your business. 

So: Where can carriers find a guide to prevent freight fraud? 

The Anti‑Scam Kit: How to Identify and Prevent Fraud in the Freight Industry 

Consulting industry experts, we’ve taken the time to compile a comprehensive guide that dives deeper into all aspects of freight fraud, and ways to stay on alert, and in the driver’s seat. Acting always beats reacting, and this is especially true when it comes to protecting your loads, personnel, and transport equipment from rising fraud. 

As a leading logistics provider, Teleroute and WTransnet work hard to build trust in the industry and promote safe working practices for all partners.