How do you avoid car shipping scams?

• Bait-and-switch pricing: A low quote to win the booking, then a higher price before pickup
• Unlicensed operators: Companies with no FMCSA authority or a borrowed number
• Large upfront payments: Full payment demanded before any carrier is assigned
• Pressure sales: "This price expires in an hour" tactics
• Phishing: Unsolicited calls, texts or emails offering to ship a car you're selling

• Look up the USDOT or MC number on FMCSA SAFER — see what is USDOT
• Read reviews on Google, BBB and TransportReviews from the last year
• Get a binding, all-inclusive quote in writing
• Read the terms, including cancellation and what happens if no carrier is found
• Ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance once assigned
• Document the car's condition at pickup on the Bill of Lading
• Pay with traceable methods and trust your instincts

More: how to avoid issues with an auto transport broker.

• Ask for the USDOT and MC numbers.
• Look them up on the FMCSA SAFER website.
• Check that the status is Active and the company is authorized as a broker or carrier.
• Make sure the name and address match the website and quote.

Our FMCSA and USDOT verification guide walks you through each step.

• Use a credit card where possible.
• Don't pay the full amount before a carrier is assigned.
• Avoid wire transfers, Zelle, gift cards and crypto to unverified companies.
• Get the price and payment terms in writing.

Contact your card issuer right away, file a complaint with the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database, and report it to the FTC. Keep every email, text and receipt. For the full list of warning signs, read 10 warning signs of a car shipping scam.