Tell Me Everything
bad guys don't stand a chance
Danielle Spinelli
is
fraud girl
sEASON 1
Ep. 1 - Nintendo gone missing
6.20.25
Last week, a truck carrying over 2,800 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles — worth more than $1.4 million — was hit in a targeted theft at a Love’s Truck Stop in Bennett, Colorado. And the moment I read about it, I knew: this could have been avoided. As someone who spent years managing high-risk loads — this story set off every fraud alarm I’ve got hardwired into me. That’s why I covered it in our very first Fraud Girl Friday episode on the Tell Me Everything podcast. Let me be clear: this didn’t need to happen. And it absolutely could’ve been prevented. The Red Flags Were Everywhere 🚩 First, the driver reportedly didn't even know what he was hauling. I'm sorry — what? That’s your first mistake. Drivers must know what’s in their trailer, especially when it’s a high-value commodity. Keeping it from them to "avoid risk" or "save on cost"? That’s not risk mitigation — it’s negligence. Second, why was a load valued at over $1M parked in a public lot, unguarded? If you're moving something this valuable: It should be team driven, no exceptions. It should be tracked in real-time. And it should never — I repeat, never — be sitting still for hours in a truck stop. High Value / High Risk Prep Checklist (Steps 1 & 2) Pre-Load Confirm value of shipment and insurance requirements in writing from the client. Purchase additional insurance coverage as needed. Ensure scheduled pickup/delivery times align with standard transit. Sourcing Carriers Do not post high value freight to public load boards. Carrier must have proper insurance and A+ rating on A.M. Best. Confirm all documentation matches FMCSA records and users have been pre verified through Descartes MyCarrierPortal. Verify commodity is insurable and within carrier’s policy coverage. Here’s What I Would’ve Done Differently: If this was my load, this is the bare minimum: Only book with a vetted, known carrier (ideally, already under contract). No “new MC” setups for freight like this. Run a dual driver team so the truck is never left alone. Offset your posting locations — don’t give thieves a roadmap. Use pallet-level tracking tech, as well as just ELD tracking. The Bigger Picture: Freight Theft Is Organized Crime What we’re seeing in cases like this isn’t just “bad luck.” It’s organized theft. It’s targeted. And it’s getting more sophisticated by the day. That’s exactly why I launched Fraud Girl Friday. Because I’ve lived this stuff. I’ve seen the scams. I’ve stopped them mid-load. And now I want to help others get ahead of it — before another million-dollar shipment disappears off the map. We’re in peak freight theft season — summer, holidays, surging volumes — and I promise you, the thieves are ready. Are you? I’ll be breaking down more real-world cases, tools I trust, and questions you should be asking every Friday on the pod. Because I truly believe that when we share the red flags, the patterns, and the plays — we all get better at protecting what moves this industry. If this episode helped you rethink your approach to high-value loads, share it. Send it to your ops team. Use it as training. That’s how we stop fraud — together. 🛑 Stay alert. 💡 Stay informed. 🎙️ Stay tuned for next Fraud Girl Friday. — Danielle Spinelli
Ep. 2 - hot freight, hotter risks
6.28.25
High-value freight means high-stakes risk — and with the Fourth of July around the corner, cargo thieves are circling. In this Fraud Girl Friday episode, Danielle Spinelli dives into Part 2 of the $1.4M Nintendo Heist, breaking down exactly what makes freight a prime target, and how brokers can lock down their high-risk loads before holiday chaos hits. From seafood to sneakers, electronics to supplements — nothing’s off-limits. We’re talking red flags, real-world heist stories, driver protocols, tracking tips, and vetting checklists to help you stay one step ahead of the bad guys. If you touch high-value freight, you can’t afford to miss this one.
Ep. 3 - Fireworks, Freedom and Freight Fraud
7.4.25
In this special Fourth of July episode, Danielle checks in from Minnesota to talk about why the holiday weekend is prime time for cargo theft. Backed by recent data from CargoNet, she breaks down the top risks, hot zones (California, Texas, Illinois), and why food, beverage, and electronics are major targets during July 1–7. She shares real-world tips for freight brokers, shippers, and carriers to stay ahead of scammers: Track your drivers, trucks, and freight (even pallets!) Avoid unsecured parking—especially at truck stops Verify paperwork and breakdowns—don’t just trust, verify Use phone lookup tools to spot VoIP numbers Stay alert to red flags: too much info, too little, or odd behavior It’s not just fireworks lighting up the holiday—scammers are too. Tune in to stay safe, stay smart, and keep your loads secure.
Ep. 4 - The Power of Visibility in Fraud Detection
7.11.25
In this episode, we explore how real-time visibility is more than just a logistics convenience—it’s a powerful weapon against freight fraud. With the release of FraudGuard 2.0, Descartes MacroPoint is transforming how the industry identifies and neutralizes suspicious activity before it becomes a loss. By leveraging network intelligence, behavioral analysis, and shipment tracking data, Descartes MacroPoint FraudGuard 2.0 delivers proactive alerts that flag high-risk anomalies—giving brokers, shippers, and carriers a critical edge. Key fraud detection features now include: Out of Route Pings Stop Truck Alerts Emulator or Spoofed Device Pings Non-Descartes MacroPoint User Agent Detection VOIP Carrier Use by Driver Distance Jump or Teleportation-Like Pings Multiple Driver Location Overrides in a Row Same IP Address or Uniform MPH Across Pings First-Time Driver or Carrier in Descartes MacroPoint’s Network Historical Spoofing Reports Overbooked Driver or Carrier Flags We’ll break down how these indicators work together to uncover fraud before it causes disruption, and why visibility isn’t just about knowing where a truck is—it’s about knowing who is behind the wheel and what you can trust.
Ep. 5 - RECAP OF THE RELIANCE INSURANCE SUMMIT
7.18.25
Danielle shares key takeaways from the Reliance Partners Insurance Summit in Nashville, diving into the latest freight fraud trends: 🚨 Key Highlights: Fraudsters target carriers 30–60 days before insurance expiration—using “clean” MCs to steal loads fast. Cyber threats are on the rise: phishing, spoofed emails, and hacked documents are making impersonation easier than ever. Red flags to watch: sudden contact changes, spikes in load volume, MC recycling, and strange inspection histories. FMCSA is labeling scam carriers with “Fraudulent Activity” as their address—check those MCs! Contracts matter: use shipper–broker agreements, keep them simple, and include theft clauses. Fraud is faster, smarter, and more digital—stay alert and stay informed. By leveraging network intelligence, behavioral analysis, and shipment tracking data, Descartes MacroPoint FraudGuard 2.0 delivers proactive alerts that flag high-risk anomalies—giving brokers, shippers, and carriers a critical edge. Key fraud detection features now include: Out of Route Pings Stop Truck Alerts Emulator or Spoofed Device Pings Non-Descartes MacroPoint User Agent Detection VOIP Carrier Use by Driver Distance Jump or Teleportation-Like Pings Multiple Driver Location Overrides in a Row Same IP Address or Uniform MPH Across Pings First-Time Driver or Carrier in Descartes MacroPoint’s Network Historical Spoofing Reports Overbooked Driver or Carrier Flags We’ll break down how these indicators work together to uncover fraud before it causes disruption, and why visibility isn’t just about knowing where a truck is—it’s about knowing who is behind the wheel and what you can trust.
Ep. 6 - sierra saves the day!
7.25.25
In this episode, Paul Mishchuk from Ship Sierra shares how his team stopped a $150K cargo theft in progress. A dispatcher flagged a suspicious rate con with odd fonts and inflated pricing. The scammer, posing as a broker, tried to reroute a high-value eggnog liquor load from Maryland to Arizona under the cover of a blind shipment. Paul’s team acted fast: • Verified the real delivery via the BOL • Blocked all scammer communication • Alerted the manufacturer and distributor • Delivered the load to a secure warehouse within 24 hours Paul breaks down common scam tactics—altered documents, spoofed emails, and blind shipment redirections—and shares the new vetting protocols they now use to stay ahead. Key takeaway: Blind shipments + high-value freight = red flags. Always verify, inspect rate cons closely, and don’t hesitate to escalate. Listen in and help protect our industry from fraud. 🚨 Key Highlights: Fraudsters target carriers 30–60 days before insurance expiration—using “clean” MCs to steal loads fast. Cyber threats are on the rise: phishing, spoofed emails, and hacked documents are making impersonation easier than ever. Red flags to watch: sudden contact changes, spikes in load volume, MC recycling, and strange inspection histories. FMCSA is labeling scam carriers with “Fraudulent Activity” as their address—check those MCs! Contracts matter: use shipper–broker agreements, keep them simple, and include theft clauses. Fraud is faster, smarter, and more digital—stay alert and stay informed. By leveraging network intelligence, behavioral analysis, and shipment tracking data, Descartes MacroPoint FraudGuard 2.0 delivers proactive alerts that flag high-risk anomalies—giving brokers, shippers, and carriers a critical edge. Key fraud detection features now include: Out of Route Pings Stop Truck Alerts Emulator or Spoofed Device Pings Non-Descartes MacroPoint User Agent Detection VOIP Carrier Use by Driver Distance Jump or Teleportation-Like Pings Multiple Driver Location Overrides in a Row Same IP Address or Uniform MPH Across Pings First-Time Driver or Carrier in Descartes MacroPoint’s Network Historical Spoofing Reports Overbooked Driver or Carrier Flags We’ll break down how these indicators work together to uncover fraud before it causes disruption, and why visibility isn’t just about knowing where a truck is—it’s about knowing who is behind the wheel and what you can trust.
Ep. 7: The MC Avengers
8.1.25
Fraud Girl Friday: Vetting Carriers, SOP Pitfalls & Real-World Fraud Lessons (with Melanie Crane) In this episode of Fraud Girl Friday, host Danielle Spinelli is joined by Melanie Crane of Carrier Assure for an unfiltered, tactical deep dive into freight fraud, carrier vetting, and compliance best practices. Melanie shares her journey from brokerage to carrier risk analytics and breaks down how tools like Carrier Assure are helping teams stay ahead of fraud trends. Together, they explore real-life incidents—including a tragic crash involving a carrier with hours-of-service violations—and dissect where safety screening is falling short in many SOPs. They talk about overlooked red flags like dispatch email mismatches, brokered-out lanes, and spoofed insurance COIs. The conversation also covers team-load vetting tactics, MC ownership changes, and why conditional safety ratings shouldn’t be ignored. Packed with hard-learned lessons, practical advice, and even a few horror stories, this episode is a must-listen for brokers, compliance pros, and freight nerds alike. Plus, Danielle floats a bold idea: should carrier sales reps be rewarded for catching fraud?
Ep. 8: NMFTA’s Cybersecurity Playbook
8.8.25
In this episode, Danielle Spinelli sits down with Ben Wilkens from NMFTA to dive deep into the real-world threats facing today’s freight and logistics operations—from phishing scams to fraudulent pickups. Ben shares how his team is simplifying cybersecurity for trucking and logistics professionals, offering practical, jargon-free resources and playbooks. You’ll hear: Why cargo theft and cybercrime are increasingly intertwined Common oversights in onboarding/offboarding processes that open the door to fraud Key cybersecurity practices even the smallest broker or carrier should implement How to vet vendors, ELD providers, and overseas support teams Why "trust your gut" still holds up in a digital world of spoofed emails and AI-powered scams Real-life red flags to watch for when onboarding carriers And how to build a culture where security awareness actually sticks Whether you're a solo dispatcher or managing enterprise-level risk, this episode is your must-listen guide to staying ahead of the threats while scaling smart. Resources Mentioned: NMFTA Cybersecurity Guidebooks: nmfta.org/cybersecurity Free monthly NMFTA webinars and upcoming October conference in Austin, TX Host: Danielle Spinelli Guest: Ben Wilkens, NMFTA
Ep. 9: Hackers Don’t Sleep And Neither Should Your Security
8.15.25
In this episode of Fraud Girl, host Danielle Spinelli talks with cybersecurity expert Rolondo Thomas, Senior Vice President of Ergon Consulting Group, about the growing threat of cybersecurity breaches in freight and logistics. As the industry faces a shift from traditional cargo theft to advanced logistics fraud, this conversation highlights how cybercriminals are targeting brokers, carriers, and shippers through email phishing scams, Gmail compromises, and ransomware attacks. Rolondo breaks down why relying solely on managed IT is no longer enough, and how unsecured domains, personal devices (BYOD), and poor email security are putting logistics operations at risk. He explains the difference between IT support and true cybersecurity for freight companies, and shares real-world examples of email takeovers, freight forwarding scams, and fraudulent load postings that have disrupted entire supply chains. This episode covers practical solutions for freight brokers and logistics providers, including best practices for securing your TMS, training employees, implementing strong cybersecurity policies, and vetting third-party tech providers. It’s a must-listen for anyone in transportation, freight, or 3PL operations looking to protect their data, money, and reputation from digital threats. If you're searching for insights on logistics cybersecurity, freight fraud prevention, or how to protect your brokerage from email compromise and ransomware, this episode is your go-to guide.
Ep. 10: Building Higher Walls: Cybersecurity
8.29.25
In this episode of Fraud Girl, I wrap up our August cybersecurity series with the amazing Nate Johnson from GLCS and Fr8mvmt. We dive deep into the real risks that cybercrime brings to logistics—everything from ransomware and phishing scams to freight fraud and data breaches. Nate drops some jaw-dropping numbers, including how cybercrime has grown into a $10.5 trillion problem worldwide, and we talk about why even small carriers and brokerages are on the radar for bad actors. We get into what’s really happening out there: how ransomware is cheaper and more common than ever, why human error is behind most incidents, and how simple things like ongoing training, stronger processes, and proper backups can be the difference between staying operational or being down for weeks. We also talk about phishing attempts that slip past even solid vetting, why generic email setups are such a weak point, and why education and consistency really are the closest thing to a silver bullet in fighting fraud. Nate also shares insights on vendor selection, how to make sure your tech partners are truly secure, and clears up some myths about VPNs. And of course, we talk about what’s next—Fr8mvmt events, the upcoming Broker Carrier Summit, and even his new podcast Driving Forward. This is a jam-packed episode with tons of takeaways for anyone in logistics who wants to better protect their business and stay ahead of fraud.
Ep. 11: Fraud Girl Explains: What is Cluster Theft?
9.5.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Friday, host Danielle Spinelli uncovers one of the fastest-growing threats in logistics—cluster theft and bill of lading (BOL) manipulation. After a full August series on cybersecurity in freight, Danielle shifts into September by exposing how organized cargo theft rings quietly steal millions through repeated small-scale fraud. Listeners will learn what cluster theft really is, how criminals alter bills of lading to cover their tracks, and why even trusted carriers can suddenly “go rogue.” From electronics to everyday commodities, no freight is safe when scammers exploit weak inventory controls, poor dock procedures, and outdated paperwork systems. This episode dives into real-world examples of cargo theft in logistics, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to help brokers, carriers, and shippers protect themselves. Danielle also previews upcoming conversations with industry leaders who will share frontline insights on fraud prevention. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the latest freight fraud schemes and safeguard your business, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. References: Descartes MyCarrierPortal Combating Strategic Cargo Theft – Stories from the California Highway Patrol: https://www.mycarrierportal.com/resou... Transportation Intermediaries Association TIA's : 6.26.25 L&L: Organized Crime and Massive Losses: Defending Against Cluster & Pilferage Theft • 6.26.25 L&L: Organized Crime and Massive L...
Ep. 12: Slowly but Surely… It’s a Cluster Theft
9.12.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Friday, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Jerry Jacobs, Director of Risk Management at Prosponsive Logistics and recognized industry leader in cargo theft prevention. Known as the “Fraud Guy,” Jerry brings over a decade of experience in combating cargo theft, fraud schemes, and risk management challenges across the logistics industry. Jerry shares his journey from driver to building fraud prevention programs at Coyote Logistics and now leading Prosponsive’s award-winning security initiatives. Together, Danielle and Jerry dig deep into the rising threat of BOL manipulation and cluster theft—a strategic scheme where bad actors exploit small, low-value shipments (like food and beverages) to create massive financial losses. Listeners will learn: What cluster theft is and why it’s so difficult to detect. How AI is being used to manipulate bills of lading (BOLs). Why food and consumer goods are prime targets for organized crime. Preventative measures brokers, shippers, and carriers can implement—from vetting carriers to adopting eBOLs and GPS tracking. How government policy and TIA’s fraud task force are pushing for stronger enforcement and industry support. If you’re in freight brokerage, logistics, risk management, or trucking, this episode is packed with actionable insights on protecting your business and the U.S. supply chain. Tune in and learn how to stay one step ahead of fraudsters in today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape.
Ep. 13: Inside BOL Fraud: How Factoring Companies Detect Manipulation
9.19.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Friday, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Joanna Mora from HaulPay to dive deep into BOL (Bill of Lading) manipulation—a growing fraud tactic in logistics and transportation. Joanna shares how factoring companies spot red flags in invoices, rate confirmations, and shipping documents. From inconsistent fonts and suspicious signatures to weight and commodity manipulation, she breaks down the tell-tale signs fraudsters use to exploit carriers, brokers, and shippers. You’ll learn why cross-checking BOLs with rate confirmations, PODs, and dispatch records is critical, how to spot fake domains and altered documents, and why a strong SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) paired with trained accounting teams is the best defense against cargo fraud. Whether you’re a broker, carrier, shipper, or factoring company, this episode gives you practical fraud prevention strategies to protect your business against cluster theft, BOL fraud, and AI-driven document manipulation.
Ep. 14: TIA’s Policy Forum Recap
10.3.25
On this episode of Tell Me Everything, Fraud Girl Fridays, Danielle Spinelli talks with Dale Prax (Freight Validate) about key takeaways from the TIA Policy Forum in D.C. They explain why FMCSA enforcement—not more rules—is the lever to cut double brokering, cargo theft, and carrier ID fraud. Hear practical vetting moves (face + VIN + docs), how to spot virtual addresses/IP mismatches, and policy ideas like TWIC for owners and an FBI freight-fraud task force. Fast, tactical, and actionable for brokers, carriers, and shippers. You’ll learn: TIA Forum takeaways & FMCSA enforcement priorities A quick vetting stack: license/insurance/cab card + facial match + VIN Red flags you can catch in minutes (virtual offices, IP/location gaps) Rethinking “new carrier” risk under stronger ID checks Where dispatch services and broker agents need tighter controls
Ep. 15: The Fraud Girl Legal Special: Cargo Claims, Exclusions & BOL Truths
10.10.25
Transportation attorney Bryan J. Nelson (Logistics Attorney and Partner, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL) joins host Danielle Spinelli on Tell Me Everything to demystify the legal minefields facing freight brokers, carriers, and shippers. Bryan breaks down Carmack liability, cargo claims, blind shipments, and why the bill of lading still governs—plus how insurance exclusions (think “seafood vs. shellfish” or even “cheese vs. queso”) really work. He explains when insurers deny claims for “voluntary parting,” the traps around unattended vehicle clauses, and how smart brokers align contracts with coverage, avoid holding themselves out as carriers, and push back on denials with coverage counsel. You’ll also hear practical playbooks on carrier verification and due diligence (VIN/driver validations, policy literacy), drafting broker–carrier/co-broker agreements beyond generic templates, documenting policies without creating liability, and why shippers must share responsibility at the dock. If you touch drayage, air, ocean, cross-border, flatbed/reefer, or manage detention/demurrage disputes, this episode is your fast track to tighter contracts, better risk management, and higher recovery rates when claims go sideways. Tune in to learn how to negotiate with insurers, what to escalate to a transportation firm, and the policy updates brokers should make before the next load moves.
Ep. 16: COI Red Flags: Vetting Certificates Before They Burn You
10.24.25
On this episode of Tell Me Everything – Fraud Girl Friday, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Jamie Cannon, CIC, SVP of Logistics Services at Reliance Partners and member of the TIA Fraud Task Force, to expose how certificate of insurance (COI) fraud really happens—and how brokers can protect themselves. Jamie breaks down the red flags that signal a fake or manipulated COI, from missing producer details and mismatched insurer letters to sketchy email domains, odd effective dates, and font changes that reveal PDF edits. They also dive into the difference between scheduled vs. any auto coverage, why you should list VINs, drivers, and commodities in your COIs, and how to verify exclusions that could wipe out your coverage on a high-value load. The conversation goes deeper into broker liability and coverage gaps, unpacking how primary cargo, contingent cargo, and shippers interest policies work together—and where they fail. Danielle and Jamie share real-world insights on fictitious pickups, carrier and employee theft exclusions, and how brokers can use strong contracts and subrogation language to win claims. Whether you’re managing insurance, running a brokerage, or tightening compliance, this episode gives you a real-world playbook to spot fraud, reduce risk, and keep your coverage airtight. Be sure to sign up for the Tell Me Everything Newsletters on Linkedin to get your copy of the SOP for vetting a COI brought to you by Reliance Partners.
Ep. 17: When Your Brokerage Gets Hacked
11.7.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, Danielle Spinelli sits down with Adam Blanchard, Co-Founder and CEO of Tanager Logistics and Double Diamond Transport, to dig deep into one of the most urgent issues hitting freight today—cargo theft and strategic fraud. Adam shares his real-world experiences leading a decade-old logistics company through identity theft, data breaches, and load hijackings that have rocked the transportation sector. From testimony before Congress to his push for a dedicated federal task force, Adam details what it takes to advocate for industry-wide reform while still protecting your brokerage or carrier operation from daily scams, double brokering, and stolen loads. Danielle and Adam unpack the full picture—from how sophisticated theft rings operate across borders to how weak vetting, spoofed emails, and dispatch service loopholes are exposing small fleets and brokers. They share practical tools like VIN verification, FMCSA call-backs, and tech-driven tracking solutions that can help teams prevent major losses before they start. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens when freight disappears—or what you can do to stop it—this episode offers a masterclass in risk management, carrier vetting, and industry advocacy.
Ep.18: Danielle²
11.14.25
In this conversation, Danielle Chaffin, a Senior Solutions Engineer at Revenova, shares her unique journey from social work to the freight industry. She discusses the importance of human relationships in business, the challenges of carrier fraud, and the need for better regulations from the FMCSA. The conversation also touches on the role of technology, particularly AI and ELDs, in carrier vetting and the growing concern of cargo theft in the logistics sector. Danielle emphasizes the need for collaboration and education to combat these issues and build trust in new carriers.
Ep.19: Fraud Girl Finds Stolen Cargo! The CHP Ride Along
11.21.25
Ride along with host Danielle Spinelli and the California Highway Patrol’s Cargo Theft Task Force for a ground-level look at rail cargo theft across Southern California and the Mojave Desert. From the morning’s case work (MC lookups, license-plate readers, burner-phone checks) to hiking the BNSF/UP lines and recovering stolen freight, Danielle documents how organized crews scout containers, pop seals, swap plates, and move goods to recycling and fence locations. You’ll hear how rail police, AI-enabled cameras, and drones spot open doors and marked boxes, why bolt seals aren’t a silver bullet, and how investigators piece together “straight theft” vs. “strategic theft” using carrier histories, BOLs, and CargoNet intel. This episode also breaks down 2024 rail theft trends—up ~40% with ~65,000 incidents—and what that means for shippers, brokerages, and consumers. CHP investigator James explains how small cases roll up into major rings, why desolate 100-mile rail stretches complicate response, and how recovered items are processed with railroad police. If you operate in logistics, loss prevention, or supply-chain security, you’ll get practical takeaways on reporting, evidence “wish lists,” and who to call when theft hits. Like, follow, and subscribe for our upcoming CHP panel recap and a deeper rail-theft series—and DM Danielle on LinkedIn for the CHP contact sheet and COI/reporting checklist.
Ep. 20: CHP vs. Cargo Theft At The BCS
11.28.25
Live from Broker Carrier Summit, Fraud Girl Friday dives into the front lines of cargo theft with Officer James from the California Highway Patrol’s CTIP (Cargo Theft Task Force) and Nate from GLCS. We unpack how investigations really work—from the first broker/carrier call and BOL review to digital sleuthing, pole-cam surveillance, GPS tracking, and sting operations that lead to major warehouse busts and recoveries. We also get inside the rail-theft playbook in Southern California: how organized crews stop trains, stash freight in the desert, and move goods across borders or into containers bound overseas—and what shippers, brokers, and carriers can do to disrupt it. The episode gets tactical on prevention: capturing driver and vehicle photos (paint schemes, identifiers), classifying incidents clearly as theft when reporting, using layered tracking (and why bad actors defeat single sensors), spotting Zelle/cash-payment scams, and training dock teams to catch red flags (seal/hasp tampering, mismatched equipment, rushy behavior). We touch on prosecution realities, emerging legislation, and why cybersecurity (phishing, TMS access, spoofed tracking) now sits at the center of strategic freight fraud.
Ep. 21: Inside the Verified Carrier Network
12.5.25
This week on Fraud Girl Fridays, Danielle sits down with Verified Carrier’s Andrey Drotenko and Robert Miller to break down how strategic cargo theft is evolving in 2025. They explain how fraudsters are using hacked email systems, spoofed tracking, VPN masking, and even AI-generated communication to impersonate carriers and steal freight—making traditional MC checks and FMCSA data unreliable. The discussion highlights why deeper verification—ownership confirmation, banking validation, LLC checks, multi-factor authentication, and manual investigations—is becoming essential for brokers and shippers. They also explore how cybercrime, dispatch services, shipper processes, and insurance trends all play into rising theft, along with what brokers can do now to strengthen their vetting, reduce risk, and prepare for a tighter market. If you're in brokerage, compliance, risk, or carrier operations, this episode offers clear, practical insight into protecting freight and navigating today’s fast-changing fraud landscape. https://www.verifiedcarrier.com/
Ep. 22: Fuel Cards, Fake Carriers & the Dark
12.12.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Fridays, host Danielle Spinelli talks with Tony Elliot—lifelong trucker, tech veteran, and host of the Channel 19 Experience—about how freight fraud really works today. Tony pulls back the curtain on fuel card theft, account takeovers, dark-web playbooks, and the long-game scams that hit carriers, brokers, and truck stops. He explains why widely shared trucking data, cloned payment tools, and social-engineering schemes make our industry a prime target. You’ll hear practical defenses you can use now: stronger passwords and vaults, MFA, clearing browser cookies, VPNs on public Wi-Fi, and “verify-then-pay” habits to stop man-in-the-middle wire fraud. Danielle and Tony also dig into emerging risks with ELD/telematics manipulation and what to watch for next. If you care about trucking cybersecurity, fuel card scams, ELD security, and logistics fraud prevention, this one’s a must-listen.
Ep. 23: Cargo Theft & Freight Fraud Explained: Former Cargo CATs Detective
12.20.25
🚨 Cargo Theft & Freight Fraud: How to Stop Strategic Theft (with Gerardo Pachuca | www.PreventCargoTheft.com) In this episode, Danielle Spinelli sits down with Gerardo Pachuca, a legendary former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Cargo CATs investigator (2002–2021) turned private investigator, to break down what’s really happening with cargo theft, freight fraud, fictitious pickups, identity theft, and “strategic theft.” Gerardo explains how cargo theft has evolved from straight trailer theft to highly organized fraud schemes—and what brokers, shippers, carriers, and warehouse teams need to do right now to prevent losses and improve recovery chances. ✅ What you’ll learn in this podcast: -The difference between straight cargo theft vs. freight fraud / strategic theft -Why a police report is required (and why CargoNet reports aren’t enough) -What information law enforcement needs to recover stolen freight faster -How to avoid “no man’s land” cases that get misclassified as auto theft -Why 24/7 contacts matter when loads are recovered overnight -Common red flags: fake IDs, cold plates, covered unit numbers, zip-tied plates -How criminals exploit blind shipments and reroutes -Why negotiating or paying “ransom” can make you a repeat target -Why re-vetting carriers and MC numbers is critical (especially after inactivity) -How stolen freight gets stored, sold, and sometimes moved across borders 🎯 If you handle logistics, freight brokerage, shipping, dispatch, compliance, or warehouse operations, this episode is packed with real-world tactics and lessons from decades of investigations. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on freight fraud, compliance, cargo theft prevention, and logistics risk. #CargoTheft #FreightFraud #StrategicTheft #Logistics #SupplyChain #FreightBroker #Truckers #Transportation #CargoNet #CHP #LoadBoardFraud #FictitiousPickup #IdentityTheft #TruckingIndustry #RiskManagement #FraudPrevention #SupplyChainSecurity #MyCarrierPortal #Descartes
SEASON 2
Ep. 1: what today's brokers are dealing with
1.9.26
Danielle Spinelli sits down with Mark Funk (Director of Carrier Procurement at SPI Logistics) to break down what’s actually working to fight cargo theft, freight fraud, and double brokering. Mark shares how SPI approaches vetting in an agent-based brokerage model, why relying on only one tool isn’t enough, and how combining multiple data signals can create faster, clearer “yes/no” decisions. They get into real-world tactics like spoofed tracking, why a hidden tracker can make or break load recovery, and the risks around dispatch services (especially overseas). You’ll also hear how brokers can educate shippers on smarter security expectations—without slowing down the 99% of legitimate transactions. Finally, they discuss industry shifts impacting capacity and risk, including English proficiency enforcement and non-domicile CDL changes, plus what those trends could mean for rates and coverage moving into 2026. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn (search “Mark Funk SPI Logistics”).
Ep. 2: trade compliance fraud & global risk
1.16.26
Fraud isn’t just an “over-the-road” problem—and in this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Fridays, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Julie David (Skill Dynamics) to break down how trade compliance, export controls, and fraud detection are tightly connected across the entire supply chain. Julie shares a “trade compliance for dummies” approach that makes complex topics like illicit procurement networks, sanctions risk, transshipment red flags, and denied party screening easy to understand—especially for brokers, shippers, manufacturers, and anyone touching orders, documentation, payments, or routing. You’ll hear real-world examples of what “doesn’t add up,” including suspicious shipping patterns, shell companies, high-risk export hubs, and the subtle ways bad actors exploit gaps between departments. They also dig into the money side: how credit card fraud, chargebacks, counterfeit returns, and money laundering behaviors show up inside legitimate businesses—and why companies need internal “fraud task forces” where sales, compliance, accounting, warehousing, and customer service share what they’re seeing. The biggest takeaway: education + a strong compliance culture can stop a problem early—before it becomes a costly loss, a brand nightmare, or a regulatory issue. If you’re a broker, send this to a shipper. If you’re a shipper, send it to your manufacturer. And if you’re in any role that processes orders, handles payments, verifies customers, or moves freight—this episode will change the way you look at risk. Connect with Julie David: Find her on LinkedIn (trade compliance education with a little snark) and learn more about Skill Dynamics training at skilledynamics.com.
Ep. 3: building a compliance center culture
1.23.26
Cargo theft isn’t slowing down—and brokers, shippers, carriers, and law enforcement are all feeling the pressure. In this episode, Danielle Spinelli sits down with Michael McCartt, Director of Carrier Compliance at Steam Logistics, to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes in today’s freight market—and what companies can do to vet carriers, mitigate risk, and stop strategic theft and fraud before it hits. Michael shares how Steam Logistics rebuilt its carrier compliance and vetting process, why broker/compliance relationships matter, and what training actually works (hint: small sessions, real-world examples, and broker buy-in). They also discuss false pickups, email spoofing, phone number scams, double brokering, and cluster theft, plus how fast reporting and details like SKU data can make the difference between a total loss and a recovered load. If you’re a freight broker, shipper, carrier, or logistics leader trying to protect your freight, this conversation covers practical takeaways: improving internal training, building better shipper communication, spotting red flags, and why the industry is finally “talking about Fight Club” when it comes to cargo theft. Topics covered: carrier vetting, cargo theft prevention, freight fraud, double brokering, spoofed emails, compliance culture, shipper education, load recovery, CargoNet reporting, and risk mitigation in logistics.
Ep. 4: cargo theft happens fast: real - time fleet defense
1.30.26
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Fridays, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Terry Reinert of Fleet Defender to break down how modern fleets can fight cargo theft, fuel theft, and vehicle cybersecurity threats—in real time. Terry shares how connected trucks and trailers have expanded the “attack surface” for carriers, why criminals are getting more sophisticated (including GPS spoofing and coordinated theft crews), and how Fleet Defender’s platform detects anomalies like fuel siphoning, suspicious fueling, route deviations, tampered sensors, and rapid trailer unload events before it’s too late. They also dig into why real-time detection matters when theft can happen in minutes, how fleets can work with law enforcement using better intelligence, and what’s coming next as trucking tech evolves toward glass cockpits, app-based telematics, and autonomy—raising the stakes for cybersecurity across the supply chain. If you’re a carrier, broker, shipper, or fleet security leader, this is a must-watch conversation on protecting assets, reducing risk, and staying ahead of the next wave of fraud in transportation. Topics covered: cargo theft prevention, fuel card fraud, trailer security, fleet cybersecurity, telematics vulnerabilities, GPS spoofing, real-time alerts, law enforcement coordination, supply chain security Learn more: fleetdefender.com 👉 Like, subscribe, and follow for more episodes focused on freight fraud, compliance, and security innovations. #TellMeEverything #FargoFridays #CargoTheft #FleetSecurity #Cybersecurity #Trucking #Logistics #SupplyChain #FreightFraud #Telematics #ELD #RiskManagement
Ep. 5: shipper training 101
2.6.26
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Friday, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Jessica Renner, Cargo Claims & Risk Manager at Jarrett Logistics Systems, to talk about what shippers can do right now to reduce cargo theft, fraud, and strategic pickup scams. Fresh off Jarrett’s recognition for Best in Cargo Security (2024), Jessica breaks down the exact red flags dock teams should watch for—and why pickup should be treated like a security checkpoint, not a routine handoff. You’ll learn the must-have verification steps before any truck gets loaded (driver name + CDL, carrier MC/DOT, truck/trailer/license plates, VIN verification, markings/logos), plus the warning signs that often show up right before a theft: information not matching, pressure and urgency, subtle document “near-misses” (one digit off, email domain tweaks), and non-compliant drivers who refuse reasonable security procedures like photos. Danielle and Jessica also dig into a growing trend hitting shippers hard: fraudulent purchase orders placed using stolen identities—where freight gets delivered “correctly,” but to the wrong people. They also cover practical, real-world protection strategies like pallet trackers, cameras at the dock, consistent SOPs, and even running mock cargo-theft scenarios so teams respond faster under pressure. If you’re a shipper, broker, carrier, or warehouse leader moving high-value loads, this conversation is packed with actionable steps to tighten your process without slowing your operation to a crawl. Topics covered: Cargo theft prevention at pickup: the “non-negotiables” Top red flags: mismatch info, urgency, document tricks, non-compliance Driver + carrier verification and why VINs matter Fraudulent POs and vendor/customer vetting Why “pause the pickup” can save your entire account Trackers, cameras, and layered security (no silver bullets) Guest: Jessica Renner, Jarrett Logistics Systems Host: Danielle Spinelli
Ep. 6: stolen load? pallet tracking gets it back fast
2.13.26
In this episode of Tell Me Everything: Fraud Girl Fridays, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Carlos Carrillo Jr. of Syntra (SYNTRA) to tackle one of the most overlooked (and most effective) fraud-prevention tools in transportation: pallet-level tracking and visibility. If you’re a shipper, broker, or carrier trying to reduce cargo theft, speed up freight recovery, and stop playing the “who’s to blame?” game after a loss, this conversation is your playbook. Danielle breaks down what law enforcement (including insights from her California Highway Patrol ride-along) says actually works: a visible light-sensor tracker near the trailer doors + a stealth tracker deep in the nose—so thieves toss the obvious device and you still have recovery intel when it matters. Carlos explains how Syntra’s platform delivers cargo-level visibility (not just trailer-level), with options like 5G smart labels, cold chain temperature monitoring, stealth trackers that can stay in “airplane/sleep mode”, and even a tail-light gateway tracker thieves won’t think to rip out. They also discuss why AirTags aren’t enough, how “wake on demand” tracking can support law enforcement recovery, and how brokers can build tracking costs into high-value loads to protect everyone in the chain. Topics covered: Pallet tracking vs. trailer tracking (and why it matters) Light-sensor alerts for door tampering + best-practice placement Stealth “sleep mode” trackers for theft recovery Cold chain visibility: temperature + location proof for claims prevention How brokers, shippers, and carriers can deploy tracking affordably Integrations with major telematics/ELD providers (Samsara, Motive, Geotab) Learn more / connect with Syntra: Website: https://www.syntraplatform.io/ Email: carlos@syntraplatform.io 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode—especially with a shipper who needs a clear, practical starting point for cargo theft prevention and shipment visibility.