Increase in the risk of trucking identity theft is on the rise. Crooks are more inclined than ever to steal personal data from commercial drivers, owner-operators and motor carriers. Carrying personally identifying information like your CDL, SSN, and even your fuel card number and insurance documents makes you an easy identity theft victim.
Compromised operator credentials are one of the main ways that fake carrier profiles, double brokering operations or high-value cargo theft start. Safeguarding your credentials-both personally and professionally-is one of the keys to keeping your trucks rolling and your business integrity intact.
Below are five proven methods for keeping your identity safe both on and off the road.
1. Audit Who Accesses Your Carrier Information
As a driver or owner-operator, a lot of your sensitive information-SSNs, CDL numbers, ME Certs, insurance loss runs-go through many pairs of hands.
Audit who has your information on a regular basis and reduce unnecessary exposure:
- Check Unsolicited Requests: Do not give in to e-mail, calls, or mail requesting that you update records for compliance or carrier profiles. Scammers often pose as FMCSA or USDOT e-mails in order to steal carrier PINs and driver licenses.
- Verify Senders Through Direct Contact: When receiving an unusual request from an insurance company, broker, or regulator, you should try to verify the sender by calling the organization directly (not via the number listed in the email).
- Maintain a Contact List You Trust: Have a secure, verified contact list for dispatchers, insurer, and compliance team members to rapidly verify inbound requests while driving.
2. Securely Shred Sensitive Freight Documents
Essential business data can be found on freight documents such as bills of lading (BOLs), rate confirmations, fuel receipts, waybills and weight slips. Unfortunately, if discarded into a truck stop trash receptacle or recycling bin identity thieves can recover personal and business data.
- Shred ALL Banking and Personal Information: Shred canceled checks, invoices, driver logs, and fuel account statements. Use a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder.
- In-Cab Document Storage: Keep sensitive paperwork in your truck cab in its own securely lockable tray, and “hold” your used documents from tossing them until you’re able to do your shredding in your own home or your home terminal.
3. Watch for Industry Phishing and Spoofing Scams
An email, text message, and cell phone number are among the most used approaches by criminals to grab unauthorized access to an individual’s personal identifying information and business, as it specifically concerns the driving of the private 18 wheelers and big trucks.
- Detect Fake Alerts: Be wary of surprising notifications that state your FMCSA portal account has been suspended, your Clearinghouse status was altered or your carrier profile needs a immediate refresh.
- Verify Sender’s domain: USDOT and FMCSA emails will always end with .gov; in other words, they will never be commercial accounts and/or misspelled commercial domains that could potentially redirect you to fake links.
- Utilize Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable multi-factor authentication for access to all load boards, TMS software, ELD logging device accounts and online banking websites in order to have an online security barrier and prevent others from logging in, even when they have your username and passwords.
4. Place a Freeze on Your Credit Reports
“Freezing” your credit with Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union blocks identity thieves from opening a new credit card account in your name, taking out an equipment lease, getting a lease-purchase loan, and many more things that typically involve you in one of the three credit reporting agencies, i.e., credit check facilities.
- Prevent Stolen Wallets and Cabs: If your wallet, phone or cab binder is stolen, it means identity thieves can’t use your identity to get a credit line offer in your name.
- Unfreeze As Needed: Credit freezes are provided for free and can be thawed online within minutes any time that you need to apply for a loan or purchase a truck or equipment.
- Contact The Three Credit Bureaus: On the official websites of Experian, Equifax and TransUnion you will be able to order, remove and update your security freezes.
5. Implement Physical & Vehicle Security Measures
Securing your ID Protecting your ID isn’t just online–guarding your physical asset of a vehicle will help guard physical papers, ELD hardware, and even private devices against getting pilfered.
- Install vehicle security equipment: Outfitting your truck with GPS tracking devices and forward- and rear-facing cameras can help prevent break-ins, as well as serve as evidence if the vehicle is stolen.
- Take serial numbers of any laptops and equipment: If your electronics or devices (such as cabs/mobile phones) get taken, they can be identified more readily if the serial numbers, model information and make have been recorded.
- Cover up the Paperwork: Don’t park with your driver logs, copy of your CDL, or cab binders spread across the dash or passenger seat while you park at a rest area or truck stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my CDL or carrier identity is stolen?
Report the theft of any personal information immediately to the local police, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov, and file a complaint with the FMCSA in the event that your USDOT/MC numbers or your carrier portal log-in information have been accessed. Additionally, place a fraud alert with your credit files.
Why do fraudsters target commercial driver identities?
Stolen driver credentials and CDL information can be used by criminals to build fictitious carrier profiles, avoid weigh station inspections, steal freight through double-brokering operations and sell fraudulent licenses.
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Contact ATC Driveaway Today To learn more about keeping your vehicles safely on the move with our countrywide driveaway and fleet relocation services, give us a call.
