Tesla Semi Truck:
4 Trucking Companies Have Been Targeted In Recent Scam

Tesla Semi Truck Scam Targeting Trucking Companies: A Closer Look

New Scam Alert for Trucking Companies

Clean Trucking has reported a scam targeting trucking companies that want to buy the Tesla Semi truck. Several companies in California have reported being approached by someone trying to sell fake reservations for these trucks.

What is the Tesla Semi Truck?

The Tesla Semi is a truck that has gained a lot of attention since it was first shown in 2017. It promises to save money on fuel, has advanced safety features, and can drive up to 500 miles on a single charge. Tesla started taking bookings for the Semi with a $20,000 deposit. However, full production of the Semi has been delayed until 2025, leaving some companies waiting.

How the Tesla Semi Truck Scam Works

The scammer is looking for companies that have not yet ordered a Tesla Semi but are already using zero-emission vehicles. These companies may also be part of California’s programs that help pay for these kinds of trucks.

The scammer contacts companies through professional networking sites like LinkedIn, claiming to have reservations for the Tesla Semi. They offer to sell these bookings at a higher price, saying it will allow the buyer to get their truck sooner.

Warning Signs of the Scam

While the offer might sound appealing, there are several warning signs that this is a scam. Tesla’s policy says that reservations cannot be transferred to another person, which the scammer ignores. Also, the scammer asks for money to be sent to personal bank accounts, not business ones.

When companies refused the offer, the scammer became aggressive, sending repeated and sometimes rude messages. This behavior is another clue that something is not right.

Fraud in the Trucking Industry

This scam is just one example of the growing problem of fraud in the trucking industry. As companies work to meet new regulations and switch to zero-emission vehicles, scammers are taking advantage of the confusion.

Fraud already costs the trucking industry nearly $1 billion every year. This makes it even more important for companies to be careful and check out any offers that seem unusual or too good to be true.

How to Stay Safe

To avoid being scammed, trucking companies should always check that any business offers they receive are legitimate. This means verifying who the person is, making sure the offer follows company policies (like Tesla’s rules about reservations), and never sending money to personal accounts.

It’s also important to keep employees informed about scams. By making sure everyone knows what to look out for and encouraging them to report anything suspicious, companies can better protect themselves from fraud.

Thank you to Clean Trucking for bringing this issue to light.