Truckers have been getting a rash of letters and phone calls from companies using scare tactics to scam them out of their hard-earned money. The scam has been so wide-spread that the FMCSA has posted a notice reminding drivers of the problem.
On August 26th, the Markesan Police Department posted on Facebook about a scam targeting truck drivers. A few days later, the Wisconsin DOT followed up with their own post, and finally even the FMCSA joined in.
Scammers are calling truckers as well as sending them letters and emails trying to get them to give up credit card information. One letter posted by the Markesan Police Department came from a group called DotService.com which claims that “you are now PAST DUE to complete and file your Biennial Update with DOT.” The letter also warned that failure to comply could “result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day.”
While Biennial Updates are required, the DOT does not charge for doing so. In fact, the FMCSA keeps a list of common similar scams.
“The use of a private entity or company to assist a motor carrier with compliance is an option for motor carrier officials and new entrant applicants,” reads the FMCSA website. “However, the U.S. Government does not endorse private businesses or vendors, and the use of a service provider is NOT required by FMCSA.”
You can report a fraudulent request for information to the DOT Office of Inspector General Hotline via https://www.oig.dot.gov/hotline or by calling (800) 424–9071.
Source: ttnews, dailyreporter, wausaupilotandreview, waow, overdrive, FMCSA, facebook
i went directly to the FMCSA website and updated for free
In 2011, I bought a new phone and got a new number when I was delivering in Orlando Florida.
I’ve been back in Northern Michigan for a few years now, and still have the Florida number. I thought a few times maybe I should get a phone number that’s local to where I live.
But with scammers triangulating scam calls based on your area code, I’m actually kinda glad I didn’t change. Now I know I can just instantly block any call that doesn’t leave a valid voicemail from the Florida area code.
im actually changing my number to an Alaska phone number for the same reason. I do get spoofed calls from other states tho. By and large, the bulk of autodialed and spoofed calls come from my home state.
I love when the spoofed # is my own #!!!
anybody stupid enough to get scammed, gets what they deserve!
OK. I guess I’m just an idiot or have I just missed something? I’ve been driving over 40 years and this is the first I’ve heard of this. I know pilots have what’s called a biennial flight review which is like a check-up flight test every 2 years but I never heard of truckers having something like this. Or is there another name for it? Anyone care to enlighten me?
Do you think they’re talking about our Medical Card? That’s every 2 years for most of us.
every year we must report if we got any tickets. That’s what they’re talking about.
There’s been a version of this going around with brick & mortar businesses–phone call from (usually) a utility co–(gas/light/phone) and they want either $$ or a weird card (green dot, itunes, etc.)…amazing how many have fallen for this…one restaurant worker actually took the $$ from the till & left the business to meet up w/the “utility worker”…. Have seen this on local news a bunch of times that utility companies never send someone over for cash/cards…also will only talk to a manager/owner–not just a random employee. But yet….there’s still one born every minute!
I received a letter from DOT Compliance Group today that was addressed to my husband (he passed away over 6 years ago). The letter stated his update was due in September 2010, and failure to comply would result in fines of $1000.00 a day. I called them up to tell them my husband was deceased. I was told in order to get him off their files I have to pay $149.00. I think this is ridiculous. If these updates were due in 2010, they’re sending a letter in 2020? If they want to impose fines, they can impose them on my husband. They’ll find out they can’t get money from a dead man.