Official reporting guide

How to Report Freight Fraud Through Official Channels

Report freight fraud according to the conduct involved: call 911 or local law enforcement for immediate danger or active theft; use FMCSA's complaint and fraud resources for regulated transportation matters; use FBI IC3 for cyber-enabled crime; use DOT OIG for suspected misconduct affecting DOT programs; and use FTC ReportFraud for consumer fraud.

Audience and scope: U.S. freight-fraud victims and transportation professionals. Agency jurisdiction and response options depend on the facts.

Author
FFVN Editorial Team
Editorial review
FFVN Editorial Team
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01

Use the appropriate official reporting channel

The correct destination depends on what happened. FMCSA provides transportation-industry fraud guidance and the National Consumer Complaint Database. Cyber-enabled fraud may also belong with FBI IC3; suspected fraud affecting U.S. Department of Transportation programs may be reported to DOT OIG; consumer fraud can be reported to the FTC.

  • Contact 911 or local law enforcement when there is immediate danger or an active theft.
  • Report promptly and keep the confirmation or complaint number from every agency.
  • Notify affected insurers, load boards, banks, factoring companies, customers, and business partners through independently verified contact details.
Primary sources
02

Preserve evidence before accounts or messages change

  • Save the original rate confirmation, bill of lading, proof of delivery, invoices, dispatch records, and payment instructions.
  • Export emails with headers, text messages, call logs, platform messages, login alerts, and account-change notices.
  • Record dates, times, phone numbers, email addresses, URLs, IP or device alerts, DOT and MC numbers, vehicle details, locations, and names used.
  • Keep originals in read-only storage and work from copies. Do not publish personal, banking, login, or identity documents.
03

Before submitting an official complaint

  • Write a short factual timeline separating what you observed from what others reported.
  • Use the legal company names, DOT or MC numbers, shipment identifiers, and independently verified contact information available to you.
  • State the loss or safety impact without speculation, threats, or public accusations.
  • Keep a copy of the submission, attachments, confirmation page, and reference number.
Primary sources
04

An FFVN story is not an official report

FFVN is an independent awareness and support initiative. It is not a regulator, law-enforcement agency, court, insurer, or law firm, and an FFVN submission is not an official complaint.

Sharing a first-hand experience with FFVN may support education and pattern awareness, but it does not notify an authority. Complete official reports separately.

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