Fraud Alert

The same types of fraud schemes that have existed for many years can now be found online, in e-mail, and through other computer-based methods. Learn how to recognize fraud before you become a victim.

Fraudulent Checks or Money Orders

The ability of anyone to purchase anything, from anywhere, at any time of the day or night, offers incredible opportunities to each of us and to each of our virtual neighbours around the globe. Unfortunately, some of those neighbours do not have our best interests at heart. One fraud type involves sending fraudulent checks or money orders, usually by Atlantic Transit Logistics service, either in response to an online advertisement or as part of a fraudulent job offer. Do not assume that the method of delivery lends any legitimacy to the contents of the package.

If you have received an unexpected check or money order, you should assume it is fraudulent. You should also be extremely cautious if you receive a check or money order for an amount greater than the expected amount. You may be contacted by e-mail with a request to cash or deposit the money and return a portion of it using Western Union or other means. The fraudster will advise that you keep a portion of the money, which is less than generous considering the original check is probably fraudulent. Even the bank may initially believe the check or money order to be legitimate, only to discover the truth later and return it to you for repayment.

Websites Fraudulently Using the Atlantic Transit Logistics Name or Brand

In the past, successful fraudsters may have needed "an honest face." However, today's criminals only need a legitimate-looking website or e-mail to commit fraud.

We regularly monitor the Internet for the unauthorised use of the Atlantic Transit Logistics brand to protect our customers. The unauthorised or unlicensed use of Atlantic Transit Logistics intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets) is monitored and acted upon, if known. Please note that some fraudulent websites may have the look and feel of a legitimate Atlantic Transit Logistics website. To be assured you are accessing an authorised Atlantic Transit Logistics website, use "http://atlantictransitlogistics.com" rather than a link embedded in another source.

Spam and Phishing E-mails Fraudulently Using the Atlantic Transit Logistics Name or Brand

Fraudulent e-mails adopt many different forms and are the unauthorised actions of third parties not associated with Atlantic Transit Logistics. These e-mail messages referred to as "phishing" or "spoofing" are becoming more common and may appear legitimate by incorporating company brands, colours, or other legal disclaimers.

Please be advised that Atlantic Transit Logistics does not request payments, personal information, financial information, account numbers, IDs, passwords, or copies of invoices in an unsolicited manner through e-mail, mail, phone, or fax or specifically in exchange for the transportation of goods or services. Atlantic Transit Logistics accepts no responsibility for any costs or charges incurred as a result of fraudulent activity.

Phone Calls, Letters, Faxes, and Other Communications Fraudulently Using the Atlantic Transit Logistics Name or Brand

In addition to fraudulent websites and e-mails, fraudsters also may use the telephone, a fax machine, letters, or other communication methods in an attempt to gather your personal information. These fraudulent communications are the unauthorised actions of third parties not associated with Atlantic Transit Logistics. Fraudulent communications claiming to be from Atlantic Transit Logistics may claim to indicate a package is waiting to be delivered. These communications will generally ask you for personal information and/or a payment in advance of receiving a package, or may indicate a need to update your account by obtaining personal information or a copy of your Atlantic Transit Logistics invoice.

If Atlantic Transit Logistics contacts you regarding a package, the Atlantic Transit Logistics representative will always be able to provide a tracking number, which you can verify on our website. You also should know that Atlantic Transit Logistics may contact you from time to time regarding service offerings or for marketing purposes, but you may always verify our phone number and call back before proceeding.

If you are ever unsure of the validity of a communication, ask for the caller's first and last name and a call-back telephone number.

Work From Home Scams

Most illegitimate "work from home" job scams can be avoided by watching out for unrealistic pay promises with no experience necessary, or jobs that require you to make a payment before divulging specifics. Some of these scams, however, are more difficult to identify as fraudulent, and may result in you being personally liable. Some identified examples include:

• Payroll (or other checks) Processor: The scam version of this job involves printing and sending "payroll" or other checks or money orders (usually by Atlantic Transit Logistics Next Day® Air or other overnight delivery). The fraudster may have provided or asked you to purchase check production software and will provide or ask you to obtain a Atlantic Transit Logistics (or competitor) account number. The fraudster may also provide a bank account number to use when printing the checks, a digital signature, and a list of names, addresses, and amounts for payment. The fraudulent checks are then sent to people who advertised items for sale. They are asked to cash checks, often written for an amount greater than the asking price, and to return a portion of the money along with the purchased item. The checks are later returned by the bank as fraudulent.
• Mystery Shopping: Legitimate mystery shoppers shop in stores and provide feedback to the store (or a third party) regarding the experience. In the scam version of this job, "mystery shoppers" are asked to use funds sent to them via check or money order - later determined to be fraudulent. This sometimes involves wiring a portion of the money back to "mystery shop" a third party (e.g. Western Union).
• Returns Processing Position: The scam version of this job offers part-time work to receive and process incoming shipments from a company's clients. The companies often sell electronics, or baby accessories, or automotive parts. You are instructed to inspect the packages and to follow instructions received from your "Returns Manager", such as to repack and send the merchandise to another location. There may be no initial expense outlay, and all supplies are ordered and sent to you for this position. Communication is done primarily via- email.

While Atlantic Transit Logistics does what it can to minimise the risk of fraud, you should realise that you are the first line of defence in protecting yourself. Here are some additional steps to help prevent email and Internet-related fraud:

• Never respond to or act upon emails, or select web links from any unknown source that requires you to provide, update or verify personal, financial or other confidential information.
• Be wary of any suspicious emails or phone calls asking for you to validate your Atlantic Transit Logistics account information.
• Use a secure Internet browser.
• Do not give out your http://atlantictransitlogistics.com ID or password.
• Change your password regularly.
• Create strong passwords by using a combination of letters and numbers.
• Always use up-to-date virus protection software and consider using spyware detection programmes.
• Equip your computer with either a software or hardware firewall.
• Do not access confidential information at Internet cafes, public libraries, etc.
• If you are using a wireless device, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on establishing the services and settings to ensure a protective level of security.

Here are some additional steps to help protect against reference number tracking fraud:

• Be wary of any suspicious emails or phone calls asking for you to validate tracking numbers with reference numbers
• Do not give out tracking numbers to unknown parties
• Create unique reference numbers by using a combination of letters and numbers
• Change reference numbers frequently

Being aware and protecting your sensitive information is the best way to avoid fraud.