Criminals are impersonating importers and customs brokers to redirect customs-related payments in U.S.-Mexico trade, according to Javier Cendejas, president of the northeast chapter of the Mexican Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE Noreste). Cendejas raised the warning at a Sept. 28 news conference reported by the Mexican newspaper El Norte; FreightWaves reported it on Oct. 4.
According to the reporting, fraudsters set up internet domains that resemble legitimate companies, pose as executives, and claim that banking details have changed, using shipment information to appear credible. Advance payments to customs brokers are a particular target. In one case cited, a trade company sent an electronic payment to what it believed was its customs agency after a third party had stolen the identities of both the importer and the broker. Cendejas said the urgency around moving cargo can lead treasury staff to transfer funds without verifying the request through a second channel.
The tactic resembles payment-diversion schemes seen in U.S. freight. FreightWaves cited IDScan.net data showing attempted identity fraud in U.S. cargo and logistics transactions rose from 0.53% in 2023 to 2.15% in 2025.
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