The logistics and transport industry is the economy’s lifeblood. It ensures the movement of goods, timely deliveries, and the security of supply chains. Unfortunately, as the industry grows, so does the number of economic crimes and frauds, including fraudulent freight forwarding and transport services.
Why is the TSL sector such a frequent target for fraudsters?
Scale and speed – the perfect conditions for fraud
The TSL industry operates quickly, often relying on subcontractors, online communication, and rapid response to new orders. While these conditions are essential for efficiency, they also create a fertile ground for criminal activity, such as:
- impersonating well-known companies (so-called spoofing),
- fake transport orders,
- theft of goods after pickup,
- falsifying transport or registration documents,
- advance payment scams by fictitious carriers.
Let’s look at the most common types of fraud in transport:
1. The fake carrier
A fraudster registers a bogus company or impersonates an existing carrier. They secure an order, collect the cargo… and disappear. The goods vanish, and the client is left with the problem.
2. Substituting the driver
A legitimate vehicle is sent for pickup, but at the last minute, a “replacement” driver and vehicle with no proper authorization arrive instead. They sign the transport documents but never deliver the goods.
3. Communication spoofing
Fraudsters contact a company while pretending to be a known partner – they change email addresses, phone numbers, and domains. They issue an order that appears entirely legitimate.
4. Advance payment fraud
A new partner offers a very attractive rate for a transport order, but only on the condition of a quick advance payment. Once the money is transferred, they vanish without a trace.
Why is the TSL industry so vulnerable?
The transport sector is especially prone to fraud due to several factors:
- High turnover of orders and contractors – makes partner verification more difficult,
- Time pressure – orders are often accepted on the spot,
- Multiple intermediaries – complicate the assignment of clear responsibility,
- Lack of standardized verification processes – each company follows its procedures.
How to protect yourself? Practical precautions:
🔍 Verify your business partners – Check their details in national registries (e.g., CEIDG, KRS, EU VAT), debt registers, and online reviews. If something seems off, don’t take the risk.
📄 Carefully review documents – Ensure that all data in orders, transport documents, and invoices match. Fraudsters often make small mistakes.
📧 Secure communication – Double-check email addresses (watch for fake domains), don’t click suspicious links, and use two-factor authentication.
🧾 Set clear payment terms – Never pay advances to new, unverified partners. If it’s necessary, sign an agreement that secures repayment.
📦 Track the cargo – Use GPS tracking, take photos during loading/unloading, and request email confirmations.
🤝 Insurance and written contracts – Always have agreements with clearly defined responsibilities written. Carrier and cargo insurance – now a must-have!
Due to its very nature, the TSL sector is particularly exposed to scams and fraud. However, with proper vigilance and the implementation of a few basic safety principles, many of these incidents can be effectively prevented.
Transport fraud isn’t just about financial loss – it also leads to a loss of customer trust, legal disputes, and serious operational consequences. That’s why it’s better to act preventively than react after the damage is done.
Photo by Nohe Pereira on Unsplash
