The auto transport industry moves millions of vehicles every year, and unfortunately, some companies use deceptive practices to take advantage of customers. Knowing the most common scams helps you protect yourself and your money. Here are the top scams and exactly how to avoid them.
Scam #1: The Bait-and-Switch Quote
How it works: A company quotes an unusually low price to win your business and collect a deposit. After you book, they call back saying the price has increased due to "market conditions," "fuel surcharges," or "carrier availability." The new price is often hundreds more than the original quote.
How to avoid it:
- • Get quotes from 3-5 companies and compare. If one quote is significantly lower than the others, be suspicious
- • Ask specifically: "Is this price guaranteed, or can it change after I book?"
- • Read the contract carefully for language that allows price adjustments
- • If a company raises the price after booking, you have the right to cancel (get the cancellation policy in writing before booking)
Scam #2: Large Upfront Deposits
How it works: The company demands a large deposit ($300-$500+) before any carrier is assigned. They may then take weeks to find a carrier, provide poor service, or refuse refunds when you try to cancel.
How to avoid it:
- • Reputable brokers collect a deposit only after a carrier is assigned and dispatched
- • The deposit should be reasonable (typically $100-$200)
- • Never pay a large sum before a carrier is confirmed
- • Get the deposit and refund policy in writing
Scam #3: Hostage Loads
How it works: The carrier arrives and demands more money than quoted before unloading your vehicle. They effectively hold your car hostage until you pay the inflated price.
How to avoid it:
- • Work with a reputable broker who vets carriers and has enforceable contracts
- • Get the total price in writing, signed by both parties
- • Know your rights: hostage loads are illegal under FMCSA regulations
- • If it happens, contact your broker immediately and file a complaint with FMCSA
Scam #4: Fake Reviews and False Credentials
How it works: Scam companies create fake Google reviews, fabricated BBB ratings, or claim industry certifications they do not have. Some even use fake USDOT or MC numbers.
How to avoid it:
- • Verify the MC and USDOT numbers yourself at [safer.fmcsa.dot.gov](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
- • Check that the company name on FMCSA matches the company you are dealing with
- • Read reviews on multiple platforms (Google, BBB, Transport Reviews, Trustpilot)
- • Look for review patterns that seem unnatural (many 5-star reviews posted on the same day with similar language)
- • Check the BBB profile directly on bbb.org rather than trusting a logo on their website
Scam #5: Ghost Brokers
How it works: A "company" with just a cell phone and a website takes your deposit and either disappears or provides no actual service. They have no office, no employees, and no real carrier network.
How to avoid it:
- • Verify the company has a physical address (search on Google Maps)
- • Call the phone number and see if a real person answers during business hours
- • Check how long the company has been in business (FMCSA records show when authority was granted)
- • Be wary of companies with only a cell phone number and no landline
Scam #6: Insurance Misrepresentation
How it works: The company claims your vehicle is fully insured during transport, but the carrier's insurance is expired, insufficient, or has exclusions that leave you uncovered if damage occurs.
How to avoid it:
- • Ask for the carrier's Certificate of Insurance before pickup
- • Verify the insurance is active and covers the full value of your vehicle
- • A reputable broker verifies carrier insurance before every dispatch
- • Read our [car shipping insurance guide](/blog/car-shipping-insurance-guide) for details
Scam #7: No-Show Carriers
How it works: You book and receive a pickup date, but the carrier never shows up. The company gives excuses and keeps rescheduling, wasting your time while they hold your deposit.
How to avoid it:
- • Get the carrier's name and contact information once assigned
- • A reputable broker follows up with the carrier to confirm pickup
- • If the carrier does not show within the agreed window, the broker should immediately reassign to another carrier
- • Know the cancellation policy so you can get your deposit back if service is not provided
How to Protect Yourself: A Checklist
Before booking with any auto transport company:
- • [ ] Verify their MC number and USDOT number on the FMCSA website
- • [ ] Check reviews on Google, BBB, and at least one other platform
- • [ ] Confirm they have a physical business address
- • [ ] Get the total price in writing with no "subject to change" language
- • [ ] Understand the deposit amount and when it is collected
- • [ ] Read the cancellation and refund policy
- • [ ] Ask how they vet their carriers
- • [ ] Ask for the carrier's insurance certificate once assigned
- • [ ] Never pay the full amount upfront
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
If you believe you have been the victim of an auto transport scam:
1. File a complaint with the FMCSA at [nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov](https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov) 2. File a BBB complaint at bbb.org 3. Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge 4. File a complaint with your state's Attorney General office 5. Leave honest reviews on Google and other platforms to warn others
The Bottom Line
Most auto transport companies are legitimate businesses, but the bad actors give the industry a poor reputation. By verifying credentials, comparing quotes, and watching for red flags, you can avoid the scams and ship your vehicle with confidence.
State Wide Auto Transport is fully licensed (verify our credentials anytime), transparent on pricing, and stands behind every shipment. Call (855) 469-8090 or [get a quote online](/quote) from a company you can trust.