FMCSA said scammers have begun impersonating the Motus application and sending messages claiming that an off-cycle profile update requires immediate attention. The emails direct recipients to websites that resemble the federal registration portal but are not operated by the agency.

FMCSA Identifies Four Fake Motus Websites

The legitimate Motus registration system is available at motus.dot.gov. FMCSA identified four fraudulent addresses connected to the scam:

• dot.motusdatasboard.com
• dot.motusdatadesk.com
• dot.motuswebdeck.com
• dot.motusfunction.com

None of the four addresses use a .gov domain.

The fraudulent emails have used the subject line “Notice of Required Off-Cycle Update- Motus email” and include a button labeled “New MOTUS Portal.” Clicking the button sends recipients to an outside website rather than the official federal system.

FMCSA also noted that the agency refers to the system as “Motus,” while the fraudulent messages use “MOTUS” in all capital letters.

Scam Appears During the Motus Transition

FMCSA launched Motus on May 19 as its new USDOT registration system for motor carriers, brokers, and other regulated businesses. The platform is being introduced as part of a broader modernization of the agency’s registration process and uses Login.gov for access.

The scam surfaced while FMCSA was already making temporary changes to registration enforcement during the transition.

On September 10, the agency temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial-update requirements and paused USDOT number deactivations for missed filings due after June 1. Additional guidance is expected as FMCSA continues work related to the Motus rollout.

Those temporary changes make it especially important for companies to verify unexpected registration messages rather than assuming an email demanding an immediate update reflects a new federal requirement.

Check the Address Before Entering Registration Information

FMCSA is urging recipients to check website addresses carefully before responding to registration notices or entering company information. The official Motus website uses the federal .gov domain, while the four sites identified in the scam do not.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message should avoid clicking its links or entering information through the website it provides. Registration questions can be directed to FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.

Suspected fraud can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, while local law enforcement and state attorneys general accept fraud reports as well.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 18, 2026

Source: Freightwaves

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On Jan. 30, FMCSA issued an alert describing what it called “a new, aggressive phishing campaign” aimed directly at trucking companies. The agency said the emails are crafted to look official and may appear to come from the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA staff.

According to the agency, these messages often include polished documents and links that look legitimate at first glance. However, FMCSA stressed that the emails “are fake and designed to steal sensitive information or demand illegal payments.”

How the Scam Emails Are Designed to Trick Carriers

FMCSA explained that the fraudulent messages frequently mimic real government notices and may reference compliance, enforcement actions, or required payments to pressure recipients into responding quickly.

One key red flag involves the sender’s email address. Official FMCSA communication almost always comes from a government domain ending in “.gov.” The agency noted that emails from non-government addresses are only used in very limited situations.

Those exceptions include customer satisfaction surveys sent after contacting the FMCSA Contact Center. Even then, FMCSA emphasized that those surveys only request feedback and never ask for personal, payment, or account information.

Another warning sign involves the links included in scam messages. FMCSA said fake emails often direct recipients to suspicious websites that resemble official portals but use non-government domains. An example provided by the agency included addresses such as fmcsa.web.saferwebdattaconnect.pro, which are not legitimate FMCSA sites.

What FMCSA Will Never Ask You to Do

FMCSA made it clear that it does not request sensitive information through unsolicited emails or messages.

The agency stated it will never ask for payment or confidential details such as:

• UCR information
•  PINs
• Social Security numbers
• Employer Identification Numbers
• Bank account details

Any message requesting this type of information should be treated as suspicious.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email

If a truck driver or carrier receives an unexpected message claiming to be from DOT or FMCSA, the agency advises not to interact with it until the communication can be verified.

FMCSA recommends avoiding all links and attachments and confirming legitimacy through official channels, including the FMCSA Contact Center or by calling the agency directly at 1 800 832 5660.

FMCSA Recommended Steps for Reporting Scam Emails

Drivers and carriers who encounter suspected phishing messages are encouraged to take the following actions:

• Do not click on any links or open attachments
•  Do not reply to the sender
• File a complaint with the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3 website
•  Report the email to the FMCSA Contact Center or call 1 800 832 5660
•  Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for guidance on phishing and email verification

FMCSA said maintaining strong personal cyber hygiene remains the most effective defense against scams. Taking a few extra seconds to verify emails can prevent costly disruptions to a trucking business and protect sensitive records.

Source: Overdrive

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