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Auto Transport Scams: How to Avoid Car Shipping Scam in 2026
Avoid Auto Transport Scams
How to Choose Safely: What to Know Before Booking a Car Shipping Company
Shipping a vehicle across the country should be convenient, not a financial nightmare. As the auto transport industry grows, so does the sophistication of scammers. In 2025, we saw a massive spike in “imposter” scams, and these tactics are evolving further in 2026.
If you are looking for car shipping companies and want to ensure your vehicle (and your money) stays safe, this guide will teach you exactly how to spot a scam before it happens.
1. Top 3 Auto Transport Scams to Watch Out for in 2026
2. How to Spot Car Shipping Scams & Find Legit Companies
3. Red Flags: Auto Transport Companies You Should Avoid
4. Why Choose Safemile Auto Transport?
Top 3 Auto Transport Scams to Watch Out for in 2026
Scammers are constantly evolving, finding new and deceptive ways to trick innocent shippers every single day. It is no longer just about simple lies; fraudsters are developing highly sophisticated methods to exploit the auto transport industry. Here are the three most common types of scams currently plaguing the market:
- 1. The “Bait and Switch” Game
The Bait and Switch tactic is alarmingly common in the auto transport industry. It usually starts with an unrealistically low shipping quote designed to get you to book quickly. After you sign the contract and pay a deposit, the price suddenly increases just days before pickup. Common excuses include “truck breakdowns,” “driver shortages,” or unexpected route changes. At that point, you are left with two options: accept the higher price or walk away and lose your deposit.
Is Every Price Change a Scam? It’s important to understand that the car shipping market can fluctuate. Even reliable companies may occasionally need to adjust pricing due to real market conditions. The key difference is transparency. Reputable auto transport companies will notify you in advance, clearly explain the reason for the change, and leave the decision to you – whether to move forward at the updated rate or cancel without pressure or penalties. - 2.The Imposter / Phishing Scam
Scammers create fake websites and email addresses that look nearly identical to legitimate auto transport companies (for example, using safemileSautoStransport.com instead of the official domain). They impersonate reputable brands to steal your money and personal information.
In many cases, scammers also reach out using fake phone numbers or emails, claiming to represent reliable companies to create fraudulent bookings. Always ensure you are speaking with a verified company representative. Double-check email domains, phone numbers, and company details to confirm you are dealing with a legitimate business before sharing any information or making a payment. - 3. Unusual Payment Methods: A Major Red Flag
If a company asks you to send a deposit using Western Union, Zelle, CashApp, cryptocurrency, or similar platforms, consider it an immediate red flag. These methods offer little to no fraud protection and are standard tools used in car shipping scams.
Unfortunately, the initial payment is often just the beginning. Once the money is sent, scammers typically continue demanding additional fees to “release,” “dispatch,” or “deliver” the vehicle, trapping you in a cycle of payments. The safest approach is to cut off all communication immediately and report the activity to the relevant authorities as soon as you recognize these warning signs.
How to Spot Car Shipping Scams & Find Legit Companies
Distinguishing between a scammer and a reliable carrier is easier than you think if you know where to look. Follow this verification checklist before booking:
- Verify the License (FMCSA): Every legal car shipping company must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ask for their MC (Motor Carrier) and USDOT numbers. Verify their status is “Active” on the FMCSA SAFER Website.
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Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB): Search for the company on the BBB website. Look for accreditation and an A+ rating. Read the complaints to see how they resolve issues.
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Read Honest Reviews: Don’t just rely on the testimonials on their website. Check third-party platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot. Look for patterns – if multiple reviews mention “price changes” or “lost deposits,” take it as a red flag.
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Analyze Communication: Professional agents use official email domains and business phone lines. Be wary of agents who only communicate via text or personal email addresses (Gmail/Yahoo)
Red Flags : Auto Transport Companies You Shoul Avoid
While we cannot list every bad apple, there are clear warning signs that can help you avoid problematic auto transport companies.If you notice any of the behaviors below, it’s best to pause and think twice before moving forward.
- “Too Good to Be True” Pricing :
If a quote is hundreds of dollars lower than all other estimates, it’s usually a red flag. Professional car shipping costs reflect real expenses such as fuel, labor, insurance, and carrier availability. Extremely low pricing is often used to lure customers into bait-and-switch tactics later in the process.
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No Verifiable Physical Address :
Legitimate auto transport businesses operate from a verifiable office location. Companies that list only a P.O. Box – or no address at all – may be operating as “ghost” businesses with no real accountability. -
High-Pressure Sales Tactics :
Be cautious of transport companies who pressure you to sign immediately or claim that an offer will “expire in an hour.” Reputable transport professionals encourage informed decisions and give customers time to review details, compare options, and ask questions. -
Lack of Insurance Transparency :
Every carrier transporting a vehicle must carry valid cargo insurance. If a company avoids providing insurance documentation or gives unclear answers about coverage limits, it’s a serious warning sign. Transparency around insurance is a basic requirement, not an optional courtesy. - Suspicious Phone Numbers & Emails :
Suspicious Phone Numbers & Emails Scammers often reach out through random phone numbers or unofficial email addresses claiming to represent a legitimate company. Always check the source. If the email doesn’t come from the official company domain or if the caller ID seems strange, do not share any information. Contact the company directly via their official website number to confirm.
PARTNERS
We are well respected in the auto transport industry
As your premier car transport company, we proudly stand alongside a legacy of excellence.
Why Choose Safemile Auto Transport?
At Safemile Auto Transport, we understand that trust is the most valuable cargo we carry. In an industry full of uncertainty, we stand out by prioritizing transparency, safety, and communication.
- Verified Carrier Network: We only work with fully licensed, insured, and vetted carriers. Your vehicle is protected from pickup to delivery.
- Transparent Pricing: We believe in honest quotes. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch tactics. The price we agree on is based on real market data.
- Secure Payments: We operate with standard, secure payment gateways. We never ask for untraceable payments like Western Union.
- Customer-Centric Support: Our team is real, accessible, and ready to guide you through every step of the car shipping process.
Reliability Comes First!
Here are 6 Reasons to Choose Safemile Auto Transport :
Zero Upfront Payment
This is just one of the ways Safemile Auto Transport sets itself apart from the competition. That’s why we don’t require a deposit or any other payment until the day your shipment is scheduled for pickup.
7/24 Customer Support
Our team of car shipping experts is available 24/7, every day of the year, to ensure that our car shipping service always runs smoothly. We’re proud to be there for you when you need us most, and we continuously monitor your shipment regardless of the time or day.
Complete Vehicle Coverage
In all of our shipping services, we provide comprehensive vehicle insurance coverage. Your car is completely protected from unforeseen damage and accidents. We make every effort to treat each of your vehicles as if they were our own.
Dedicated Advisors
The entire process, from the moment you request a car shipping quote online to when our dedicated drivers deliver your vehicle to the destination, is handled by experienced professionals.
20K+ Carrier Network
With Safemile, you gain access to an extensive network of carefully vetted auto shipping experts. Each partner in our network is meticulously selected, guaranteeing that your valuable possession is in the hands of trusted individuals.
5-Star Service
Discover why Safemile Auto Transport stands out as a premier choice for your car shipping requirements. Explore our online reviews to witness firsthand why we’ve earned a reputation as one of the foremost names in the vehicle transport industry.