Freight fraud is not slowing down; it is getting smarter. And heading into 2026, Truckstop says three clear trends are shaping how scams work and who they target. The company has already reviewed nearly 50,000 entities this year and found that fake documents, AI-generated voices, and spoofed emails are making fraud blend into everyday communication more than ever before.
What’s Related
This year’s data shows where the trouble is starting and what to watch for next.
1. Identity fraud is getting harder to spot
AI-generated IDs and photos now make fake credentials look clean and professional. The obvious red flags, such as blurry scans or mismatched fonts, are no longer easy to see.
Layered verification is becoming essential. Before working with a new carrier or broker, Truckstop recommends checking FMCSA records, calling the number listed on the official profile, requesting insurance certificates directly from the provider, and watching for inconsistencies in company names or banking details.
“Security begins with identity, and operating authority should, too,” said Dale Prax, CEO of Freight Validate and Truckstop Fraud Advisor. “Before any company moves freight, there must be confidence in who’s actually behind the authority, not just a name in a database. When identity isn’t verified, the entire system relies on trust alone, and that’s where fraud takes root.”
2. Spoofed communication is rising fast
One of the fastest-growing fraud tactics involves fake phone calls and emails that appear to come from trusted contacts. A call that looks normal may actually be from a copycat.
The best defense is simple. Verify through another channel. Hang up and call the number listed in FMCSA records or on the official company website. A quick video call can also help confirm identity. Internally, brokers and carriers should use centralized communication tools for load and payment discussions to keep information traceable and secure.
3. Scammers are now targeting real carriers and brokers
Fraud is not only coming from outside the network. Scammers are impersonating legitimate companies using stolen credentials, which puts reputations and business relationships at risk.
To stay protected, companies should avoid sending sensitive information via email or text, use secure document portals, and keep FMCSA records accurate and up to date. Identity management is not just about checking others. It also means protecting your own identity.
Truckstop’s 2025 review shows that more than 10,000 identity checks failed during RMIS onboarding, and another 4,700 accounts were denied for missing authority requirements. The risk and trust teams also investigated 494 fraud reports from both brokers and carriers.
Many of these cases began with small details that did not match. A phone number that could not be verified. Authority information that seemed off. Contact information that raised questions. In many cases, a quick FMCSA check or phone call would have caught the issue early.
As one Truckstop expert said, “Freight moves fast, but fraud moves faster when no one checks the details.”
