
Be vigilant as there many evolving scams targeting new carriers and brokers setting up operating authorities
So, you are starting up a new business and you think the hard part is getting your operating authorities set up. Well while that is not easy, it is compounded by the amount of fraudulent and misleading marketing that then starts targeting anyone new in the industry.
You must be ever vigilant as you will receive these messages through email, text, and phone call.
What is the difference between fraudulent and misleading marketing?
Well, the difference between them is that fraudulent marketing is targeting you to either gain money or steal your identity (personally or your business information). Misleading marketing strikes to make you pay or use unnecessary services.
As we are made aware of different scam attempts, we try to write about them to spread the word. If you want to take a look at some examples we have seen in the past be sure to check out these other posts where we have provided screenshots of what some of the emails and texts have appeared like. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your business from being the victim of a scam.
Fraudulent email phishing scam targeting carriers
Watch out! Motor carrier identity fraud on the rise
Fraudulent Marketing for KYU Annual Permits Circulating
The latest in Misleading Marketing: Biennial Update Certificates
MisleadingPortal Access Requests for U.S. DOT FMCSA
Misleading Marketing: Now Targeting Your DOT Biennial Update
Scam targeting new carriers and their new entrant audits
Watch out for Fraudulent Marketing Ploys Targeting Carriers
Fraudulent and Misleading Marketing to New FMCSA Applicants
Aggressive Marketing in the Trucking Industry
As you can see, we have seen a lot of different attempts over our years in the industry and they show no signs of slowing down.
Text message scams
This is an example that a business received when setting up their authorities. We have blanked out where the text message used both the companies name and again in the link where they listed the Motor Carrier (MC) number. It looks very official given that they already know this information.
Keep in mind that scammers can monitor the FMCSA for new registrants and will use that information to trick you into thinking that they are legitimate. In this particular case, the client had not received their authority yet and was in fact several steps away from actually getting theirs issued to them. Click the image to enlarge.
If you were to click on the link it would direct you to this web page:

Where the orange boxes are the company is listed along with their DOT#. If you look at the footer where we’ve circled in red, you’ll see that the address is blurred out. This is another clue that this website is not legitimate.
It’s easy to think you are doing your due diligence, but scammers are getting smarter. They often use the FMCSA or U.S. Department of Transportation’s logos (as seen in the above example) to make their websites and emails look official. They will use “DOT” in their web address or as part of their name to lend a sense of credibility.
Always be careful clicking links. Be sure to know how to expect to receive your information from the issuing authority. If you need to login to your portal to get your documents, then be suspicious if you get a text or email with them.
Misleading Marketing
Most people are familiar with scams, but what is the difference with misleading marketing? Misleading marketing isn’t trying to trick you into releasing private information that could later damage your business, but rather trick you into purchasing things that are not necessary. In one case study it was a company trying to make it seem you needed to purchase a Biennial Update Certificate. Basically, this is not required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but a made up service that was going around to make companies think this was another renewal they had to purchase.
Again, your best friend in this case is researching what authorities are needed and how and when to renew them to avoid falling for paying for unnecessary services/certificates.
Educate others on current scams/misleading marketing attempts
Spread the word so that others can educate themselves and others on current scams making their way through the commercial trucking industry. The fewer people who fall victim to them, the more we all win.
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