Freight Fraud

Protect Yourself from Frauds and Scams#

Received a text, call or email that seems suspicious? Don’t respond to it.

There are several prevalent types of fraud, which individuals should be aware of to protect themselves and others. These include:

1. Identity Theft Identity theft involves the unauthorized use of another person’s personal information to commit fraudulent activities. This can include stealing someone’s identity to open fraudulent bank accounts, apply for credit cards, claim/acquired goods falsefully or engage in other illicit actions.

2. Credit Card Fraud Credit card fraud occurs when someone unlawfully uses another person’s credit card details to make unauthorized purchases or transactions. Fraudsters may obtain credit card information through various means, such as phishing scams or skimming devices.

3. Insurance Fraud Insurance fraud involves making false claims or providing misleading information to insurance companies to obtain undeserved financial benefits. This can include staging accidents, inflating insurance claims, or providing false information about the extent of damages."

Recognizing Fraudulent Activities#

To effectively report fraud, it is essential to be able to recognize fraudulent activities. Some signs that may indicate fraudulent behavior include:

• Unsolicited calls or emails requesting personal information or financial details.
• Requests for immediate payment or transfers of money to unfamiliar accounts.
• Offers that sound too good to be true, promising unrealistic returns or rewards.
• Suspicious or unauthorized transactions on bank statements or credit card bills.
• False or misleading information provided by individuals or organizations.
• Being vigilant and skeptical of any suspicious activities can help you identify potential fraud and take the necessary steps to report it.

Recognize and Report Fraud#

• Slow Down - Scammers rely on urgency to create panic. Be cautious of anything that implies you must act immediately. Take the time to review the message, then review it again.
• Don’t Click — Check the Link - Legitimate ATN logistics links will start with “https://www.atn-logistics.com”, “https://billing.atn-logistics.com”, "https://go.atn-logistics.com" or "https://links4.atn-logistics.com".
• Check the Details - Are there spelling or grammar errors? Generic greetings, like “Sir or Madame?” Fraudsters will frequently use small typos to trick you into clicking on the link.
• Delete and Block It - So you don’t accidentally interact with it later.

If It Seems Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is - Scammers may sell fake labels at deep discounts.

• Report It - Report it to the nearest police station or to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation at +254 020 3343312. +254 020 7202000 or report the incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

Report Fraud#

If you have fallen victim to fraud or have evidence of fraudulent activities, it is important to report the incident to the SAPS/DCI/Your nearest police station. Follow these steps to report fraud to the authorities:

• Gather all relevant information: Collect any evidence, documentation, or records related to the fraudulent activity. This may include emails, bank statements, receipts, or any other supporting materials.
• Visit your local police station: Go to the nearest police station or contact the SAPS/DCI helpline to report the fraud. Provide the officers with a detailed account of the incident and submit any evidence you have gathered.
• Obtain an affidavit: The police will likely ask you to provide a sworn statement regarding the fraud. This affidavit will serve as an official record of your report and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
• Follow up on the case: Keep track of the case number and the contact information of the investigating officer. It’s essential to stay in touch with them and provide any additional information or evidence that may arise during the investigation.

Providing Evidence and Documentation#

When reporting fraud, providing accurate and detailed evidence is crucial for a successful investigation. Make sure to:

• Keep all relevant documents, such as invoices, contracts, or correspondence related to the fraud.
• Take screenshots or photos of any online interactions, suspicious messages, or unauthorized transactions.
• Preserve any physical evidence, such as counterfeit products or forged documents.
• By providing comprehensive evidence, you enhance the chances of the authorities identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.

Protecting Yourself#

While reporting fraud is an essential step towards combating fraudulent activities, it’s also crucial to take measures to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Here are some tips to safeguard your well-being:

• Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information, especially with unknown individuals or organizations.
• Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Regularly monitor your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial documents for any suspicious activity.
• Keep your antivirus software and operating systems up to date to protect against malware and phishing attempts.
• By taking proactive measures to safeguard your personal information and financial security, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to fraud.