Understanding and Preventing Fleet Fraud
Fleet fraud refers to a host of deceptive activities that may occur amid the sale and operation of commercial vehicles and their individual assets (e.g., engine parts). Such fraud is a significant concern for any business that utilizes commercial vehicles, whether it’s a few small cars or a dozen tractor-trailers. According to a recent report from trucking software company Motive, as much as 22% of the average business’s fleet spend is compromised by vehicle theft and fraud. Furthermore, 44% of business owners confirmed that fleet fraud affects their operations, yet they don’t know how to address it. Fleet fraud not only leads to financial losses and elevated insurance expenses but can also reduce operational efficiencies and threaten roadway safety. As such, it’s imperative for businesses and their commercial drivers to be aware of such fraud and related mitigation measures. This article explores the five main types of fleet fraud—vehicle theft, cloning, title washing, staged accidents and fuel fraud—and provides effective prevention strategies.