Get to Know Phishing: A Common Scam Tactic in the Trucking Industry

In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing ‘phishing’, a modern term that represents an age-old practice: fraud. We find this to be an important subject in particular because if there’s one thing that continues to trouble our industry, it is fraud – and this isn’t just a matter of opinion. In fact, in the year 2022, cargo theft reports climbed by a concerning 20%, according to a news report from Truckstop. Here at Freight Checkers, where our platform is dedicated to upholding accountability and transparency in our industry, this statistic comes to us as unsurprising but motivates us further to achieve our goal. Learn more about phishing by reading below, or learn more about our rating & monitoring service by calling 662-932-3775 today.

How Phishing Works

In simple terms, phishing works by extorting sensitive information – usually payment information – from victims. In many cases, these scammers – or “phishers” as we’ll be calling them – succeed by impersonating legitimate businesses or parties. This deceives victims into thinking that they are working with a reputable business or person, which, of course, they are not.

The name ‘phishing’ most likely derives from its similarities to the sport of fishing, in the sense that scammers will plant ‘bait’, hoping to lure in potential victims.

What Phishing Looks Like

Phishing can manifest in a number of different ways, which is perhaps what makes it so dangerous. Phishing can appear in the form of text messages, emails, social media messages, calls, and more. Though less common now in the so-called “Digital Age”, phishing scams can even be seen in letters, pamphlets, brochures, and other forms of mail.

How to Avoid Phishing & Related Scams

While phishing can pose a threat to almost anyone, that is not to say it is impossible to avoid. When it comes to keeping yourself protected from any type of fraud, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some ways that you can stay clear of phishing:

1. Be vigilant and conscientious of providing sensitive information, especially on the internet. Do not give out sensitive information when unnecessary and always double-check the parties that you are doing business with to ensure that they are legitimate.
2. Consider downloading anti-spam software, which has proved to be a helpful tool for many. There are even free-to-use tools that you may benefit from.
3. Always keep an eye out for red flags and irregularities. In most cases, companies will not directly ask you for your sensitive information, so when you see this and other potential “red flags”, be sure to be careful.

Sign Up for Freight Checkers Today

Freight Checkers is the trucking industry’s premier rating & monitoring service, helping freight carriers to make educated decisions about who they do business with. Learn more by calling our team at 662-932-3775 or sign up for any of our plans today!