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Don't Get Scammed: FMCSA Fraud Alerts Every Carrier Should Know

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Don''t Get Scammed: FMCSA Fraud Alerts Every Carrier Should Know

At CarrierForge, we care deeply about protecting trucking businesses from fraud, whether you are a client or not. Unfortunately, scammers are getting more creative, targeting motor carriers with official looking emails, fake notices, and fraudulent websites. That is why we are sharing this public alert, based on recent FMCSA fraud warnings, to help you stay informed and avoid falling victim to these schemes.

If you are a CarrierForge client, we also provide support and practical tips to help you identify and avoid fraud. But whether you work with us or not, you deserve to be protected.

What Is Happening? Recent FMCSA Scam Tactics

Scammers are impersonating the FMCSA and other federal agencies to get access to sensitive business and personal information. Common scam methods include:

  • Phishing Emails Pretending to Be FMCSA

    These emails may look official and ask you to click links or complete forms requesting your Social Security Number, USDOT PIN, EIN, insurance documents, or copies of your driver's license.

  • Fake Safety Audit Notices

    Scammers may tell you that you are overdue for a safety audit and send links to fake forms, often disguised as FMCSA documents. These typically ask for private business details and are not legitimate.

  • Fake Government Officials

    Some scammers send documents or emails pretending to be from FMCSA representatives. These are fraudulent and designed to trick you into providing access to your account or personal information.

Why It Matters

Falling for one of these scams can lead to serious consequences, including:

  • Loss of Access to Your FMCSA Account: If you share your login credentials or USDOT PIN, a scammer can take control of your account and make unauthorized changes to your registration or operating status.
  • Identity Theft: Business or personal details can be misused in other scams or criminal activity under your name.
  • Financial Losses: Fraudulent loads, false transactions, or stolen information can lead to unpaid freight and damage to your business reputation.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

Here are some important ways to guard against fraud:

Verify All Communications

  • Hover over email links to preview where they go. If the domain does not clearly belong to FMCSA.gov, do not click it.
  • Be cautious of email addresses that look nearly correct but are not. Examples include [email protected] or [email protected]. Genuine emails will come from a real .gov address. (In rare cases, some state DOTs use .us or others. If uncertain, check the official state website to confirm.)
  • If you are unsure, go directly to the FMCSA website or call 1-800-832-5660 to verify.

Never Send Sensitive Information by Email

Be Alert for Threats or Pressure

Scammers often create urgency by threatening fines or shutdowns unless you respond right away. Real government agencies do not operate this way.

Monitor Your FMCSA Records Regularly

  • Visit the SAFER website to review your Company Snapshot and confirm your DOT number, phone number, address, and authority status are accurate.
  • Log in to the FMCSA SMS portal with your PIN to review inspection records, violations, and any entities associated with your company.

Strengthen Your Internal Security

  • Use Login.gov and multi-factor authentication to protect access to your FMCSA account.
  • Train your staff to recognize fake documents and phishing attempts.
  • Verify documents from any new brokers, shippers, or partners before doing business.

Secure Your DOT Contact Email with CarrierForge

Your business email and domain are prime targets for scammers. That is why CarrierForge offers advanced protection to our members that goes far beyond basic filters and standard email setups.

CarrierForge members benefit from protections such as:

  • Domain security and email authentication to prevent scammers from spoofing your business.
  • Multi-factor authentication and account monitoring to block unauthorized access and detect suspicious login attempts.
  • Advanced phishing detection tools that filter out dangerous emails before they ever reach your inbox.
  • Threat alerts and automated response systems to shut down suspicious activity before it can do harm.

This enhanced protection is included for CarrierForge members who use our business email services, helping you reduce risk, protect your reputation, and stay in control of your operations.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you suspect fraud or receive a suspicious message:

Do not reply and do not provide any information.

Report the incident to the following:

Also notify:

  • Your insurance provider
  • Factoring company
  • Load boards or partners
  • Any customers or clients if your DOT number is being misused

How CarrierForge Helps

We believe that accurate information is the best defense. That is why we make this guide available to everyone, not just our clients. If you work with CarrierForge, you receive added support, alerts, and guidance to help you spot red flags and stay protected.

If you ever receive a suspicious email, reach out to us. We are here to help you stay safe and focused on running your business.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay in control.