Dispatcher scams: red flags every carrier should know

Updated October 2026

Most dispatchers are honest, but scams do happen, especially to new authorities. Watch for these warning signs.

Red flags

Large upfront fees before you've hauled a single load. Guaranteed weekly gross numbers that sound too good to be true. No written agreement, or an agreement that's hard to cancel. Hiding rate confirmations so you can't see what a load really pays. Asking for your FMCSA portal login, bank login or factoring login. Pressure to take loads without knowing the broker's name. Payments routed through them instead of coming to you or your factoring company.

Double brokering

In a double brokering scheme, someone books a load and re-brokers it to you without permission, and you may never get paid. Always know who the actual broker is, check their authority, and make sure the rate confirmation comes from them.

Protect yourself

Get a written dispatch agreement, see every rate confirmation, keep control of your logins and payments, and check references. Use the dispatcher checkup tool before you sign.

Try it: Dispatcher checkup