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Car Shipping Scams and How to Avoid Them

How the most common car shipping scams work, the warning signs to watch for and exactly what to do if you've already paid.
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The 8 most common car shipping scams

Jump to a scam to see how it works, the warning signs and how to protect yourself.

  1. Scam 1

    Took payment, no pickup

    The company asks for a big upfront payment to "reserve a truck", often by wire transfer, Zelle, a payment app or gift cards, then stops answering and never assigns a carrier.

    Warning signs

    • Pressure to pay the full price before a carrier is assigned
    • Only accepts wire transfers, payment apps, crypto or gift cards
    • No written contract or bill of lading

    Protect yourself

    • Pay by credit card where possible, so you can dispute the charge
    • Keep deposits small and ask when they're refundable
    • Get the carrier's name and USDOT number before pickup

  2. Scam 2

    Bait-and-switch pricing

    A quote far below the market rate wins your booking. Days later, or at pickup, you're told the price must go up to find a carrier, when it's too late to shop around.

    Warning signs

    • A quote hundreds of dollars below every other company
    • Vague wording such as "estimated" or "subject to carrier availability"
    • Requests for more money right before pickup

    Protect yourself

    • Compare several quotes and distrust outliers
    • Ask whether the price is guaranteed once a carrier accepts
    • Get the final price in writing before you pay anything

  3. Scam 3

    Fake or borrowed credentials

    Scammers copy the name, USDOT or MC number and even the insurance certificate of a real, registered company to look legitimate.

    Warning signs

    • The name, phone or address doesn't match the FMCSA record
    • The USDOT number shows inactive or out-of-service status
    • Email from a free webmail address instead of a company domain

    Protect yourself

    • Look up the number yourself on the FMCSA company snapshot
    • Call the phone number listed in the official record to confirm
    • Check that the insurance certificate names the same company

  4. Scam 4

    Unauthorized re-brokering

    A carrier you booked passes your car to another company without telling you. If something goes wrong, it's unclear who is responsible or insured.

    Warning signs

    • A different company name arrives at pickup
    • The driver can't show paperwork naming your booking
    • Vague answers about who is moving the car

    Protect yourself

    • Confirm the carrier name and USDOT number before pickup
    • Check that the name on the truck and bill of lading matches
    • Refuse to release the car if the paperwork doesn't match

  5. Scam 5

    Vehicle held for more money

    At delivery, or while the car is in transit, the company demands an extra payment and refuses to release the vehicle until it's paid.

    Warning signs

    • New fees that weren't in the contract
    • Threats of storage charges if you don't pay immediately
    • Refusal to give the car's location

    Protect yourself

    • Keep a signed contract showing the agreed total
    • Contact the broker and carrier in writing and keep records
    • File complaints with FMCSA and your state attorney general, and consider local police

  6. Scam 6

    Fake sale and shipping scams

    A seller offers a car below market value, says it's already with a shipping or escrow company, and asks you to pay that company. The car and the company don't exist.

    Warning signs

    • A price that's much too good to be true
    • The seller can't meet or show the car
    • An unfamiliar escrow or shipping site that you're told to pay

    Protect yourself

    • See the car or use a trusted inspection service first
    • Never pay a shipper or escrow site the seller chose for you
    • Report fake sites to the FTC and IC3

  7. Scam 7

    Hidden fees

    Fuel surcharges, "insurance fees", storage or expedite charges appear on the final bill even though they weren't mentioned when you booked.

    Warning signs

    • A quote without a clear list of what's included
    • Insurance offered as a separate paid add-on
    • Fees explained only by phone, never in writing

    Protect yourself

    • Ask for an all-in price and a list of possible extra charges
    • Confirm carrier insurance is included
    • Don't sign a contract that differs from your quote

  8. Scam 8

    Damage claims denied

    The car arrives with new damage, but the company says it was already there or pressures you to sign a clean bill of lading before you inspect.

    Warning signs

    • No inspection or photos at pickup
    • Rushing you to sign at delivery, especially at night
    • No insurance certificate provided

    Protect yourself

    • Photograph every panel at pickup with dates
    • Inspect in good light and note any damage on the bill of lading before signing
    • Report damage to the carrier in writing right away

What a licensed company must have

Federal requirements you can check before you pay.

  • Authority can be checked for free

    Any broker or carrier's USDOT number, operating status and insurance on file can be looked up in the FMCSA database.

    Source: FMCSA company snapshot

  • Brokers must be bonded

    Auto transport brokers need FMCSA broker authority and $75,000 in financial security, usually a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.

    Source: 49 CFR 387.307

  • Carriers must carry liability insurance

    Most for-hire interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA. Cargo coverage for the cars on the truck is set by the carrier, so ask for the certificate.

    Source: 49 CFR 387.9

  • The Bill of Lading is signed twice

    You and the driver inspect the car at pickup and again at delivery. Note any new damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign, and photograph it before the driver leaves.

    Source: FMCSA: Protect your move

Already paid? Do this now

  1. Stop further paymentsDon't send more money, even if you're promised the car will be released.
  2. Contact your bank or card issuerAsk about disputing the charge or recalling a transfer as soon as possible.
  3. Save everythingKeep quotes, contracts, receipts, emails, texts and call logs.
  4. File official complaintsReport to FMCSA, the FTC and your state attorney general.
  5. Report the company hereYour report helps other customers spot the same pattern.
Report a Company

Red flags to watch for

  • No USDOT or MC number, or one that doesn't match the company name
  • Demands full payment before a carrier is assigned
  • Only accepts wire transfer, payment apps, crypto or gift cards
  • A quote far below every other company
  • No written contract or unclear cancellation terms
  • Stops answering after you pay
  • Uses a different name than the official FMCSA record
Common scams explained

Official resources

Government sites for lookups and complaints.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is it normal to pay a deposit for car shipping?

    Some legitimate companies take a small deposit once a carrier is assigned. Be wary of large deposits paid before anyone has agreed to move your car, especially by wire or payment app.

  • Are all car shipping brokers scams?

    No. Brokers are legal and must hold FMCSA broker authority and a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund. The risk comes from unlicensed operators and companies that hide who will move your car.

    Broker vs. carrier
  • What's the safest way to pay?

    A credit card gives you the strongest dispute rights. Avoid wire transfers, payment apps, crypto and gift cards for deposits to companies you haven't verified.

  • How do I check if a car shipping company is legitimate?

    Look up its USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA company snapshot, confirm the name and phone match, check that authority is active, and read recent reviews and complaints.

    Verify a company
  • What should I do if I think I've been scammed?

    Stop further payments, contact your bank or card issuer, save every record, and file complaints with FMCSA, the FTC and your state attorney general.

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