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Fraud Prevention Guidelines
Unfortunately, fraud exists and the transportation industry is not immune. uShip provides you with tools that make it a safer place to transact than just about any other venue. However, it is important to follow common sense guidelines to protect yourself against unscrupulous individuals. Whether you find a service provider on uShip, another website, or any other offline directory be smart and, most importantly, don't be a victim!
Basic Fraud Prevention Guidelines
- Execute a written Contract
After the match is complete, you and your service provider should execute a written contract outlining the details of your agreement. This is very important in case there is a disagreement about service.
- Understand deposits
Some service providers request an upfront deposit. If your service provider requests an upfront deposit, be sure that the details of that deposit, such as the circumstances in which it is refundable, are clearly outlined in the contract.
- Avoid wire transfers
Pay safely by never using instant cash transfer service such as Western Union or MoneyGram International for advance payments or deposits. Also avoid using prepaid debit cards. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you don't know.
- Use Credit Cards whenever possible
Using a major credit card or a 3rd party payment system like Paypal to pay your service provider may provide you with additional safeguards and recourse in the event of a dispute or suspected fraudulent activity. Check with your credit card company for more information.
- Choose your service provider carefully
While uShip provides useful tools such as feedback ratings and comments, you should entertain the same level of due diligence as you would when selecting a service provider from another venue.
- Use common sense
Something that doesn't seem right probably isn't. Ask questions, get it in writing, review credentials and always pay safely.
- Verify credentials
Verify the credentials of any service provider you choose to do business with. Federal government sites such as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System (http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) may provide you with useful information about your service provider.
About the uShip Marketplace
- uShip is a neutral venue and not a transportation service provider, freight forwarder or freight broker. The uShip marketplace serves as a venue where two parties agree on price for service. uShip is not involved in the actual transaction between shipper and service providers.
- Any and all arrangements are made between you and the service provider you select. uShip does not prequalify or validate the claims of transportation service providers with respect to their license, insurance, or other operating authority.
- Do not mistake a dispute for fraud. If you have a dispute with your service provider, please use the Report a Problem feature to contact uShip and we will do our best to help facilitate communication between the two parties.
- For a more detailed description of how uShip works, and its policies, please review the uShip User Agreement that you agreed to when you joined.
If you suspect you are a victim of fraud or theft:
*These guidelines are not meant to be all inclusive. It is the responsibility of each member to determine what diligence should be performed before
completing a transaction.