Trucking Compliance Scams: How To Spot Them And Protect Your Business
The trucking industry is one of the largest financial drivers of the U.S. economy.
According to the American Trucking Associations’ American Trucking Trends report, the industry generated about $906 billion in revenue in 2024, continuing to play a central role in freight movement across the country. When an industry handles that much money, scammers pay attention. Unfortunately, trucking compliance is a common target.
While many compliance scams are ongoing and familiar, new threats continue to emerge. One of the most recent involves a growing phishing campaign targeting motor carriers nationwide.
Scams in the trucking industry can cause serious financial and legal problems. Drivers and owner-operators may lose money, fall out of compliance, or risk their authority to operate. These scams also make it harder for legitimate compliance companies to do their jobs. This article covers a newly identified phishing scam, along with proven, evergreen guidance on how to spot scams and protect your business.
New FMCSA Phishing Scam Targeting Motor Carriers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified a new, aggressive phishing campaign aimed at motor carriers. In this scam, carriers receive emails that falsely claim to be from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) or FMCSA officials.
According to FMCSA, these emails often include professional-looking documents and realistic links. Despite how legitimate they may appear, the messages are fake and designed to steal sensitive information or pressure carriers into making illegal payments.
FMCSA has confirmed that these emails do not come from USDOT or FMCSA.
What You Need to Know About This Phishing Scam
FMCSA has shared several important details to help carriers identify and avoid these messages.
Official FMCSA emails almost always come from an address ending in .gov. In rare cases, such as customer satisfaction surveys sent after contacting the FMCSA Contact Center, emails may come from a non-.gov address. These surveys request feedback only and will never ask for personal, payment, or account information.
Phishing emails often contain links that lead to suspicious, non-.gov domains. These links may look official at first glance but redirect to fake websites designed to collect information.
FMCSA will never request payment or sensitive information, including UCR details, PINs, Social Security numbers, EINs, or bank information, through unsolicited emails or messages.
If you are unsure about an email, avoid clicking any links and verify the communication directly through official FMCSA channels. You can contact the FMCSA Contact Center or call 1-800-832-5660.
Would FMCSA Ever Email From a Non-.gov Address?
In almost all cases, FMCSA and USDOT communications come from .gov email addresses. FMCSA has stated that only limited situations, such as customer satisfaction surveys, may use a non-.gov address. These messages request feedback only and do not ask for sensitive information.
If an email requests payment, login details, or personal data, it is not legitimate, regardless of how official it looks.
How to Verify an Official FMCSA Website
FMCSA websites always end in .gov, such as www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Before clicking any link, hover over it to confirm the full web address. If the domain does not end in .gov, do not provide information.
Taking a few seconds to verify a domain can prevent major financial and compliance problems.
Information FMCSA Will Never Request
FMCSA has clearly stated that it will never request sensitive information through unsolicited emails or phone calls. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account details, credit card information, or compliance payment requests.
If sensitive information is required, FMCSA expects carriers to initiate contact using official phone numbers or verified online portals.
Actions Carriers Must Initiate Themselves
FMCSA does not initiate contact that requires immediate payment or submission of sensitive information. The carrier always starts routine updates, renewals, and filings through official FMCSA systems.
Any message demanding urgent action or payment should be treated as suspicious.
How Big Is the Problem?
Scams in the trucking compliance space are more common than many people realize. Not every scam is reported, which makes it hard to track exact numbers. However, feedback from drivers, owner-operators, and compliance professionals shows the problem is widespread.
Both new and experienced carriers are targeted. New carriers often hit the hardest because they are unfamiliar with federal and state requirements. Falling for a scam can lead to lost money, missed filings, and compliance violations that take time and money to fix.
Common Types of Trucking Compliance Scams
Scammers often rely on confusion and fear. These are some of the most common scams seen in the trucking industry.
Overcharging for Compliance Services
Some companies charge excessive fees for basic filings or services. They rely on the fact that many drivers are unsure what certain registrations should cost. In many cases, the service itself is real, but the price is far higher than necessary.
Fake Non-Compliance Fines
This scam usually involves a call, email, or letter claiming you are out of compliance and owe fines. These messages often create urgency and demand immediate payment. The fines are not real, but the pressure feels convincing.
Fake Compliance Certificates
Scammers may offer certificates that look official but have no legal value. These documents can trick drivers into thinking they are compliant when they are not, which can lead to serious problems during audits or inspections.
Hidden Fees and Auto-Renewals
Some services appear affordable upfront but include hidden fees, subscriptions, or automatic renewals. By the time the carrier notices, the total cost is much higher than expected.
How to Identify a Trucking Scam
Most trucking compliance scams share similar warning signs. Scammers often use fear-based language and push for quick decisions. They may use complex terms to sound official or claim to be connected to a government agency.
Be cautious of companies that demand immediate payment, threaten fines without proof, avoid clear pricing, or refuse to explain what a service includes.
After receiving a new DOT Number, many carriers are contacted by third-party companies. Some are legitimate, but others rely on scare tactics. If someone pressures you to pay right away, especially right after registration, verify the information before moving forward.
How to Avoid Trucking Compliance Scams
The best protection is preparation. Research any company before working with them. Online reviews, business history, and transparency matter.
It is also smart to speak with a compliance professional or legal advisor before signing contracts. Talking with other drivers and owner-operators can also help you spot red flags early.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email or Get Scammed
If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on links or open attachments. Do not reply to the sender.
Report the message to the FMCSA Contact Center or call 1-800-832-5660. You can also file a complaint with the FBI through the IC3 website and visit the Federal Trade Commission website for additional guidance on phishing and email verification.
If you believe you have already been scammed, document all communication, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately, and report the incident to the appropriate agencies. Acting quickly can reduce damage and help protect other carriers.
Who Can You Trust for Compliance Information?
When it comes to trucking compliance, reliable information matters.
Federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) provide official rules, updates, and guidance. The FMCSA also maintains a list of registered Agents of Process.
Industry organizations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) offer education, advocacy, and compliance resources designed for carriers.
Working with a reputable compliance service that clearly explains requirements and pricing can also help you stay protected and focused on running your business.
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