Don't Fall for This Logistics Scam: QikTruck Tips

A recent wave of logistics scams has hit the freight business, and it's up to us all to be vigilant and keep our warehouses, trucking companies and other operations secure. As a global provider of logistics solutions, QikTruck is committed to helping businesses stay safe and secure, especially when it comes to money. Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed and protect your business.

Know the Different Types of Scams

The most common types of logistics scams involve fake delivery orders, bogus contracts, fraudulent over-invoicing and payment requests, and deceptive online payment forms. Fake delivery orders are especially common, and often involve the scammer claiming to have an order for a large shipment and asking for payment before or after delivery of the goods. These orders may look legitimate, but should be verified with the actual sender before payment is authorized. Bogus contracts are another type of logistics scam, where the fraudster tries to get the customer to sign a contract without providing a full list of the delivery terms and conditions. They may also use the “bait and switch” tactic, where a customer signs a contract for one type of shipment, only to find the terms and conditions have changed after the delivery is complete. Fraudulent over-invoicing and payment requests are also common. In this type of scam, the fraudster claims to have an order that exceeds the amount of the invoice, and asks for payment before delivering the goods. Additionally, they may try to trick the customer into paying more than what is due. Finally, deceptive online payment forms can be very dangerous. These forms may appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or payment processor, but are actually a scam where the fraudster requests payment for a service that does not exist.

Take Precautionary Measures

Once you understand how scams work, you can begin to take precautionary measures to protect your business. One of the most important things to do is to verify the identity of the sender before agreeing to any terms. Be sure to check the company's address, contact details and other information. There may also be red flags to watch out for, such as asking for payment up-front or a request for large amounts of money. It's a good idea to use encryption software to protect sensitive data, such as banking and credit card numbers, as well as any other confidential information. This will make it harder for scammers to access your data, as they will be unable to read it without the encryption key. Finally, make sure that all payments are made through secure methods, such as using an escrow agent or a reputable online payment processor. If a payment processor is used, make sure that it is PCI-DSS compliant, which ensures that all transactions are safe and secure.

Know Your Rights

In addition to taking precautionary measures, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to logistics scams. The best way to do this is to become familiar with the Free and Open Logistics Regulation (FOLR), which outlines all of the legal rights and obligations for dealing with logistics scams. The FOLR specifies a minimum standard for logistics companies, such as requiring that they log and investigate all complaints from customers, maintain an appropriate customer service department, and provide timely refunds and invoices of all payments. Additionally, they must also have clear and easy-to-understand policies on their websites regarding the handling of suspicious orders and delivery information.

Stay Vigilant

Staying one step ahead of logistics scams is the key to staying safe and secure in the freight business. That's why QikTruck encourages businesses to stay vigilant and take action if they suspect any fraudulent activity. By following the tips outlined above, businesses can protect themselves from scams and have peace of mind knowing they're doing all they can to keep their operations secure.

Conclusion

The freight business is constantly changing and evolving, and logistics scams are an ever-present danger. Businesses must take steps to ensure that they remain safe and secure, and shouldn’t be afraid to report suspicious activity to the proper authorities. QikTruck is committed to helping businesses stay safe and secure, and urges all logisticians to be aware of the various types of scams, take precautionary measures and understand their rights. By following these tips, businesses can ensure that their operations are secure and that their money is safe.

 

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