The development of internet and other information communications technologies were feared to have the capacity to cut down the operations of the courier and logistics business as they provide fast and effective means of communication, but events later have shown that the development has actually widened the scope of the postal business.
A courier operator reasoned that courier companies have integrated and started using ICT tools to improve their services and argued that the development is more of a blessing than a curse.
Agreed that Internet especially has contributed a lot to the growth of the courier business all over the world, but it has also thrown up some challenge that is causing governments, organizations and individuals’ sleepless nights.
The truth is that fraudsters have long penetrated the Internet and they use courier companies’ identities on websites and email messages to defraud Internet shoppers. The fraudulent communications typically take the form of a request for wire transfer of money to pay for goods ordered on the Internet before the alleged goods are shipped by such courier companies or other messages asking for an advance payment before the release of some lottery prize.
As these online fraudsters are smiling to the banks, many people are left with bitter experiences in the hands of these fraudsters. To curtail their in courier sector, operators should develop strategies to protect online shoppers from being swindled.
Some already have taken proactive measures against fraud by alerting unsuspecting shoppers on their website of online shopping fraud and steps to be taken to avert the danger.
TNT for instance has advised all her customers to beware of such requests for advance online payments saying that the existence of a consignment number (or tracking number) is not necessarily proof that a consignment is in the custody or control of TNT. The firm also asked people who are in doubt of the authenticity of their communication and in fact whether delivering a shipment is intended for such a person should contact their customer service department in the person’s country.
In fact there is need for collaboration to be able to fight the menace. Courier companies have to cooperate with international bodies and governments to minimize the incidence of online shopping fraud.
