Fake carriers: How to protect yourself from professional freight fraud
Fake carriers, forged identities, manipulated transport documents – professionally organized freight fraud is no longer an isolated case. In the transport and logistics sector, we are seeing a significant increase in the number of fake carrier cases in which goods disappear, supply chains are interrupted, and entire customer relationships are put at risk.
Last year was already heavily affected by this type of fraud. A further increase is expected in 2026 – perpetrators are becoming increasingly structured, prepared, and targeted in their actions. Existing verification processes are analyzed and deliberately circumvented.
What are fake carriers?
Fake carriers are bogus freight forwarders or fictitious transport companies that accept transport orders but do not carry them out properly.
Instead, the goods are embezzled, resold as stolen goods, or held for ransom.
The methods used vary:
• Professionally organized criminal groups specifically target high-value, easily saleable cargo.
• Semi-professional criminals often act indiscriminately and exploit weaknesses in day-to-day business operations.
Fake carriers often pose as employees of well-known transport companies, set up letterbox companies or take over existing companies with a new structure.
Why traditional checks are often no longer sufficient
Many companies already have basic control mechanisms in place. The problem: the perpetrators are familiar with these processes—and adapt their methods accordingly. AI is also being used more and more frequently in this context. The situation becomes particularly critical in the following cases:
• Time pressure in dispatching
• Awarding contracts via freight exchanges
• Subcontractor chains
• Supposedly well-known business partners with new structures
