FMCSA warns trucking companies about 4 fake Motus registration sites

REAL:

• motus.dot.gov

FAKE:

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

The campaign uses the subject line “Notice of Required Off-Cycle Update- Motus email.” Its content urges recipients to click a “New MOTUS Portal” button. That link routes targets toward an outside destination. Federal officials recommend checking every address before taking action.

FMCSA’s screenshot dates the example to August 2026. The rolling alert page records a September 11 update. That timestamp covers the entire webpage, not each item.

Scam follows system transition

FMCSA launched Motus May 19 as its new USDOT registration system. Carriers, brokers and other regulated entities use it for applications or company updates. The platform replaced several legacy processes during a wider modernization effort. Customers access the service through Login.gov.

On September 10, regulators temporarily suspended biennial-update enforcement to reduce transition disruptions. That decision also paused USDOT-number inactivation for missed filings due after June 1. Officials plan to release additional guidance while recovery work continues. Unsolicited correspondence does not override those instructions.

Potential targets should avoid clicking questionable links. Complaints can go through the Federal Trade Commission or FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Local police and state attorneys general also accept reports. FMCSA handles registration questions at 1-800-832-5660.

Questions remain

The agency has not disclosed when the campaign began or how many recipients encountered it. The warning provides no victim count, financial losses or confirmed account takeovers. Authorities have yet to connect these pages with unauthorized registration changes or cargo theft. FreightWaves requested additional information from FMCSA and will update this article if officials respond.

Why it matters

Carrier registration records help brokers and shippers confirm who controls a trucking company. A successful account takeover could weaken safeguards that depend on federal identity data.

CFCO

In my opinion, CFCO training gives freight teams practical habits for recognizing impersonation attempts before criminals capture valuable credentials. The program strengthens identity checks, access controls, domain review and escalation procedures across daily operations. Those skills help employees pause when urgent messages demand profile changes through unfamiliar websites. Better preparation can turn one suspicious link into a reported threat instead of causing costly damage.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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