Resources for Fraud Prevention and Reporting

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If you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, the FMCSA recommends you take the following steps:

 

  • The carrier that has (or had) the load may not be knowingly involved in the fraudulent scheme. Contact them to see if you can work with them to get the goods properly delivered.
  • The carrier that picked up or hauled a fraudulently brokered load should be able to identify who is paying the freight - ask to be put in contact with them. The real broker of the load may also be a victim. Holding loads hostage is illegal.
  • Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency (many states have a Cargo Theft Force Investigator).
  • If your identity has been stolen, contact credit reporting agencies, load boards, factoring companies,
    and your insurance company, etc.
  • If the fraud involves Food, contact the Department of Agriculture and if the fraud involves an international shipment contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Make social media posts to inform your customers.
  • Treat your company information like your banking and credit card information. Conduct frequent checks and report any incorrect information.

Additional Resources to Report Fraud

 

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Report the incident to the U.S. Dept of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Hotline at (800) 424-9071 or online at https://www.oig.dot.gov/hotline.

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You are encouraged to file a complaint with the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) at https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov.

 

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If the theft involves Hazmat, file a report with the FBI online at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices.

 

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Make sure your company's phone number(s) displayed in the FMCSA's SAFER are visible and correct by reviewing: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/and scrolling down to "FMCSA Searches" and click on "Company Snapshot". 

Reach out to your Avalon representative to discuss the best options to protect your business.
To view tips on prevention click here.
These compiled tips and suggestions may not prevent every fraudulent circumstance. These recommendations should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied upon as a compliance standard. They are suggestions that may be implemented into your own policies and procedures to potentially reduce exposure to liability, theft and fraud.