There has been a recent increase in cargo theft through fraudulent means within the Los Angeles / Long Beach Area. The suspects are fraudulently assuming the identity of legitimate brokers and contracting with legitimate trucking companies to pick up the loads. After a price is agreed upon the suspects fax false checks and delivery orders to complete the transaction. Once the load has been picked up, the drivers are directed to predesignated drop yards where the suspects will later steal the load from the yards.
This is similar to other scams where the victim company information is taken from internet sites and used to fraudulently acquire various loads of freight.
The following suggestions may assist in reducing the possibility of becoming a victim. On new accounts verify the following information prior to completing transaction:
1. Insure the name, address, and phone number of company matches the delivery order received. This can be quickly accomplished through an internet search for the company.
2. Call a publicly listed phone number for the company and verify the individual works for the company.
3. Contact the bank and verify the name/account number is correct and the funds are available.
4. Verify that the drop off destination is a valid location used by the company.
5. Contact the insurance broker and verify policy information.
If you have any questions, or believe you are being contacted by a fraudulent company, immediately contact Sgt. Ken Huerta or Detective Byron Culbertson California Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Task Force at 310-732-2686 or 310-513- 7800.
Source: California Trucking Association