The most common car shipping scam follows a predictable pattern: an unusually low quote wins your deposit, then you are told days later that no carrier will accept the load at that price and the cost needs to increase. Protect yourself by verifying the broker's FMCSA registration number before paying anything, getting the quote confirmed in writing, and treating any price more than 20% below the market average as a red flag. A two-minute FMCSA lookup filters out most bad actors before a dollar changes hands.
Auto transport is a legitimate, heavily-used service — but like any industry that involves large transactions and remote services, it attracts scammers. Knowing the playbook they use is the best protection. Here are the most common car shipping scams and exactly how to avoid them.
The Bait-and-Switch Quote
This is the most widespread scam in the industry. A company offers an unrealistically low quote to win your business. After you've cancelled with competitors and your pickup date is approaching, they call back with a much higher "final price" — knowing you're now in a tough spot.
How to avoid it: Be skeptical of quotes that are 25%+ lower than multiple other companies. Ask if the price is guaranteed or an estimate. Reputable brokers give honest estimates based on current market rates.
The Phantom Carrier
You pay a deposit. The company says they have a carrier assigned. Pickup day comes and nobody shows up. The company stops answering calls.
How to avoid it: Only pay deposits to companies with a physical address, verifiable reviews, and FMCSA broker authority. Never pay the full amount at booking. Check the company on the Better Business Bureau and Google.
Fake Insurance Claims
A shady broker tells you the carrier is insured and everything is covered. When damage occurs, you discover the carrier's insurance has lapsed or the broker provided false documentation.
How to avoid it: Request a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate directly — not just a statement from the broker. Verify the policy is active and covers your vehicle type and value.
Undisclosed Fees at Delivery
The quoted price looked great. But at delivery, the driver demands additional fees — for fuel surcharges, rural delivery, or "storage" — that were never disclosed upfront. Refuse to pay and they won't release your car.
How to avoid it: Get the full price in writing before booking. Ask specifically: "Are there any additional fees that could be charged at pickup or delivery?" Get the answer in your transport agreement.
The Fraudulent Load Board Listing
Scammers post fake carrier listings on load boards, collect deposits from brokers or customers, and disappear. This typically affects brokers but can filter down to customers through negligent booking practices.
How to avoid it: Work with brokers who verify carrier credentials through FMCSA lookup before assigning shipments — not just listing anyone who bids.
How to Verify a Car Shipping Company
- Check their FMCSA authority at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Look for reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB — not just their own website
- Verify they have a real street address (not a PO Box)
- Ask for the carrier's name, DOT number, and insurance before pickup
- Never pay more than a small deposit before the carrier is confirmed
Red Flags Checklist
- Quote is dramatically lower than all competitors
- Pressure to book immediately or "lose the price"
- No physical address or phone number on website
- Refuses to provide carrier information before pickup
- Requires full payment upfront via wire transfer or Zelle
- No written contract or terms provided
