- Set up a business email and phone number when applying for your trucking authority. We recommend our clients to get a business email address and business phone number so that they can avoid the bombardment of spam they receive once we apply for the authority.
- FMCSA scammers often act like they’re government employees or say they work for the FMCSA. Don’t send money or give out personal information to unexpected requests — whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email. The FMCSA does not contact carriers through telemarketers or robocalls.
- Do your research. If a solicitor calls you saying that you’re required to pay for a service or product for your trucking company. Make sure you do your research online or ask someone with experience like a friend. We often get calls from clients confused about a letter, call or text they’ve received. Most of the time, it's an unnecessary service.
- Be skeptical about caller ID. Especially within the first month of when you apply for your authority. Scammers can fake caller IDs so the name and number you see can possibly be fake. If someone unknown calls asking for money or personal information, you should hang up. If you think the caller was telling the truth, call the FMCSA directly at 1-800-832-5660.
- Scammers will often ask you to wire money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram since it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. Government offices and honest companies won’t require you to use unusual payment methods.
- Hang up on robocalls immediately. You should report robocalls to the FTC if possible. These calls are illegal and the products they’re selling tend to be unnecessary or overpriced You can sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. If you spot a scam, report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports can help bring these con artists to justice.