Some practical advice to maritime interest at increasing risk of being defrauded In recent years, the shipping industry and wider maritime commerce has seen a sharp increase in not only the number of fraud cases, but also the variety of fraud. Fraudsters are becoming more ingenious in their design and execution of schemes, including the use of technology, such as computer hacking, but sometimes tried and tested "old school" methods, such as document fraud, work just as well. The International Maritime Bureau defines maritime fraud thus: "An international trade transaction involves several parties - buyer, seller, shipowner, charterer, ship's master or crew, insurer, banker, broker or agent. Maritime fraud occurs when one of these parties succeeds, unjustly or illegally, in obtaining money or goods from another party to whom, on the face of it, he has undertaken specific trade, transport and financial obligations." Maritime fraud is becoming more common for three reasons. First, criminals are increasingly turning to new methods such as computer hacking. Second, ports are adopting new technologies that in a worst-case scenario can enable new types of fraud (such as automatised container operations). Finally, as shipowners are under pressure to win new business, many have disregarded due diligence when dealing with new and unknown business partners. As the greater reliance both on IT and electronic trading platforms increases, so does the need to stay ahead of the game played by the fraudsters. There is a cost of course to greater security, both in terms of investing in better technology and processes, but also in potential business opportunities. To achieve the right commercial balance it requires experience and skill, as well as knowledge of what scams and schemes are out there. Being prepared Given that shipping is a global business, with many players and&nbsp