International trade provides Irish business access to the whole world. As a freight forwarder with plenty of experience, we know what it takes to deliver the best routes for transit, partnering our clients with the best routes and providers to ensure their goods reach the destination securely and within the agreed timeframe.

As the numbers of sea freight and air cargo numbers have increased over the years, so too has the possibility of scams. From food to gadgets, pharmaceuticals to chemicals, logistics providers and postal companies are under pressure to deliver. There are several common types of shipping and delivery scams to be aware of in 2025. For example, 42% of adults in the UK said they had received a parcel scam message in 2024. It’s one thing knowing there are scams, but a global freight forwarder such as Emerald Freight is in the position to help you spot those scams and how to avoid them.

Why are shipping scams becoming more common?

It’s easier than ever before for criminals to create fake companies and brands in an attempt to fool the public. Post-Covid, there has been a significant shift towards greater use of e-commerce platforms and for online communication with businesses in every sector. This provides a greater chance for criminals to attempt to infiltrate the process of genuine shipments or to scam consumers with fake companies.

What impact can a shipping scam have on my business?

Shipping freight fraud can have a detrimental to your impact in several ways. It can cost considerable time delays, which in turn costs your company money. The resources you require to recover lost shipments or to ensure the delays are overcome can cause havoc. Your brand reputation can also take a hit, as the supply chain for your customers is impacted in the form of gaps in inventory.

Top shipping scams of 2025

Below are some of the common shipping scams from recent years. It’s important to understand what to look out for and how we can help you avoid them.

Fake shipping companies

Fake international hauliers can appear to customers as legitimate, offering great deals for shipping to lure people in. When you see low rates, no physical address that you can find conducting your own research, and no industry certification on a simple, poorly designed website, the chances are that the company isn’t real. There are some fake firms that are genuinely difficult to spot though, so always look for certification.

Document fraud

One of the biggest challenges within freight forwarding is ensuring documentation is accurate and up-to-date. One way in which criminals target companies is by falsifying documents to steal shipments or payment. This includes fake bills of lading, delivery receipts, and customs documents. This type of attack aims to claim extra payment for goods that were never shipped or delivered.

Phishing attacks

Some scams involve a request for payment to steal money. This can come in the form of a fake invoice or payment request through a text message or email. Usually, it will include an urgent request to make payment to ensure goods are delivered on time. In some instances, these requests come from email addresses that are slightly different to the genuine company. Never click on a link if you are unsure and contact the company you have been dealing with directly.

Non-delivery scams

Some international shipping scams involve a fake company taking payment from a customer and then just disappearing. It wouldn’t be apparent that things are amiss until after the paid-for delivery hasn’t arrived at its destination. Fake tracking information is provided that a customer might not necessarily check at first, until it is too late to do anything about it.

Fake customer support

As the use of AI has become more widespread, especially within customer service and live chatbots on consumer websites, it is becoming harder to differentiate between what’s real and not. Fake customer support numbers and websites are becoming more convincing. Sometimes AI-generated voices are used to trick victims into attempting to resolve non-existent issues. In a similar way that emails and text messages are used in phishing scams, AI-voices are used to ask customers to ‘verify’ their identity or to make another payment.

Tips to avoid shipping scams

How can you avoid shipping scams?

Be savvy with shipping quotes

If you see a heavily reduced rate for shipment, don’t just go for it. Shop around and see what the average cost is from other companies to see if it’s too good to be true.

Verify the company

Thoroughly research a freight forwarder before you commit to them. As for references from previous customers, look for reviews, and only work with reputable companies.

Secure payment methods

Look for payment methods that are secure and traceable. This is the only way that you can guarantee fraud protection.

Understand regulations

Reputable freight forwarders understand the ins and outs of import and export regulations and the required documentation. Familiarise your business and staff with what to expect and what could be a red flag that a scam is being attempted.

Avoiding shipping scams in international trade for Irish businesses

When you are looking to trade internationally, either importing or exporting with other countries, it’s important that you understand all the potential scams. That’s why we look after Irish businesses to find the best routes for international trade. Emerald Freight has built a well-connected network of global partners, ensuring that your goods are shipped safely, securely, and within the timeframe that suits you. This includes cold chain logistics, perishable items that require express freight services and longer journeys via ocean freight.

Expert ocean freight services

For any Irish businesses looking towards international trade, we welcome you to connect with a freight expert here at Emerald Freight. We help Irish businesses move goods both in and out of the country, offering professional assistance and the most applicable routes of transit to suit a wide range of goods, budgets, and timeframes. We’ll put together an extensive plan that minimises delays at borders and helps you through customs clearance processes with ease.