How Scammers do DOT Biennial Update Scam. Image Courtesy – XFreight
Truck drivers have received many phone calls and letters from companies that have used intimidation to deceive them of their hard-earned money. The fraud was so widespread that FMCSA issued a notice to alert drivers to the problem. The Markesan police posted a message on Facebook concerning fraud by truck drivers. A few days later, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced his position, and FMCSA eventually joined. Scammers will call truck drivers and send emails and letters to catch them. Transfer credit card information. The letter from the Markesan Police Department came from an organization called Dot Service. The letter also warned that “violation of rule and regulation may result in fines of up to 1,000 US dollars per day.
FMCSA warns trucking firms:
FMCSA recognizes that freight forwarders and new applicants often receive confusing or misleading service requests. Third-party vendors or administrators via phone, email, text message, or US mail. When you make an inquiry or use FMCSA to biennial update your information, these companies will receive information about your company because the basic information of your suppliers is publicly available.
These companies usually contact the new airline after completing an online transaction with FMCSA. Intrusive or fraudulent marketing complaints include the carrier’s obligation to register immediately:
- Alcohol and Drug Manager Training
- FMCSA General Compliance and Regulatory Support
- Comply with the registration requirements of a single carrier
- Comply with the biennial update or comply with the registration system of a single carrier
Truck service providers and third-party administrators or their employees can and provide valuable services applicable to wild roads Motorists and newcomers in the transportation community. Road transportation officials and novices can choose organizations or companies that help road transportation companies comply.
However, the US government does not recognize suppliers or private companies, and FMCSA does not require the use of service providers. Impersonating “an officer or employee under the supervision of the United States” to solicit or collect “money, documents, or valuables” may be punishable by fines and imprisonment of up to three years (18 U.S.C. § 912). If you are a victim of fraud and suffer losses, then please report the crime to law enforcement agencies. You must immediately report the damaged bank or credit card information to your financial or Credit Card Company.
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The scam uses DOT deadlines for freight forwarders:
WisDOT spokesperson Terry Walsh said: Our vehicle service department received a call from a freight forwarder requesting the validity of these emails and letters. But he thinks a detailed reminder is needed. The Markesan police warned people about scammers and posted a picture of the fake letter on their Facebook page. People should throw away this letter and share the scam information with family and friends driving the truck. Marquesan is located 60 miles north of Madison.
The Federal Highway Transportation Company Security Administration requires all freight forwarders under its jurisdiction to biennial update their information every two years, regardless of whether the company has changed the information or has ceased interstate operations. According to the FMCSA website, if the two-year upgrade is not completed, the company’s USDOT number will be banned. This can result in fines of up to 1,000 to 10,000 US dollars per day in fines.
Neil Kedzis, president of the Wisconsin Road Transporters Association, said their organization immediately sent notifications to its members after learning of the August 30 scam. WMCA also issued a warning on its Facebook page. “Use the link provided by FMCSA or DOT,” Kedzie said. The application deadline depends on the last digit of the company’s USDOT number. For example, companies whose USDOT number ends in 1 must submit Numbers ending in 5 must be submitted before the last day of May. Those numbers ending in 0 must be submitted before the last day of October.
According to the FMCSA website, if the second to last digit of the USDOT number is an odd number, the road transport company or intermodal transport provider must provide a biennial update every odd year. If the second to last digit of the USDOT number is an even number, it means the carrier or intermodal supplier. You need to send an update every even-numbered calendar year.
Kedzie pointed out that the deadline for sending letters is a source of excitement for drivers who are struggling to complete their tasks on time by the end of the month. Tactics,” Kedzie said. All scammers will not surprise me. Many of these smaller organizations may have the final problem in completing this task.
