5 Common Types of Trucking Fraud Schemes

When you’re managing a fleet of drivers, you have a lot to juggle. Some unethical folks take advantage of that and get you to send funds. Here are some common types of truck fraud that you should look out for.

1. Driver in Need

Some charlatans target companies with large driver pools by posing as a driver. They use information they have overheard while loitering around truck stops and talking with drivers. During this type of fraud, the scam artist calls the dispatcher to request an EFS MoneyCode for a fuel or repair advance.

2. Phony Repair Shop

In this scenario, someone poses as a repair shop employee who’s servicing your vehicle. The person provides a vehicle number, license plate number, and a driver’s name and demands immediate payment via EFS MoneyCode under threat of keeping the truck. There have even been cases in which the fraudster has generated a phony invoice and emailed it to the victim.

3. Fake Towing used to Commit Fraud

Similar to the repair shop scam, many fraudsters demand payment for a tow that never occurred. They tell dispatch that they won’t release the truck to the driver or the repair shop unless they receive payment.

4. Load Scams

Some scammers check load boards and prey on brokers. They steal a legitimate trucking company’s identity and use that information to book loads and coerce EFS MoneyCode advances under false pretenses. The fraudsters typically hold the load hostage or dump it at a remote location in order to collect an EFS MoneyCode as ransom.

5. Fake Government Officials

These perpetrators pretend to be a police officer or a Department of Transportation employee and demand immediate payment for a fictitious violation.The good news is that you can protect yourself from these fraud tactics by following these guidelines:

• Ask your drivers to be aware of their surroundings and avoid divulging any information that could be used to validate an EFS MoneyCode.
• Request a printed invoice with a detailed listing of the services that were provided. This invoice should be provided on the service provider’s letterhead with a valid address and phone number. A legitimate business will be able to do this. Always verify the business name, address, and phone number online or through a valid directory and contact the driver to verify the information as well.
• Keep a close eye on address and phone number changes for companies you have on file or new companies requesting to work with them because these are often the scenarios that slip beneath the radar.
• Always speak with the driver whose vehicle is involved before issuing funds. Call the driver directly on the number you have on file.
• Request validation using information that isn’t visible on the truck, such as the DOT number, employee ID, and/or driver name.
• Validate the incoming phone number/caller information against a public listing or that particular driver’s profile as well as the truck’s GPS coordinates or the driver’s trip route.
• Try to refrain from issuing an EFS MoneyCode to a third party. If possible, ask the driver to obtain the MoneyCode and pay the third party independently. Ask the driver to get a receipt with a detailed listing of the services on the service provider’s letterhead, including a valid address and phone number.
• Consider providing the MoneyCode to the driver’s mobile communications device.
• Be suspicious when someone tries to pressure you into making a quick payment. Fraudsters often demand payment immediately. There are few situations that are so urgent that you won’t have time to verify the party requesting payment.
• Keeping MoneyCodes in your hands and out of the hands of fraudsters is important. With these tips, you can protect your company funds — and keep your truck drivers safe on the road.Don’t Wait to Safeguard Your Business. Start today!

With 123Loadboard, you can take the necessary steps to protect your business. 123Loadboard’s monitoring tools help identify FMCSA inconsistencies and alert you directly when there’s an update or a problem. Additional tools include MyDocs and SearchDocs that can help clarify issues – these trucking tools are available in many of 123Loadboard’s membership plans.