Dangerous Transport Fraud: “Phantom Carriers” Threaten the Supply Chain
In the transport and supply chain sector, a new form of fraud is emerging at an alarming rate: so-called “phantom carriers.” These are criminals who, posing as reputable transport companies, pick up cargo and disappear without a trace.
The Fraud Method
Fraudsters exploit online transport platforms where thousands of offers are posted daily. They identify attractive shipments and contact senders, presenting forged documents and false contact details. Often, they use slightly modified email addresses or fake insurance certificates. The speed of transactions and time pressure make it difficult to detect the fraud, resulting in cargo being handed over to these criminals and being permanently lost.
Alarming Statistics
According to crime expert Klaus Baier, the phenomenon of “phantom carriers” has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2022, 80 incidents were recorded in Europe, while in 2024, this number rose to 266. In just the first four months of 2025, 202 cases have already been reported. The financial losses from these frauds approach €1.3 billion annually, an amount comparable to damages from traditional forms of cargo theft.
Prevention Recommendations
The German Insurance Association (GDV) and industry experts suggest the following measures to prevent such frauds:
- Verify Information: Carefully check the documents, email addresses, and contact details of carriers.
- Assess Reliability: Request references and check the history of your partners.
- Staff Training: Inform your employees about fraud methods and the signs to watch out for.
- Use Reliable Platforms: Prefer well-known and reputable platforms for assigning transports.
Prevention is key to protecting your business from such threats. Collaborating with trusted partners and continuous vigilance can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.
Source: GDV – Transportversicherer warnen vor Betrugsmasche
ttps://www.gdv.de/gdv/themen/mobilitaet/transport-logistik/transportversicherer-warnen-vor-betrugsmasche-188416h