IC3: How Truckers Can Report Fraud, Scams and Stolen Carrier Identity

When this reporting route fits

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center collects reports of cyber-enabled crime. For trucking, that can mean a fake broker email diverting payment, stolen carrier identity used to book loads, fraudulent online recruiting or a bogus website requesting money. A disputed invoice by itself is not proof of crime; describe the deception and the facts you can support.

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Act quickly if money or a load is at risk

If a payment was diverted, contact the sending bank immediately and request a recall or reversal. IC3’s business-email-compromise guidance stresses prompt bank contact; recovery is not guaranteed. For immediate danger call 911. Contact local law enforcement directly for time-sensitive matters; an online report is not emergency dispatch.

For a trucking identity incident, FMCSA also recommends contacting its Contact Center at 1-800-832-5660, local police or your state attorney general. The DOT Inspector General accepts transportation-fraud reports at 1-800-424-9071 or its official hotline page. These are separate channels with different roles.

Build a trucking-specific evidence packet

• Keep the load number, rate confirmation, broker/carrier agreement, bill of lading, delivery proof, invoice and payment instructions together.
• Record the claimed company name, USDOT/MC number and the actual email address, domain and telephone number used. Distinguish the real company from someone impersonating it.
• Write a timeline: who contacted you, what was promised, what changed, where the load or payment went, and when you discovered the problem.
• Preserve original emails and headers, messages and transaction receipts. Keep originals separate from a working summary; mark facts you cannot confirm.

How to submit the report

1. Open the official IC3 website and choose File a Complaint. Read its current privacy notice and filing terms yourself.
2. Supply affected-person details, the suspected actor’s identifiers, transaction dates/amounts and a factual account. State whether you are reporting for yourself or another person.
3. Enter relevant evidence details in the form. IC3 does not accept attachments; retain original records for investigators.
4. Review names, account details and amounts carefully. Save or print the submitted complaint at the confirmation screen; IC3 does not email a copy.

What to expect afterward

IC3 analysts review reports and may refer information to law enforcement or partner agencies. IC3 itself does not investigate or provide case-status updates, and the FBI cannot respond to every complaint. A receiving agency decides whether to investigate. Silence does not establish that the conduct was legitimate or that a refund is coming. To add facts, file a new report explaining that it supplements the earlier one.

Common worries and practical next steps

• Will this get my money back? A report does not create a reimbursement claim. Pursue bank recovery, any appropriate broker-bond claim and contract remedies separately. Track each contact and deadline.
• Is my report anonymous or private? Do not assume anonymity. The form requests identifying details and reports may be shared with agencies. Read IC3’s privacy policy before submitting sensitive information; use official secure forms rather than public posts.
• Could I blame the wrong company? Yes—an impersonated carrier or broker can also be a victim. Say “the email used this identity” and include the actual sender information rather than claiming the real company committed fraud without evidence.
• What should I tell other businesses? Consider notifying the affected carrier, broker, load board, factor or insurer through an independently verified contact. Share relevant facts, ask them to preserve records, and keep confirmation of your notice.
• Can IC3 check a broker for me? It does not provide company-legitimacy checks. Verify authority and contact details independently through FMCSA and the genuine company.

Verified support channels

Use the official online complaint channel. A public IC3 driver-support email, complaint telephone number, mailing intake address or staffed support schedule was not verified. The FBI press-office number is not a driver complaint line.

Official references

• IC3 filing, evidence and follow-up FAQ
• Business email compromise: urgent financial-institution steps
• FMCSA trucking fraud and identity-theft reporting routes
• DOT OIG hotline

Official references checked October 10, 2026. Check the linked agency guidance for current eligibility, forms and deadlines.