Beware of Fake Shipping Websites and Freight Forwarding Scams
Shipping scams orchestrated by fraudulent individuals or companies impersonating reputable freight forwarders and shipping companies are a recurring issue. These scams manifest in various forms, often through the use of similar or duplicated names or the creation of counterfeit websites to entice unsuspecting shippers and importers. The ingenuity of these fraudsters knows no bounds and can surpass our wildest imagination.
The practice of appropriating the names of well-established and trustworthy shipping service providers is a common tactic employed by scammers to deceive their clients.
On occasion, one may encounter two or more companies operating in the same industry with similar names. However, exercising caution is advised whenever something feels amiss. Scammers frequently employ this method to exploit the brand recognition and trust associated with reputable companies, ultimately gaining customers for themselves.
These newly emerged enterprises could either be complete scams designed to embezzle capital or recently established shipping companies attempting to present themselves as more experienced than they actually are. Inexperienced firms lacking the expertise and industry connections that come with years of involvement in international shipping can prove exorbitantly costly for shippers and importers.
Outlined below are three invaluable tips to help you evade these scams within the shipping industry.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Shipping Scams:
1. Research and Verification:
Take time to thoroughly research the shipping company. Use search engines to gather information, including customer reviews and potential red flags. Verify the legitimacy of the website by examining the URL. Cross-check email addresses with known contacts.
In addition, we have compiled a shortlist of well-known fake shipping companies and freit services.
List of Fake Shipping Companies: Here are some well-known fake shipping companies and freight services to be cautious of:
- APSL
- Aramex
- Core Business Enterprise Advantage
- FB Shippers
- Firstlane Logistics
- Global Link
- Mengtu
- Spectrum Global Freight
- ULTIMATE CARGO LOGISTICS
- UNConvey Service
2. Seek Recommendations:
Ask trusted colleagues, industry contacts, or businesses for recommendations based on their positive experiences with shipping companies.
3. Assess Credentials and Customer Reviews:
Check if the shipping company holds the necessary licenses and certifications. Look for customer reviews on reputable platforms to gauge reliability and track record.
4. Be Cautious with Payment and Communication:
Exercise caution with payment terms. Avoid upfront payments or large deposits without understanding the company’s policies. Choose transparent payment processes and secure options. Evaluate the quality of communication for prompt and professional responses.
5. Trust Your Instincts:
If something feels suspicious, take the time to evaluate it before proceeding. Trust your instincts and explore other options if needed.
6. Protect Personal Information:
Share sensitive data only after verifying the shipping company’s legitimacy and security measures.
7. Verify Tracking and Insurance Services:
Ensure the shipping company offers reliable tracking services. Confirm insurance coverage for your shipments.
8. Use Secure Payment Methods:
Opt for trusted payment methods with fraud protection, such as reputable payment gateways or secure credit cards.
9. Stay Informed and Updated:
Stay updated on common shipping scams and fraud techniques. Educate yourself about new tactics employed by scammers.
10. Check WHOIS Information:
Inspect the WHOIS information of the website to see if it is private or publicly registered. You can also potentially find information such as an address and phone number in which you can cross-reference for legitimacy. Additionally, determine how long the website has existed, which can indicate its credibility; A new website may be a clear sign that the website is a scam. A great website to lookup WHOIS information is https://www.whois.com/.
By following these measures, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to shipping scams and establish a secure relationship with a reputable shipping company.
