Recently, thousands of carriers were targeted with spam emails and texts asking them to complete an updated MCSA 5889 form. Scammers impersonating the FMCSA even used email addresses ending in .gov and attached a legitimate MCSA 5889 form to the emails.
Here is what the email looks like:
If you have received this email, please delete it immediately. Additionally, carriers have reported that they are receiving text messages from scammers impersonating the FMCSA, also asking for an updated MCSA 5889 form. If you’ve received a similar text, please report it as junk and delete it immediately.
The Purpose Behind The MCSA 5889 Form Scam
The intent of this scam is to get you to complete an updated MCSA 5889 form. Once you submit the form, the scammers will manipulate it and change all your contact information and address to theirs before submitting it to the FMCSA. They even go as far as changing carriers’ DOT pins. Once this happens, it is almost impossible to get your DOT number back.
Once scammers have control of your information, they will book loads under your DOT number, which will never be delivered. For example, if a scammer books a load of lumber, they will pick up the load and never deliver it, likely selling it themselves. Having these types of claims under your carrier record will flag you on broker sites and significantly decrease your ability to secure profitable loads.
How To Identify Spam In The Email
There are a few key indicators that can quickly tell you the above email is not legitimate:
- 'From' Email Address
The 'from' email address is safety@usdot.com. The DOT is a government entity, meaning every email from the DOT or FMCSA will end with .gov.
However, scammers are getting smarter and have been sending this spam email from a .gov address.
- Subject Line
The subject line states the name of the carrier, NOT the company name. If the FMCSA is requesting information about your company, they will always use the company name in the subject line, not the carrier's name.
- 'Reply-To' Email Address’
Just like the 'from' email address, the 'reply-to' email address ends in .com. If you are emailing a government official, every email will end in .gov.
Look Out For Texting SPAM
Email is not the only channel that scammers use to target carriers. Texting spam is just as popular. One rule of thumb: the FMCSA will NEVER text you out of the blue. The only time you may text with the FMCSA is if you have personally met an auditor and received their information to schedule your upcoming audit. If you ever receive a random text from the FMCSA, report it as junk and delete it immediately!
Stay Away From Scammers
If you are currently a compliance customer with Aladdin, please do not reply to any email regarding your compliance or request for confidential information that is not from us or an official government site.
