Hacked FMCSA Accounts Continue Targeting Shippers, Brokers

Another day, another scammer. Fraudsters are hacking carrier accounts to pull off complex theft.

The Scheme:

• The hackers are changing FMCSA contact info for legit carriers
• They pose as these carriers on load boards
• Then they hire real truckers to move stolen cargo

Key Points:

1. Hacked Credentials
   Scammers likely nabbed USDOT PINs via e-mail phishing or other methods to access FMCSA accounts. They're updating contact details to match their own.
2. Perfect Disguise
   These fraudsters are becoming quite clever with their schemes. They match safer/carrier411 info, attach legit W9 forms, and upload valid insurance certificates. Thus, everything looks legit at first glance.
3. Multi-Layer Deception

• This particular scammer impersonated three different carriers
• Hired innocent truckers as middle-men
• Posed as different brokers to move cargo multiple times

Law Enforcement Challenges

"Police aren't very helpful," reported the victim. Brokers are now teaming up to crack the case themselves. They are now double-checking carrier credentials, being wary of sudden contact info changes, and of course trust their gut when something feels off.

"They stole from 3 other shippers in the same day doing the same thing. Be careful out there," warns an affected broker.

Despite countless news coverage, appeals to regulators, and the formation of a task force, fraud continues to run rampant in the industry. It leaves many wondering if there is really any incentive to put an end to it.

Source: Reddit