5 ways International Shipping Companies cheat Customers

 

Table of Contents:

 

Top 5 fraud methods followed by international shipping companies

·        Not offering the Bill of Lading

·        Cargo Theft

·        Changed Bank details

·        Lack of Transparency

·        Meeting Fake Agents

Conclusion:

 

When cargo or vehicle is being shipped into another country, they go through many phases. From being cleared for customs to being loaded, you need to always stay in contact and have the proper documentation for the process. Here are some ways in which shipping companies may cheat you if you do not stay alert.

Top 5 fraud methods followed by international shipping companies.

 

Not offering the Bill of Lading

 

Simply searching for the ‘international shipping companies near me on your phones or laptops is not going to take you anywhere. This is because many fraud shippers often try to dupe their customers into paying more money by holding their cargo as ransom. This often starts on a small note which might not be too much to be suspicious of. Rather than listening to your continuous pleas for handing the bill of lading, they might send you off with an email asking you for money once the shipment leaves the origin port.

 

Cargo Theft

 

Although cheap shipping charges can be highly tempting, they often come with catches. There is no valid reason why any shipping company would want to trim down their own profits and procure all the charges by themselves. Thus, if a company is still claiming to be offering low rates, then there is a fair chance that your cargo may be in danger. As once you forward the cargo to your freight forwarder, in no way can you check their status regularly. They might want to cover up their losses with cargo theft. Even more, they can also easily bury the issue with some sort of excuse.

 

Changed Bank details

 

Another common way scammers may try to take away all your money is by sending compromised bank accounts. You will start receiving messages or emails on how the previously provided bank details have been changed. These messages will then be backed up by payment reminders of some kind, which will be directed for submission in the new account. While this may not actually be your freight forwarder's fault, but due to some fraud hacking into their account, the only person at a loss would be you.

 

Lack of Transparency

 

If searching for ‘internationalshipping companies near me, always make sure to check their reviews. Not all companies are completely transparent about their services and charges, which is a definite red flag. The main reason behind doing this is to manipulate their customers into signing the contract to promise fewer charges. However, once the cargo leaves the port, you will soon start getting calls, messages, or emails of pending dues. These pending dues might be some GST/Duty charges which were not previously discussed. So, when you do pay for them, there is a high chance of half the amount getting into their pockets.

 

Meeting Fake Agents

 

Many often you might stumble across individuals claiming to be so-called agents assigned to help with your shipment process. However, that might not be true. No matter how popular or busy they might be, no shipping company appoints third-party agents to do their bidding. So, if you ignore this and pay up or sign up with the fake agent, a greater chance is that you will lose both your money and shipment. Similarly, frauds may also pose as a particular employee from the company and show an over-enthusiastic behavior for your task.

 

Conclusion

In this regard, Willship is one of the ideal international shipping companies near you that can guide you without burning a hole in your pocket.