Cargo theft has shifted from cut-and-run break-ins to quiet, highly organized identity scams at warehouse gates. Criminals are now using fake IDs, forged BOLs, and cloned DOT numbers to walk away with full truckloads before anyone realizes something is wrong. In this Q&A, Birdseye Security Solutions CEO Mike Grabovica explains how these scams work and what logistics teams can do to stop fictitious pickups before they happen.

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Supply Chain 24/7: How are criminals using fake IDs and forged documents to steal cargo today?

Mike Grabovica: Thieves today use digital load boards, spoofed motor carrier numbers, and falsified Bills of Lading (BOLs) to exploit weak gate protocols. Trucks will even bear cloned DOT numbers to avoid detection. With these forged identification documents, bad actors impersonate legitimate drivers to gain access through the gate. Once they’re through the gate, the cargo disappears and can often remain undetected for long periods of time due to the sophistication of the scam. 

SC247: Why have fictitious pickups become such a big issue in the past few years?

MG: The rise in fictitious pickups is driven by a rise in freight value. As technology becomes more compact, one 40-foot truckload could fit more than 40,000 iPhones, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars of value. The more valuable the load, the more profitable of a target it is for thieves. As a result, the average loss per theft now exceeds $116,000. These thefts are more accessible now as data-driven deception, where in the past it was mainly physical break-ins. 

SC247: What mistakes do warehouses or distribution centers often make at their gates that allow these scams to succeed?

MG: Preventing strategic theft requires technology more sophisticated than what criminals are using. The simple answer is that most yards haven’t invested in intelligent gate management systems with that level of sophistication. Many yards still rely on inconsistent, error-prone gate check procedures by human guards who have limited technology support. As a result, they’re unable to verify carrier data in real time. 

Technology integration is key to filling the gaps in security protocols that bad actors exploit.

SC247: How can technology like AI help verify driver’s licenses or bills of lading before allowing entry?

MG: AI’s main use case at the gate is automating driver and load verification in real time.

While AI plays a critical role in automating complex procedures at the gate, it alone isn’t enough to respond to threats. The convergence of AI with human oversight creates a two-layered defense. 

Machines can: 

• Validate driver credentials and BOLs in real time.
• Cross-check IDs against verified carrier and government databases.
• Detect document forgery or duplicate MC numbers.
• Integrate with geofencing and vehicle ID systems to confirm DOT numbers, trailer IDs, and license plates.

Meanwhile, humans (on-site or remote) investigate flagged anomalies. Together, they prevent fraudulent entries with exceptional accuracy.

SC247: What role should training and awareness for gate staff and warehouse teams play in stopping fraud?

MG: Effective security is the byproduct of operational discipline. When employees at every level understand their role in mitigating theft, facilities can respond more intelligently to evolving risks. A combination of technology and human oversight is the most effective security approach, but this two-layer defense can’t work without the foundation of a properly trained, vigilant staff. Data-driven insights can help create a culture of accountability. 

SC247: Are there specific red flags logistics leaders should watch for when checking documents or drivers?

MG: Yes, examples include:

• Inconsistent or duplicate MC numbers.
• Drivers are unable to provide matching credentials or details.
• Vehicles with cloned DOT numbers or mismatched license plates.
• The driver claims, “My dispatcher gave me the wrong info”. 

SC247: What advice would you give to logistics leaders who are just beginning to upgrade their security systems

MG: Start with building a strong security culture. 

Guards, on-site or remote, should have access to regular instruction on document verification and fraud red flags. When human staff better understand the threats they’re facing and operate within a highly standardized set of procedures, gate inspections become faster and more reliable. This is the perfect framework upon which yards can then integrate AI to drive efficiency and scale. 

SC247: How do you see cargo theft evolving in the next few years, and what should companies be preparing for now?

MG: Cargo thieves will continue to evolve toward strategic, identity-based scams. Companies should prepare by strengthening gate operations through automated real-time verification and data sharing. I always say that prevention begins at the gate, meaning it’s where thieves are constantly on the lookout for loose protocols.  

If you haven’t already, strongly consider implementing an intelligent gate management system that integrates with your existing technology. When AI is paired with human oversight, you will not only reduce the chances of being a victim of increasingly sophisticated fraud strategies, but you will also gain the necessary trust from customers, vendors, and insurance companies.