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You decide to finally ship your car. You compare a few car shipping quotes, find one that looks unbelievably good, and an agent over the phone says, “If you pay the deposit in the next 10 minutes, I can lock this truck for you.” Two days later, your pickup never happens, the “dispatcher” stops answering, and your deposit is gone.
Stories like this are becoming common in the car transport industry. As more people buy vehicles online and move long distance, bad actors are targeting them with fake websites, cloned DOT numbers, and ultra-low “teaser” prices that never turn into real bookings.
The good news? Once you understand the scammer’s playbook, it becomes surprisingly easy to spot the traps. This guide gives you a simple checklist to identify fake quotes, verify any company, and protect your vehicle and money when you compare options such as standard open transport car shipping and more specialized services.
Why Car Shipping Scams Are Exploding Right Now
The car shipping market has changed dramatically in the last few years. Several trends make it easier for scammers to operate:
First, more people buy vehicles sight-unseen, often from marketplaces or auctions hundreds of miles away. They are time-pressed, emotionally invested in the car, and eager to believe the first quote that promises fast, cheap delivery.
Second, the industry is fragmented. There are thousands of small carriers, hundreds of brokers, and no single brand that everyone immediately recognizes. This mix gives scammers plenty of room to copy a legitimate company’s name, logo, or DOT number and look credible for a few days.
Third, prices are volatile. Fuel, driver availability, seasons, and route demand all affect real car shipping rates. That volatility makes it easy for a fake broker to send a quote that is 30–40% lower than everyone else and claim they have a “special route” or “empty spot on a truck” that magically explains it.
This combination creates a dangerous environment for consumers. But you are not powerless. Once you recognize the patterns, you can filter out most bad offers in minutes.
The 5 Most Common Car Shipping Scams in 2025
1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Lowball Quote
This is the most common trap. You request several car shipping quotes and most of them fall into a similar range. Then one broker comes back hundreds of dollars cheaper and tells you, “I have a truck already in your area, we just need a small deposit to secure the spot.”
Here’s what usually happens next. The broker lists your shipment on the national load board at a much higher price than what you agreed to. No carrier accepts it for days because the rate is unrealistic. Eventually they call you back and claim that “fuel prices went up” or “your car is larger than expected,” and now the cost is several hundred dollars more.
This is bait-and-switch car transport. The cheap quote was never real. A serious company may adjust pricing if your information was clearly wrong, but they will explain the change in writing and give you the option to walk away.
Red flags: a quote way below market, constant pressure to “pay now,” and refusal to send a written contract before you pay anything.
2. The Ghost Broker Who Disappears After the Deposit
In this scam, the fake broker looks professional on the surface. They might have a polished website and send you a contract, but it is vague and does not clearly list the carrier, the type of open or enclosed transport, or the exact pickup window.
You pay the deposit. Pickup day comes and goes. When you call, you get a series of excuses: “The truck broke down,” “We’re waiting for another vehicle to fill the route,” or “The driver is delayed, we’ll call you back in an hour.” After a few days, the phone goes straight to voicemail.
In reality, there was never a truck assigned to your order. The company is just collecting deposits and stalling until chargeback deadlines pass or customers give up.
Red flags: no driver information within a reasonable timeframe, no real dispatch updates, and constant rescheduling without carrier details.
3. Fake Carriers and Cloned DOT/MC Numbers
Some scammers pretend to be an actual carrier. They copy the USDOT and MC number of a legitimate trucking company from a public database and stick it on their website, email signature, and bill of lading.
To a hurried customer, everything looks correct — there is a carrier with that number. But the phone number, email, and bank account all belong to the scammer, not the real company.
If something goes wrong, you might try to complain to the carrier whose number you saw, only to learn they have never heard of you or your VIN.
Red flags: the company name on the FMCSA website does not match the one on your invoice, or the phone number and address differ from what’s listed in the official record.
4. The “Hostage Car” and Surprise Add-On Fees
Not all scams happen before pickup. Some begin after your vehicle is already on a truck. A shady operator might load your car and then demand extra money to continue the trip, claiming unexpected tolls, storage, or delivery complications.
In extreme cases, they threaten to hold the car at a remote storage yard until you pay additional fees in cash or wire. Legally, this is extortion, but shady operators bank on you being too stressed and in too much of a hurry to call their bluff or contact law enforcement.
Red flags: verbal promises that contradict the contract, handwritten changes on the bill of lading, and any demand for extra cash that wasn’t clearly spelled out before loading.
5. Unsafe Payment Requests and Fake Tracking
The final big category of car shipping scams is all about payment methods. Scammers often insist on irreversible methods: wire transfers, Zelle, CashApp, or even crypto. They may also send you a fake tracking link or a generic “GPS portal” that isn’t connected to the carrier’s actual ELD (Electronic Logging Device) and therefore never updates.
A reputable car shipping company will usually accept credit cards for deposits and explain clearly when and how the driver collects the remaining balance at delivery. They don’t hide behind generic email addresses or temporary VoIP numbers.
Red flags: refusal to accept a card, complicated instructions involving third-party “fee collectors,” or tracking links that never show the carrier’s USDOT/MC information.
How to Verify a Legit Car Transport Company in Minutes
The best defense against scams is a simple verification routine that you follow every time you book car shipping. It only takes a few minutes but can save you thousands.
Step 1: Look Up the Company in the FMCSA Database
Every legitimate broker and carrier that operates across state lines in the U.S. must have a registered USDOT and MC number. Ask for these numbers and check them in the FMCSA’s public database.
Make sure the company name, address, and phone number in the database match what you see on the website, email signature, and contract. If anything looks off — different spelling, different city, or a cell phone instead of a landline — treat it as a serious warning sign.
Step 2: Read Reviews the Right Way
Star ratings alone don’t tell the full story. Look for patterns in the reviews:
- Do multiple customers mention the same positive things: clear communication, realistic ETAs, honest pricing?
- Are the complaints about unavoidable delays like storms, or about hidden fees and broken promises?
- Are there recent reviews, not just a burst of five-star ratings from years ago?
Legitimate car transport companies tend to have detailed reviews that mention specific routes, types of vehicles, open or enclosed transport, and real names of staff.
Step 3: Ask Specific Verification Questions
Scammers can easily say what you want to hear. The goal of your questions is not to get comforting answers, but to request information that can be verified independently.
- “What is the full legal name and MC number of the carrier who will be assigned, not just your brokerage?” You can then check that carrier directly in the FMCSA database.
- “Can you send me a copy of that carrier’s Certificate of Insurance before I sign the contract?” Legitimate brokers and carriers are used to this question.
- “Is your quote a binding price or a non-binding estimate?” A scammer relies on vague estimates they can change at the last minute.
- “Does my vehicle genuinely need specialized enclosed auto transport, or is standard open transport sufficient for its value and condition?” The explanation you receive will tell you a lot about their honesty and expertise.
The way the company answers is more important than them having a perfect script. Professionals are comfortable with specific, technical questions and will explain their reasoning without becoming defensive.
Safer Ways to Pay for Car Shipping
How you pay is just as important as who you pay.
For most legitimate car shipping orders, the structure looks like this: a modest deposit to secure the carrier and route, then the remaining balance paid to the driver on delivery, usually via certified funds or card (depending on the carrier’s rules). The key is transparency. You should know the total price, the deposit amount, and the delivery balance before you ever sign.
Whenever possible, use a credit card for the deposit. Cards give you chargeback rights if the company fails to provide the promised service. Be cautious about paying a large deposit by wire or instant-transfer apps, especially to a company you just met online.
If the quote is truly fair and the truck is real, a professional dispatcher can hold your reservation long enough for you to read the contract and confirm every detail. The more someone pushes for “right now” payment, the more likely you are dealing with a high-pressure sales script rather than a legitimate carrier.
What To Do If You’ve Already Been Targeted
Maybe you are reading this because you already sent a deposit and things feel wrong. The pickup window has passed, your calls go unanswered, or the price keeps changing. You still have options.
Work through the following steps calmly and methodically:
- Gather your documentation. Save all emails, text messages, screenshots of the quote, your contract, proof of payment, and any names or phone numbers you were given.
- Set a clear deadline in writing. For example: “If my vehicle is not picked up by [date], I consider the contract cancelled and request a full refund of my deposit.” Send this by email so you have a time-stamped record.
- Contact your bank or card issuer. If the company ignores your deadline or refuses to refund, initiate a dispute and explain that the service was never provided as agreed.
- File complaints with regulators. You can report the company to the FMCSA and relevant consumer protection agencies. In obvious cases of fraud or extortion, filing a police report may also be appropriate.
The most important lesson is to stop throwing good money after bad. Do not pay additional “fees” to the same operator in hopes of salvaging the shipment. Cut your losses, document everything, and move on to a verified car transport provider.
How TCI Logistics Keeps Car Shipping Safe and Transparent
At TCI Logistics, we see the impact of scams every week. New customers call us after losing money to a ghost broker or a bait-and-switch quote. Our job is to rebuild trust by doing the basics exceptionally well.
That starts with realistic pricing. We base every quote on real-world lane data, seasonal trends, and the type of service you choose — from standard open transport to specialized services such as antique vehicle shipping and professional motorcycle shipping. The details are put in writing, so you know exactly what is included and what is not.
Communication is just as important. Customers receive honest pickup windows, direct contact with dispatch, and clear updates if weather or traffic events affect timing. You know which carrier is moving your vehicle, what they are driving, and how to reach them.
Payment is straightforward. Deposits are processed securely, and the remaining balance is handled according to carrier policy upon delivery — no surprise extras after your car is already on the truck.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Car Shipping Quote
If you want to see what a transparent car shipping quote actually looks like, try the TCI Logistics instant calculator at https://tciships.com/en/calculator. In a couple of minutes you can test different routes, compare open versus enclosed transport pricing, and get a realistic sense of what your shipment should cost before you speak with an agent.
Final Checklist Before You Book Car Shipping
Before you commit to any car transport company, run through this quick checklist:
- Does the company have a valid USDOT and MC number that matches the name, address, and phone on its website?
- Is the quote in line with others you received, or is it suspiciously cheap?
- Did you receive a written contract before paying any deposit?
- Do you understand whether your vehicle will move on open or enclosed transport — and why that option was recommended?
- Are payment terms clear, with a reasonable deposit and a defined balance on delivery?
- Is there a real person you can contact for updates, not just a generic email address?
If you can answer “yes” to all of these, you are far less likely to become the next victim of a car shipping scam. Take your time, ask detailed questions, and trust your instincts. The right partner will make car transport feel organized and predictable, not rushed and confusing — and your vehicle will arrive exactly where it needs to be, in the condition you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a car shipping quote might be a scam?
Be cautious if the quote is far below others you received, the agent pushes you to pay immediately, or refuses to send a written contract. Always verify the company’s USDOT and MC number in the FMCSA database and make sure the name, address, and phone match what you see on the website and in emails.
Is a very low car transport price always suspicious?
Not every low quote is a scam, but a price that is dramatically cheaper than the market is a major red flag. Many scammers use lowball quotes to collect deposits and then raise the price later, claiming fuel or size changes. Compare several quotes and be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true.
What is the safest way to pay for car shipping?
Use a credit card for your deposit whenever possible, because it gives you chargeback protection if the service is not provided. Avoid paying large deposits by wire, Zelle, or apps that do not offer easy dispute options. The remaining balance is typically paid to the carrier at delivery by certified funds or card, according to the carrier’s policy.
What should I do if my car was not picked up as promised?
First, document everything: quotes, contracts, emails, and payment receipts. Then set a clear deadline in writing for pickup or a full refund. If the company ignores you or refuses to cooperate, contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge and consider filing a complaint with the FMCSA or consumer protection agencies.
How does TCI Logistics help me avoid car shipping scams?
TCI Logistics provides realistic, market-based pricing, clear contracts, and honest pickup windows. You receive the carrier’s details before pickup and straightforward payment terms with no surprise add-on fees. This transparency helps you avoid the typical traps used by ghost brokers and lowball operators.
