After the $600,000 Loss: 6 Common Export Fraud Risks Vietnamese Businesses Must Control Starting at the Logistics Level

The case of a Vietnamese exporter losing nearly $600,000 USD across 21 cargo containers in April 2026 is yet another reminder: export risk doesn’t stop at the contract – it runs through the entire logistics chain.

Below is a breakdown of 6 common risk categories and the control points businesses can implement to protect their assets.

Warning Signs in a Potential Partner

In most fraud cases, red flags appear before any incident occurs:

Unusually large orders with no deposit required
Frequent changes in company name or use of multiple intermediary entities
Complete documentation that is difficult to verify independently
Unclear company address or no evidence of actual business operations

Early identification helps businesses avoid entering high-risk transactions from the outset.

Pre-Shipment Fraud: Gaining Control Through False Trust

Common tactics

Sending fake payment confirmations (fraudulent SWIFT transfer orders)
Using contracts with vague terms on liability and dispute resolution
Proposing high-risk payment methods (D/P, D/A)

Core risk: The exporter produces and ships goods based on a financially unconfirmed transaction.

Control points

Only confirm payments through official banking channels
Prioritize Letter of Credit (L/C) or upfront deposit before production
Review all contract clauses relating to cargo control rights

In-Transit Fraud: Loss of Shipment Control

Common tactics

Email spoofing to alter the consignee or shipping instructions
Exploiting FOB terms to give the buyer full control over shipping
Appointing non-transparent forwarders or agents

Core risk: The exporter loses control over the Bill of Lading or delivery information.

Control points

Verify all changes through at least two communication channels (email and phone)
Avoid full reliance on forwarders appointed solely by the buyer
Track container movement and document status in real time

Risks from Fraudulent or Non-Transparent Logistics Providers

Common tactics

Ghost forwarders collecting fees then cutting off all communication
Low initial quotes followed by hidden surcharges once cargo is on board
Withholding the Delivery Order (DO) or delaying cargo release

Core risk: Cargo is held at port, generating storage fees, demurrage, and detention charges.

Control points

Work only with forwarders that have a clear legal identity and transparent operations
Review all surcharges carefully before booking
Monitor cargo release status at the destination port

Port Delays Used as Financial Pressure

Common tactics

Stalling payment with a rotating list of excuses
Refusing to collect cargo, leaving containers sitting at port
Pushing all resulting costs back onto the exporter

Demurrage fees typically run $80–150 USD/container/day; detention fees $50–100 USD/container/day. With 20 containers, losses can exceed tens of thousands of dollars within a single week.

Core risk: Logistics costs escalate rapidly, creating severe cash flow pressure.

Control points

Clearly define cargo acceptance responsibilities in the contract
Monitor free time windows at the destination port closely
Prepare a contingency plan for cargo handling in the event of a dispute

Price Extortion When Cargo Is Stranded at Port

Common tactics
With cargo sitting at port and storage costs climbing, the buyer demands:

A significant price reduction
Or outright refuses to take delivery

Core risk: The exporter is forced to choose between accepting a deep discount or losing the entire shipment.

Control points

Prevent cargo from entering an uncontrolled state at the destination port
Include contract clauses that address cargo handling under dispute conditions
Prepare in advance for cargo resale or rerouting options

Complex Multi-Layered Intermediary Structures

Common tactics

Transactions routed through multiple opaque intermediary companies
The actual end buyer either does not exist or lacks financial capacity

Core risk: There is no identifiable party with ultimate accountability.

Control points

Verify the identity of the end buyer directly
Minimize transactions that pass through multiple intermediary layers
Check the buyer’s transaction history and trade credit standing

Export Risk Control Checklist

Verify partners through the Vietnamese Trade Office abroad or independent sources
Use secured payment methods
Confirm all banking documents through official channels
Review contract clauses that relate directly to logistics operations
Track shipment status and documentation in real time
Partner with a logistics provider capable of managing the full operational chain

Businesses may not eliminate all risks, but they can significantly reduce exposure by implementing structured controls across contracts, payments, and logistics operations.

Contact Vantage Logistics today to receive expert guidance on safe shipping routes, tight documentation control, and minimizing unexpected costs at the destination port.

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VANTAGE LOGISTICS

South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider

One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services

Head Office: Suite 6.01, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam

Email: in**@*****om.vn

Phone: +84-28 382 67312 – Hotline: +84-909-026-261

Website: https://vantage-logistics.com