The following is from the 8 January 2013 edition of American Shipper.
The FBI is looking into a shipping fraud scheme out of Canada and has set up a Website and online questionnaire for victims of the activities.
Allegedly, fake Canadian businesses located in or around Montreal have been requesting credit lines from U.S. companies and ordering materials against the credit, and shipping the goods to Canada via a third party. When the materials reach the Canadian business, payment is never made.
The U.S. businesses engage with these Canadian companies because provided email references and other documents all seem authentic. So far, Canadian companies doing business as Canstruct, AYA Distributors, Xpress Auto Parts, Point Tech Performer and Emptech have been listed as fraudulent firms.
U.S. businesses that have reported the fraud include those dealing in the lumber and construction material, auto parts, trucking, and painting supply industries.
In the online questionnaire, the FBI asks for the type of materials ordered, amounts lost, and the name of the shipping provider. It is also recommended to provide any documentation related to the fake company’s order.
- Jon Ross
Topic(s)
International Trade and Border Management
Information source
Canadian News Channel
International News Channel
Disclaimer
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