The 7 Most Common Auto Transport Scams (and How to Avoid Them)
The auto transport industry moves over 10 million vehicles across the U.S. every year. Unfortunately, the combination of large dollar amounts, long-distance transactions, and consumer unfamiliarity makes it a target for scam operators. Here are the fraud tactics we see most often:
1. The Lowball Quote Trap
A company advertises a price that’s 30–50% below market rate. After you pay the deposit, they either cancel the order, claim the price has "changed due to market conditions," or simply stop responding. The fix: If a quote sounds too good to be true, it is. Always compare at least 2–3 quotes and be suspicious of outliers.
2. The Hostage Load
The carrier picks up your vehicle, then calls you mid-transport demanding additional payment before they’ll deliver it. They have your car, and you’re stuck. The fix: Get the total, all-in price in writing before pickup. Never work with a carrier that doesn’t provide a formal Bill of Lading.
3. The Phantom Carrier
The "company" doesn’t actually own any trucks. They collect deposits from multiple customers, then disappear. These are often fly-by-night operations with no FMCSA authority. The fix: Verify their MC/USDOT number before sending any money.
4. The Bait-and-Switch
You’re quoted one price for open carrier, but when the driver arrives, they claim it needs enclosed transport or that the vehicle doesn’t fit, and the price jumps by $500+. The fix: Provide accurate vehicle dimensions upfront and get the transport type confirmed in writing.
5. The Lead Mill Flood
You fill out one quote form and suddenly 5–10 companies are calling your phone. Your information was sold to multiple brokers who each want your business. The fix: Use a platform like CarShippingHub that connects you with a single verified partner — not a bidding war.
6. The Fake Review Farm
The company has hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews, all posted within a few weeks, with generic language. Meanwhile, their legitimate reviews on the BBB and Transport Reviews show complaints. The fix: Check reviews across multiple platforms. Look for detailed, specific reviews with photos.
7. The Non-Refundable Deposit Grab
The company insists on a large non-refundable deposit, then keeps delaying your pickup until you give up and lose your money. The fix: Ask about cancellation policies before paying. Reputable companies offer refundable deposits if they fail to assign a carrier within the agreed timeframe.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve been a victim of auto transport fraud, take these steps immediately:
- Document everything. Save all emails, text messages, contracts, and payment receipts.
- File a complaint with the FMCSA. Go to FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database to file an official report.
- Report to the FTC. File a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact your bank or credit card company. If you paid by card, request a chargeback for services not rendered.
- Leave honest reviews. Post your experience on Google, Transport Reviews, and the BBB to warn other consumers.
- Report it here. Use the form above to submit a scam report. Our safety team reviews every submission and publishes verified reports to protect others.
How to Protect Yourself Before Booking
- Always verify FMCSA authority using our free carrier lookup tool
- Request a copy of cargo insurance before agreeing to anything
- Get the total price in writing with a formal order agreement
- Pay by credit card for chargeback protection, never wire transfer
- Be wary of companies that only communicate by phone — legitimate businesses have email trails
- Check the BBB and Transport Reviews across multiple platforms