CLECAT publishes Guide on Preventing Identity-Based Cargo Theft

While traditional cargo theft remains a concern, organised criminals are increasingly turning to identity-based fraud, using so-called phantom carriers and impersonation techniques to steal valuable cargo without ever forcing open a trailer.

Criminals are exploiting stolen company identities, fake documents, fraudulent email domains and increasingly sophisticated digital tools – including AI-generated websites and communications that can be almost indistinguishable from legitimate businesses.

To help freight forwarders and logistics service providers strengthen their resilience against these growing threats, CLECAT has published its new Guide on Preventing Identity-Based Cargo Theft.

The guide provides practical recommendations, including:

• Verifying company registrations, insurance certificates and contact details through independent sources
• Confirming transport orders, delivery changes and critical instructions via a second trusted communication channel
• Training staff to recognise warning signs such as unusual urgency, last-minute changes and suspicious payment requests
• Limiting access to sensitive shipment information and sharing data only with verified partners
• Implementing robust driver, vehicle and cargo pick-up verification procedures

As cargo crime becomes increasingly digital, prevention depends on embedding verification and due diligence into everyday operations, not just reacting when incidents occur.
Strengthening cooperation between freight forwarders, carriers, shippers, insurers, digital freight platforms and law enforcement will be essential to protecting supply chains from this rapidly evolving threat.

Guide on preventing Identity-based Cargo Theft