Cargo Theft Cyber Fraud: FBI Says Loads Are Stolen Before Pickup

What happened

Cargo theft cyber fraud is getting smarter, and the FBI wants truckers to know it. On Sept. 25, 2026, FreightWaves reported a warning from the FBI's Memphis Cargo Theft Task Force.

The task force brings together the FBI, the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, plus other federal, state and local partners. It has worked cargo theft cases for nearly two decades.

Here is how the scheme works. First, criminals break into computer systems or trick employees with fake emails and calls. This is called social engineering. That way they learn shipment details before the pickup. Next, they pick the high-value loads, like electronics and shoes. Then they pretend to be a real carrier and show up to collect the freight. To the shipper, everything looks normal.

Jeremy Baker, an Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the FBI in Memphis, said the theft is often done through cyber means "even before that truck arrives." He said the losses reach millions of dollars.

The thieves use the gaps between brokers, carriers and shipping warehouses. Each one thinks someone else already checked who is picking up the load.

What it means for owner-operators

This is not only a problem for big companies. Thieves who pose as a carrier may be using the name and numbers of a real small carrier. That could be your name, your USDOT number or your email.

If a load disappears under your identity, you may get calls from brokers, shippers and police. Your good name with brokers is part of your business. So is your cargo coverage.

It also works the other way. A fake email can trick you into sharing load details, rate confirmations or logins with the wrong person.

The FBI's advice is simple: verify, verify, verify.

What to do next

• Confirm every load change by calling the broker at a phone number you already know. Do not trust a new number sent in an email.
• Be careful with links and attachments. The FBI noted that training helped one group cut clicks on fake emails from 60% to 2%.
• Use strong passwords and two-step login on your email, load boards and FMCSA accounts.
• Watch for emails that look like yours but have one letter changed.
• Keep your cargo paperwork and your Bill of Lading details private.
• If you think your identity was used, tell your brokers and call police right away.
• Know what your policy covers. Our cargo insurance basics guide explains it in plain words.

Want to review your cargo coverage? Call TCZ Insurance Agency at 956-526-6727.