Scams Involving Amazon Loads

Scams Involving Amazon Loads

1. Double Brokering and Fake Carrier Scams

• How It Works:
  • Scammers use stolen or compromised carrier MC numbers to secure loads directly from Amazon Relay.
  • These loads are then double-brokered to unsuspecting carriers through platforms like DAT.
  • The scammer takes the payment from Amazon or the carrier and disappears, leaving the legitimate carrier unpaid.
• Red Flags:
  • Load posted by brokers advertising Amazon freight (Amazon does not work with brokers, Amazon work with carrier).
  • Different address on Rate Con and BOL.
  • Adress changes after pickup, or after load is booking.
  • Rate confirmations (rate cons) are issued with unusual or mismatched information (e.g., strange and different email address, different domain, Gmail addresses or inconsistent SCAC codes).
  • Instructions that avoid direct communication (e.g., “email only”).

2. Fake Amazon Relay Accounts

• How It Works:
  • Fraudsters create fake Amazon Relay accounts or hack into existing ones.
  • They book loads and redirect them to unauthorized carriers or simply steal the freight.
• Red Flags:
  • Difficulty verifying the account or the load origin.
  • Unusual instructions for load handling or delivery.

3. Phishing and Credential Theft Scams

• How It Works:
  • Scammers send fake emails or text messages (phishing/smishing) designed to steal login credentials.
  • Examples include fake DAT password reset emails or emails posing as brokers.
  • Stolen credentials are used to post fake Amazon loads or compromise legitimate broker accounts.
• Red Flags:
  • Emails from suspicious domains (e.g., “@chrobinsson.com” instead of “@chrobinson.com”).
  • Use of generic domains like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail by so-called brokers.
  • Insanely high rates offered for loads.
  • Poorly formatted or altered rate confirmations.

4. Cargo Theft via Relay Loads

• How It Works:
  • Scammers use fake or stolen credentials to pick up loads from Amazon facilities.
  • Once the load is in their possession, it’s sold off or disappears.
• Red Flags:
  • Pickup or delivery instructions that differ from the original load details.
  • Lack of proper verification of the carrier or driver picking up the load.

5. Legitimate Brokers Going Rogue

• How It Works:
  • A legitimate broker going out of business may post Amazon loads to scam carriers.
  • These brokers use their legitimate reputation to gain trust but refuse payment after the load is completed.
• Red Flags:
  • Sudden changes in broker behavior, such as poor communication or altered payment terms.
  • DAT showing legitimate postings from the broker but disputes arising later.

Actions to Protect Yourself: If you are dealing with An amazon load, you have to mandatory pefromed the following:

 

Mitigating Actions:

• • Always verify the email addresses carefully, especially domains with real broker domain and email address.
  • Check broker identity, reviews and payment histories. Check broker on RTS.
  • Ensure all drivers have proper ID and credentials that match the load paperwork.
  • Very careful when dealing with GMail account, check broker identity: call the main office.
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links; instead, go directly to the platform’s website.
  • Verify the SCAC code on the Bill of Lading (BOL) to identify the original carrier.
  • Refuse loads that appear suspicious or come with unverified documentation.
  • Be cautious of loads offering excessively high rates; they often signal fraud.
  • Use Amazon’s official email for carrier notifications: sclpe-carriernotifications@amazon.com.