Logistics companies and transport insurers are increasingly facing a surge in a new and highly deceptive form of cargo theft, the German Insurance Association (GDV) warns. Instead of breaking into trucks at rest stops, criminals now pose as legitimate freight companies, showing up at warehouses and driving off with entire truckloads—legally handed over under false pretenses.

“The number of fraud cases involving so-called ‘phantom freight forwarders’ has risen sharply,” said Jens Jaeger, head of transport and aviation at the German Insurance Association (GDV), at a conference in Berlin. The scheme was one of the focal points of the event, alongside warehouse risks and the impact of global conflicts on supply chains.

How the scam works

Criminals exploit online freight platforms, where tens of thousands of shipping jobs are posted daily. They identify high-value contracts and approach shippers directly - often outside the platform—posing as subcontractors. Using real names of companies and individuals, they slightly alter email domains (e.g., replacing ".pl" with ".com") and forge documents like insurance certificates.

“The fraudsters’ effort is minimal, and due to the speed of business, discrepancies often go unnoticed,” explained Klaus Baier of consultancy Desa, which helps companies investigate fraud. Believing they're dealing with legitimate carriers, the dispatchers hand over goods - never to see them again.

Explosive growth in cases

Baier has tracked these scams since 2022. That year, there were 80 documented cases across Europe. In 2024, he has already recorded 266—with 202 reported in just the first four months. The economic impact now rivals that of traditional cargo theft, which GDV estimates at EUR 1.3 billion annually.

Evolving tactics and organized crime

Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. Some set up shell companies to gain access to freight platforms and official documentation. Others purchase struggling shipping firms and use them as fronts until the scam is uncovered. In one instance, 40 shipments were stolen using a single front company.

“This is organized, cross-border crime,” said Baier. Once limited to six main criminal groups across Europe, there are now dozens, often with insiders in legitimate logistics companies. By studying shipping routes, they can predict the type of cargo - even if freight platforms don't disclose contents. High-value items like copper, electronics, food, bicycles, and even solar panels are prime targets.

Call for tighter checks

Insurers are urging freight companies to vet subcontractors more carefully - checking identity documents, verifying addresses, and demanding references. About 75% of cases involve identity theft, Baier said, many of which could be avoided with stricter due diligence.

Black market flourishes abroad

Many stolen goods end up in Eastern Europe or the Benelux countries, where legal systems often favor buyers of stolen goods acting “in good faith.” This loophole helps fuel a thriving black market, allowing criminal networks to move millions in stolen cargo with relative ease.