Car shipping scams are more common than most drivers realize. The most frequent scam is the classic bait-and-switch, where a company hooks you with a cheap quote, then raises the price once your car is already scheduled for pickup. The best way to avoid these traps is to get quotes from three or more top-rated car shippers that offer transparent pricing and written contracts.
Key Takeaways:
- Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Scammers often hook customers in with extremely low quotes that they then jack up later.
- Don’t give into high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers often push you to “book now” or “lock in your rate today” — something reputable car shippers won’t do — to keep you from comparing quotes or reading the contract closely.
- Never pay the full balance upfront. Legitimate car shippers only charge a small deposit after assigning a carrier, with the rest due upon delivery.
- Verify car shippers. FreightWaves Checkpoint is a great way to do this, since we only feature licensed and verified auto transport companies. But you can always confirm a shipper is legitimate by checking their federal and state licenses and reviewing their inspection and safety reports through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
- Know what to do if you’ve been scammed. Contact your bank or credit card company right away, file a complaint with the FMCSA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and report the business to the BBB and your state attorney general’s office.
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
We’re Here To Help
Jump to the info on car shipping scams you’re looking for:
The 5 Most Common Car Shipping Scams
Bait & Switch
This is the most common scam in the auto transport industry. This is the typical routine: A company hooks you with a quote that’s hundreds less than the competition, collects a deposit from you, then later claims the job will actually cost more due to “unexpected factors” like weight, route changes, or fuel prices. At that point, they pressure you to pay the higher price or risk losing your deposit and spot on the truck, leaving you with little choice but to agree.
Hostage Vehicles
This scam happens after your car has already been picked up. Everything seems normal until the company suddenly claims there’s an “issue”: the vehicle is larger than expected, the address is outside their delivery zone, or fuel costs have increased. They’ll demand extra payment before releasing your car, usually adding several hundred dollars to the total bill.
Scammers rely on the fact that once they have your vehicle, they have leverage. You’ll likely pay the inflated charge just to get your car back. To avoid this, make sure every fee is spelled out in writing before you book and only pay the final balance once your vehicle has arrived safely and is ready for inspection.
Fake Companies
Some scams start before your car ever moves. Fraudsters create fake car shipping websites with stock images, copied reviews, and phone numbers that go straight to voicemail. They collect full payment upfront — sometimes through untraceable methods like wire transfers — then disappear completely. In some cases, they even use the name of a real company to seem legitimate.
These fake companies are hard to spot at first glance, which is why verification matters. Before paying anything, look up the company’s DOT and MC numbers in the FMCSA database. Check that the address and phone number on their website match what’s listed in federal records. If they don’t, move on immediately. It’s not worth the risk.
Deposit Scams
Deposit scams are common with unlicensed brokers pretending to be legitimate shipping coordinators. They’ll ask for a large “reservation deposit” to lock in your transport date, but they never actually assign your car to a carrier. After payment, communication stops — no pickup, no delivery, and no refund.
While most real brokers do require a small deposit, it should only be charged after a carrier is confirmed. Avoid any company asking for payment by cash, wire transfer, or prepaid card. Legitimate shippers accept traceable methods like credit cards and provide a written agreement before you’re charged.
Hidden Fees
Hidden fees are one of the subtler scams in car shipping. The company gives you a reasonable quote, but key costs like fuel surcharges, long-distance fees, or residential delivery aren’t mentioned until after pickup. By the time you see the total, you’re already committed to paying more than you expected.
To protect yourself, ask for a detailed, itemized quote before signing anything. Look for mentions of additional fees, delivery surcharges, or “accessorial charges.” If a company refuses to give you this information in writing, that’s a clear sign to find another shipper.
Car Shipping Scam Red Flags
- No FMCSA registration: Legit auto transporters must have a DOT and MC number listed publicly
- Full upfront payment: Asking for 100% payment before pickup is a major warning sign
- Vague contact info: Be cautious of shippers using only email or a post office box address
- Pressure tactics: Phrases like “act fast” or “today only” are typical scam signals
- Unrealistic timelines: Promises of same-day pickup anywhere in the U.S. are rarely legitimate
- No written contract: Refusing to provide a contract or Bill of Lading should be a dealbreaker
|
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
How To Avoid Car Shipping Scams
- Start with verified companies. Use trusted sources to compare reputable licensed car shippers. All the car shippers we feature have been vetted by our in-house industry experts. If they don’t meet the necessary licensing and registration requirements, we don’t include them on our site.
- Get at least three quotes. Comparing cost — and what the price tag includes in terms of services — helps you spot outliers and avoid unrealistic offers. We recommend getting estimates from at least three car shipping companies.
- Check FMCSA credentials. Confirm DOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA SAFER database.
- Read the fine print carefully. Get a contract in writing… and take your time reviewing it. Make sure all fees, pickup dates, and payment terms are clearly specified.
- Pay securely. Use a credit card or other traceable payment method. Never pay with cash or wire transfers.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Contact your bank or card issuer. Report the payment immediately and dispute the charge.
- File a complaint with the FTC. Report scams through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Notify your state attorney general. Consumer protection offices can investigate and track fraudulent shippers.
- Report it to the FMCSA and BBB. These agencies track industry scams and may help others avoid the same company.
- Write online reviews. Sharing your experience on consumer advocacy and awareness sites like the BBB, Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot helps warn others about the company and creates a public record that can support future investigations or legal action against repeat offenders.
How To Find a Reputable Car Shipping Company
- Start with our vetted list of shippers. We only feature car shipping companies that are licensed, insured, and well-reviewed. To get started, check out our lists of the best car shippers and trustworthy cheapest car shipping options.
- Check reviews across multiple sites. Look at Google, BBB, and Trustpilot for consistent feedback.
- Ask detailed questions. Transparent shippers will clearly explain pricing, timelines, and what happens if delays occur. Don’t hesitate to ask who your carrier will be, how insurance works, or what communication you can expect during transport. Evasive or vague answers are a clear red flag.
- Compare written quotes. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples: the same transport type, distance, and service level. Legitimate companies will provide itemized quotes so you can see exactly what’s included. If a company won’t put their estimate in writing, move on.
- Look for consistent professionalism. Legit companies have polished websites, clear communication, and verifiable contact info. Pay attention to how promptly and clearly they respond to questions. Frequent typos, personal email addresses, or pushy sales tactics are signs of an unprofessional operation.
|
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
FAQ
Is it safe to use a car shipping broker?
Yes. In fact, most car shipping companies are brokers rather than carriers. Brokers coordinate with a network of licensed truck drivers to find one available to move your vehicle. They don’t own the trucks themselves but handle scheduling, pricing, and communication between you and the carrier.
This setup is standard in the auto transport industry, but it also means your experience depends on which carrier the broker assigns. Before booking, ask who your carrier will be, confirm their insurance and registration in the FMCSA database, and make sure you get a written agreement that outlines the total cost and responsibilities of both parties.
How much is a legitimate car shipping deposit?
Most legitimate car shipping brokers charge a small deposit ranging from $100-$250, or roughly 10%–20% of the total transport cost. This deposit is usually paid once a carrier is assigned, not before.
Be cautious of companies that demand large deposits or full prepayment. The balance should be paid directly to the driver upon delivery, typically by cash, cashier’s check, or money order.
How do car shipping scammers get your contact info?
Scammers often use fake quote forms or lead generation websites to collect phone numbers and emails from people shopping for car shipping rates. Once you submit your info, it’s sold or shared with unverified brokers.
To protect yourself, only request quotes from reputable sources that clearly display their company name, licensing info, and privacy policy. Avoid generic quote sites that don’t list who will contact you.
Is it risky to get car shipping quotes through social media ads?
It can be. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are popular with scammers because it’s easy to create fake profiles and run misleading ads for nonexistent companies.
Before clicking or sharing any payment details, verify the company’s licensing and contact info outside the platform. Scammers often delete their pages once they’ve collected enough deposits.
How can I tell if a car shipper’s customer reviews are fake?
Fake reviews often sound overly generic, repeat the same phrases, or appear in clusters within a short timeframe. Many also lack specifics like pickup locations or delivery dates.
Look for reviews with verifiable details and balanced feedback. You can cross-check company ratings on the BBB and FMCSA complaint records to see if they line up with what’s posted online.
Can scammers use third-party payment services?
Yes, and it’s a growing issue. Many scam brokers ask for payment through apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App because these transfers can’t be reversed once sent.
Reputable car shippers accept credit cards or secure ACH payments through verifiable merchant accounts. If a company insists on an untraceable payment method, assume it’s not legitimate.
Can I get my money back after a car shipping scam?
It depends on how you paid. If you used a credit or debit card, you can often dispute the charge and request a chargeback by showing evidence of fraud or non-performance. Banks typically investigate and reverse payments when scams are confirmed.
Unfortunately, if you paid with wire transfer, cash app, or cryptocurrency, recovery is unlikely. These payment methods offer no consumer protection and are the preferred tools of scammers for that reason.
