Freight forwarders should exercise extra caution when dealing with clients they have never met in person and communicate with exclusively online. Particular attention should be paid to those who rely solely on instant messaging platforms like QQ or WeChat, avoiding phone calls or video conferences. The convenience of online communication can sometimes lead to complacency and oversight from business operators.

Verifying a client’s identity is much easier through direct communication methods like phone calls, while online-only interactions make it difficult to ascertain whether the individual is genuine or even who they claim to be. If a client claims to be located in one region but is actually operating from another country, it could signal fraudulent intent.

As a result, freight forwarding companies should prioritize phone or video communication with online clients to confirm their identities. Clients who refuse such interaction should be treated with increased suspicion and approached with extreme caution.