Highway thieves are spoofing GPS to steal millions in data center-bound cargo

Highway thieves are employing advanced digital methods that have raised concerns among investigators, making it relatively simple to perpetrate thefts on trucks transporting large sums of money in data center equipment. According to NBC News, several industry leaders, consultants, and investigators advising law enforcement offices have reported that since June, thieves have successfully stolen over $100 million worth of data center freight.

The thieves employ a multi-step tactic to carry out these crimes. They begin by infiltrating freight brokers' accounts on shipment-listing websites and posting false shipments to attract genuine bids. Once potential trucking companies respond, a malicious link is sent to them. Upon clicking the link, the thieves gain control of the trucking companies' accounts and start bidding on real shipments.

There are two ways the victims could be deceived. In some cases, a genuine delivery driver is hired to collect the cargo, unaware that they are part of a scam. In other instances, fake driver's licenses are provided to enlist accomplices to work with the thieves. Regardless of the method, the stolen goods are eventually handed over to a driver collaborating with the thieves, who then resell the equipment. In one of the most significant thefts, the thieves even manipulated tracking coordinates to evade digital monitoring.