BIFA Guidance on Cargo Theft
Identity-based cargo theft is becoming a growing concern for freight forwarders across Europe, with criminals increasingly using deception and impersonation to gain access to goods.
BIFA and CLECAT, the European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services, have been working on guidance designed to help freight forwarders strengthen their due diligence and reduce the risk of becoming victims of identity fraud and cargo theft.
Unlike traditional cargo theft, which often involves physically targeting loads as they move through road networks, identity-based theft can exploit weaknesses in everyday freight forwarding processes. Criminals may use forged documents, fraudulent domain names and email addresses, or other forms of digital impersonation to appear legitimate.
Identity-based theft can exploit weaknesses in everyday freight forwarding processes
The growth of digital processes can add to the challenge. Checks that were once carried out through physical visits and face-to-face contact are now often completed digitally, making robust verification increasingly important.
Steps to reduce the risk:
Review carrier onboarding and verification procedures.
Strengthen secure communication practices throughout the supply chain.
Check that appropriate financial safeguards are in place.
Tighten physical loading and unloading procedures, including documentation checks.
Verify driver and vehicle identification before releasing cargo.
Make sure there are clear procedures for reporting suspected or confirmed crime.
The guidance highlights the need for these checks throughout the supply chain relationship, rather than only when a new carrier or supplier is first appointed.
BIFA also warns against relying too heavily on information that hasn’t been fully analysed or independently checked. Criminals with a good understanding of freight forwarding procedures may look for gaps in established processes and use them to build credibility.
The issue isn’t limited to the UK. BIFA describes identity-based cargo theft as a Europe-wide problem, making consistent verification and secure communication increasingly important for businesses operating across international supply chains.
The message is clear. Criminals may only need to succeed once, while freight businesses need their procedures to work every time.
If you’d like further guidance on protecting your shipments and supply chain, speak to your local Advantage Worldwide office.
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