How to Avoid Fake Shipping Line Websites and Freight Forwarding Scams

img

Periodically, we come across shipping scams by fraudulent people or firms impersonating freight forwarders and shipping lines.

Of course, these fraudsters and scams come in various forms, mainly by those using a similar or duplicate name or those creating a fake website to attract shippers and importers. We all know how creative they can get, even sometimes beyond our imagination.

Stealing the names of well-known and experienced shipping service providers is a common practice among scammers trying to cheat clients.

Sometimes, we come across that two or more companies in the same industry that have similar names, but it’s recommended to be cautious when you feel something is off. Scammers usually take this method to use the known company’s brand recognition to gain trust and customers for themselves.

These new businesses may be entirely scams, aimed at stealing capital, or just newly-established shipping companies trying to seem more experienced than they are. Inexperienced firms, who lack the expertise and industry network that comes with years of experience in the international shipping business, can turn out to be extremely costly for shippers and importers. 

Below are three tips on how to avoid these scams within the shipping industry.

1. Do your research

If a new shipping company has contacted you, use a search engine like Google to research the company and try to acquire more information about them. By doing this, you’ll gain a general idea and understanding of the company and determine whether or not they seem legitimate.

2. Check the URL in your browser

If you’re directed to a website, always make sure to check the URL. A website may look somewhat similar or the same, and trick shippers to believe that they are visiting and transacting on the correct site.

Double-checking the URL will prevent falling for this method. 99% of the time, well-established shipping companies would publicly announce if they are changing their website or URL.

3. Check the email address that is contacting you

If you’ve been contacted via email, it’s smart to check the email address you’ve received the email from, especially if the conversation is leaning towards collecting money. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to email other contacts at this organization.

Stolen names, website scams and fraudulent emails are just a few of the fraudulent activities scammers might use.

But, they are not the only tricks to watch out for when shipping internationally. Since a great deal of money is on the line, we advise you to do in-depth research and seek recommendations when starting a business relationship with a new shipping company.

By Utku Can Ozkan

Source: logisticsbrief.com

Strategic Partners

https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__11159__Intro Hiyana.jpg
It is wonderful and amazing to be a member of G7N with a very good exposure to the worldwide logistics players. G7N Conference is a great way to get exposure, and we got to meet a lot of other members, and develop business relationships. It is incredible and very exciting to be a part of your valuable network.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__sobel.png
Sobel Network Shipping Company has had the pleasure and privilege of being a part of the G7 Network for a few years. The G7 Network has had a reputation of being very well managed by an excellent team. Membership to the G7 Network is very exclusive with a small group of companies that are well connected and trustworthy, creating lifelong friendships even beyond the scope of work. Through these connections and networking, the G7 Network has provided some very lucrative opportunities for Sobel Network Shipping. We look forward to being a part of the G7 Network family for many years to come.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__Woodland_logo.jpg
G7N continues to be an amazing network for developing business partners and key relationships globally. Being such a dynamic operation, communication remains very prompt at all hours over a wide variety of channels, creating a friendly and vibrant atmosphere between all members. The knowledge base within the G7N Team themselves remains astounding and would certainly recommend them as first port of call.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__11098__tec-200x67.jpg
As founding member of G7N we wish to point out that we are extremely happy to be part of the group which has been growing constantly in the last few years in spite of the challenges coming from COVID 19 emergency which is causing unprecedented troubles to all of us, in our business and personal lives. G7N management succeeded in passing through this “crazy” time with lucidity in mind and with the right measures to keep members tied and constantly in touch.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__jm_logistic.png
The concept and environment G7N team created for the conference and the Cargo Weekend is awesome, it allows you to build a friendship that is the base of strong business relationships. I hope I can keep being part of this family and meet all my new friends in the conference to come representing JM Logistics.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__3k_logo.jpeg
Being a proactive and professionally managed network with its productive members and overnight replies to all inquiries together with providing a sense of confidence with its financial protection system, we as 3K Logistics, Turkey are very much delighted & glad to be a member of this valuable family.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__marinair_logo.jpeg
Having recently joined the G7N Logistics Network, I must say the team behind the scenes make every effort possible in ensuring partners are well connected with each other no matter the nature of the consignment. The network does a fantastic job is ensuring that all members despite their geographical locations feel part of one family!
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__logo__Owakhe.jpeg
Thus far, Owakhe has been seeing potential in the group and we look forward for another exciting year ahead.
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__cargo_movers.png
The conference and members are awesome and the interactive atmosphere is particularly impressive! Never seen such a difference in networking and opportunities for everyone! You can feel the professionalism, experience and the energy of the network!
https://doc.g7logisticsnetworks.com/testimonial/logo__windfreight.png
Yes we really do enjoy our G7N conference. For the last 23 years that I’ve been attending network conferences this one is really special and cool. Members are so friendly you will really feel that we treat each other as family. We feel found a family with G7N.
7:53

NEW YORK

7:53

sao paulo

7:53

london

7:53

dubai

7:53

bangkok

7:53

hong kong

7:53

tokyo

7:53

sydney

Network News

img

Megagon Successful Delivery of OOG Trucks

img

Megagon on the Move of Tanks from Turkey to Poland

img

Hunter Cargo and Customs Export Pontoons and Gangways to Yokohama in Collaboration with Knot Global Holdings

img

Marinair Freight Triumphs in Logistical Challenge with Cummins Generators Delivery

Are you ready for a collaboration
that will boost your business

Let’s Work Together

Book a Discovery Call with our Network Development Manager

Got questions or want to explore new opportunities within our networks? Schedule a one on one meeting with our Network Development Manager.