Freight Fraud in USA | Cases, Laws & Prevention 2025
Freight fraud has become one of the most significant threats facing the logistics and supply chain industry today. Scams such as double brokering, identity theft, and cargo theft cost companies millions of dollars annually. Whether you're a shipper, carrier, or freight broker, staying vigilant and informed is essential to minimizing risk and safeguarding your business.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most common types of freight fraud, how they operate, and—most importantly—how Shipping-Support.com ensures the security and integrity of your shipments through verified carriers, advanced tracking, and industry-best practices.
Freight Fraud Is Skyrocketing — How to Protect Your Loads
Freight fraud is rapidly increasing, costing shippers, brokers, and logistics companies millions of dollars each year. From double brokering schemes to cargo theft, bad actors are targeting loads across the U.S. and beyond with growing sophistication.
No part of the supply chain is immune—whether you're a shipper, freight broker, or carrier. However, with the right preventative measures and due diligence, you can safeguard your freight, protect your bottom line, and maintain your reputation in a high-risk environment.
How to Report Freight Fraud
If you suspect freight fraud, take action immediately. The U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General investigates fraudulent activity in the transportation sector. You can report suspicious behavior in multiple ways:
📞 Phone: (800) 424-9071
📧 Email: hotline@oig.dot.gov
📬 Mail: DOT Inspector General, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590
🌐 Online Form:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/consumer-protection/report-safety-violations
🔍 Top Freight Fraud Red Flags
Watch for these warning signs of freight scams:
Rates that are too low to be realistic
Carriers with no verifiable safety history or fake online reviews
Altered or falsified BOLs, COIs, or MC numbers
Evasive, unprofessional, or inconsistent communication
Being proactive in spotting these freight fraud red flags can save you from major losses.
🛡 How Shipping-Support.com Protects Your Freight
At Shipping-Support.com, we operate 24/7 to safeguard your supply chain. Our freight security measures include:
Load verification — every shipment is confirmed and traceable
Carrier screening — only trusted, compliant carriers are approved
VIN verification — every vehicle is cross-checked to prevent fraud and cargo theft
Reputation protection — ensuring your business isn’t exposed to risky partners
Our mission is clear: set the industry standard for secure freight shipping and integrity in transportation.
🤝 Together, We Keep Freight Moving Safely
The supply chain depends on trust. With freight fraud at an all-time high, now is the time to act.
👉 Partner with Shipping-Support.com to reduce risk, prevent scams, and ensure your loads are always protected.
Stay vigilant. Stay compliant. Stay secure.
What is Freight Fraud and Why is It Rising?
Freight fraud refers to deceptive practices intended to trick logistics professionals—such as brokers or carriers—into surrendering freight without proper compensation. Common schemes include impersonating legitimate carriers, double brokering, identity theft, and outright cargo theft. Fraudsters often manipulate documents, forge credentials, and exploit weaknesses in supply chain security.
As global trade continues to digitalize, cyber-savvy criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target vulnerable companies. Left unchecked, freight fraud can lead to delayed deliveries, lost revenue, reputational damage, and even legal consequences. Understanding the root causes behind the rise in freight fraud is the first step toward protecting your business.
Common Types of Freight Fraud You Must Know
Effectively combating freight fraud starts with recognizing the different forms it can take. Here are the most common schemes disrupting the industry:
Double Brokering Scams – A broker unlawfully reassigns a load to another broker without the shipper’s consent, often leading to confusion, non-payment, and liability issues.
Cargo Theft – Criminals pose as legitimate carriers to pick up shipments, then disappear with the freight.
Identity Theft – Fraudsters impersonate trusted carriers or brokers using stolen credentials to gain access to high-value loads.
Phishing & Fake Invoices – Cybercriminals send fraudulent payment requests or spoofed emails to divert funds from unsuspecting businesses.
Document Forgery – Falsified Bills of Lading (BOLs), MC numbers, insurance certificates, and other documents are used to mislead and exploit logistics providers.
Spotting these red flags early is critical. By staying informed and vigilant, businesses can reduce their exposure to fraud and safeguard their operations.
Top Warning Signs of Freight Fraud
The best defense against freight fraud is early detection. Watch for these red flags:
Unrealistically low freight rates
Incomplete or inconsistent carrier documentation
MC numbers or DOT registrations that don’t match public records
Inaccurate VIN numbers
Sudden changes in payment methods or bank details
Carriers without a verifiable safety history
Unprofessional or evasive communication
By educating your team and implementing strict verification measures, you can identify fraudsters before they damage reputation and bottomline.
How to Prevent Freight Fraud Effectively
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of freight fraud:
Verify Carriers Thoroughly – Check MC numbers, DOT registration, and safety ratings.
Use Real-Time Tracking – Ensure full visibility over shipments.
Implement Load Verification – Confirm pickup and delivery locations with trusted contacts.
Secure Contracts & Payments – Avoid cash payments and ensure transparent invoicing.
Partner with Reliable Platforms – Work with services like Shipping-Support.com to safeguard your operations.
Prevention requires continuous monitoring, strict due diligence, and working only with trusted logistics partners.
Why Choose Shipping-Support.com for Freight Protection
At Shipping-Support.com, we specialize in helping brokers, carriers, and shippers avoid freight scams. Our platform combines technology, data verification, and 24/7 monitoring to ensure your loads are always safe.
Advanced Carrier Screening — We verify every carrier’s credentials, insurance, VIN numbers, equipment, etc...
Real-Time Freight Tracking — Track shipments from pickup to delivery.
Fraud Detection Technology — AI-driven tools detect suspicious activity instantly.
Trusted Network — We only work with verified, compliant carriers.
With us, your freight is protected, your risks are minimized, and your reputation remains intact.
Legal Actions & Reporting Freight Fraud
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of freight fraud, act immediately. See something, say something. Because we are in this fight together…
Contact Authorities — Report the incident to the U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General.
File an FMCSA Complaint — Use their official reporting tool.
Notify Your Insurer — Involve your cargo insurance provider to file claims.
Preserve All Documentation — Keep emails, invoices, and BOLs as evidence.
Quick and proactive action can limit financial loss and help authorities track down fraudsters faster.
FAQ on freight fraud
Q. What is the most common type of freight fraud?
Ans. Double brokering scams and cargo theft are among the most prevalent.
Q. How can I verify a carrier’s legitimacy?
Ans. Always check MC numbers, DOT registration, insurance certificates, VIN numbers and online safety reviews.
Q. Is freight fraud increasing in 2025?
Ans. Yes! With no end in sight…
Q. What should I do if I suspect freight fraud?
Ans. Immediately report the incident to law enforcement, the DOT, contact your insurer, and secure all related documents.
Final Thoughts on freight fraud
Freight fraud isn’t disappearing but with knowledge, best practices, and common sense security measures, you can keep your business intact and profitable. At Shipping-Support.com, we protect your freight, finances, and reputation.
