New FMCSA Scam Warning: Fake Phishing Emails

The FMCSA has issued a high alert about a phishing scam targeting trucking companies. Scammers are sending fake emails pretending to be from FMCSA to registered trucking companies. These emails ask for sensitive information, putting businesses at risk.

Details of the Scam

The fake emails claim to be from FMCSA. They ask you to fill out attached forms, requesting personal information like Social Security Numbers (SSN) and USDOT PINs. The emails look very real and seem to come from official FMCSA email addresses like safety@fmcsa.gov or filing@fmcsa.gov. But these email addresses are fake and not used by FMCSA.

The scam emails may also ask for more sensitive information, such as certificates of insurance and driver’s licenses. They even threaten fines if you do not respond within a day. FMCSA has made it clear that these practices are not part of their official procedures.

Protecting Your Information

FMCSA does not ask for SSN or USDOT PIN information through email forms. All official FMCSA communications will direct you to log in to your portal account via the official FMCSA Login portal or come from a dedicated FMCSA mailbox ending in “.gov”.

FMCSA urges everyone to verify any suspicious email or communication. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides guidelines for email verification that can help spot phishing attempts.

How to Report the FMCSA Scam Warning

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has also reported several incidents where their members received these fake emails. Crystal Minardi from OOIDA’s Business Services said, “FMCSA will never ask you for your PIN on a manual form. We are advising our members not to reply.”

If you get one of these scam emails, do not fill out any attached forms and do not respond to the email. If you think your company has been targeted or has fallen victim to this scam, FMCSA advises you to report the incident right away. Reports can be made through FMCSA’s website by clicking on the Fraud Advisory link. Victims should also contact the DOT Office of Inspector General at 800-424-9071 or via email at hotline@oig.dot.gov.

Keeping Your Data Secure

Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated, so it is important to stay alert. Always verify the source of any email asking for sensitive information. The FMCSA  Scam Warning encourages you to reach out directly to verify any suspicious emails. Following best practices for email authentication and verification can help protect your business from fraud and identity theft.

For more information on how to protect your business from email scams, visit the FTC’s cybersecurity guidelines for small businesses. Also, always refer to the official FMCSA forms and procedures to ensure you are providing information securely.

Looking Ahead

Scams like this show the need for cybersecurity awareness in the trucking industry. By staying informed and careful, you can protect your business from fraud. Remember, FMCSA will never ask for sensitive information through unsecured forms or emails. Always verify any requests and report suspicious activities quickly.

For more details, visit the official FMCSA Registration Alerts page or consult the FMCSA forms for accurate and secure information requests. Stay safe and alert against these phishing threats.