How to Avoid Auto Transport Scams

The auto transport industry has its share of bad actors. Every year, thousands of people fall victim to scams—losing deposits, experiencing delayed pickups, or worse. Here's how to protect yourself.

Why Scams Are Common

The auto transport brokerage model creates opportunities for fraud:

• Low barriers to entry (just a phone and website)
• Large upfront deposits are industry-standard
• Customers often ship infrequently and lack experience
• Seasonal demand creates pressure to book quickly

Red Flags to Watch For

Learn to recognize these warning signs before you book.

1. Unusually Low Quotes

If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The Scam: Company quotes $500 for a cross-country move. After you pay the deposit, they claim the "price increased" or simply never arrange pickup.

Reality Check: Average cross-country transport costs $1,000-$1,500. Quotes 40%+ below market rate are almost always bait-and-switch tactics.

2. Large Upfront Deposits

The Scam: Company demands 50% or full payment before pickup. They collect money, then disappear or continuously delay service.

Safe Practice: Pay a small booking deposit to a verified broker, with the balance due to the carrier upon delivery.

3. No Physical Address

Legitimate companies have real offices. Scammers operate from anywhere.

What to Check:

• Google Street View the address (is it a real office building?)
• Call the listed phone number
• Verify the address matches FMCSA registration

4. Pressure to Book Immediately

The Scam: "This price expires in 1 hour" or "We only have one spot left."

Reality: Carrier availability changes, but legitimate companies don't use high-pressure tactics. Quality service providers know you'll return after doing research.

5. No FMCSA Registration

Every legitimate carrier must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

How to Verify a Company

Follow this checklist before booking with any auto transport service.

Step 1: Check FMCSA Registration

1. Visit SAFER System
2. Enter the company's MC number or USDOT number
3. Verify their operating authority is "AUTHORIZED"
4. Check for any "OUT OF SERVICE" flags

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it's current.

Step 3: Research Reviews

Check multiple sources:

• Google Business Profile – Look for response patterns to complaints
• Better Business Bureau – Check rating and complaint history
• Transport Reviews – Industry-specific review site
• Yelp – But be wary of fake positive reviews

Step 4: Verify Contact Information

• Call the main phone number—do real people answer?
• Email a question and measure response time
• Check if the website has a physical address
• Look up the company on LinkedIn

Common Scam Scenarios

Understanding how scams work helps you avoid them.

The Bait-and-Switch

How it works:

1. You get a low quote and pay a deposit
2. Just before pickup, they claim "market conditions changed"
3. The new price is 50-100% higher
4. They threaten to keep your deposit if you cancel

Protection: Get quotes in writing. Understand that legitimate price adjustments are rare and small.

The Phantom Broker

How it works:

1. A "broker" takes your deposit
2. They never actually dispatch a carrier
3. Pickup date passes with excuses
4. Eventually, they stop responding

Protection: Verify the broker is registered with FMCSA as a broker (not just a carrier). Research their dispatch history.

The Hostage Scenario

How it works:

1. Your car is picked up as expected
2. Mid-transit, you're told there are "additional fees"
3. They won't deliver until you pay extra
4. Threatening to take your car to an impound lot

Protection: Get all fees in writing before shipping. Use credit cards for purchase protection. Know your rights under FMCSA regulations.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Ask every company these questions:

1. "What is your MC number?" – Should be answered immediately
2. "Can you email me proof of insurance?" – Hesitation is a red flag
3. "What happens if the carrier doesn't show up?" – Should have a clear policy
4. "Is this quote guaranteed?" – Understand what could change
5. "How is payment handled?" – Should be transparent

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you've already fallen victim to a scam:

Immediate Steps

1. Document everything – Save all emails, contracts, and payment records
2. Dispute the charge – Contact your credit card company immediately
3. File an FMCSA complaint – Visit National Consumer Complaint Database
4. Report to BBB – File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
5. Report to FTC – Submit to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Recovery Options

• Credit card chargebacks are your strongest tool
• Small claims court for amounts under your state's limit
• State Attorney General consumer protection division

Ship with Confidence

Car Transport Connection is fully licensed, insured, and verified:

• MC Number: Publicly available and verifiable
• Insurance: Full cargo and liability coverage
• Reviews: Thousands of verified customer reviews
• Pricing: Transparent quotes with $150 Price Protection guarantee
• Support: Real humans available 7 days a week

Get a Verified Quote →

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