Car Shipping Scams: How Scammers Use Fake Quotes to Win Your Business

Low prices are effective because many customers naturally compare auto transport companies by cost.

Most consumers don't ship vehicles regularly, so they may not know what a realistic rate should look like for a particular route.

A suspicious company can take advantage of that uncertainty.

The initial quote may help the company secure your contact information, booking, or deposit. Once you've committed, switching providers becomes more inconvenient.

This is why car shipping scams involving lowball quotes can be especially effective when customers have strict deadlines.

The closer you get to moving day, the harder it becomes to walk away.

The Bait-and-Switch Car Shipping Scam

One of the biggest concerns surrounding misleading quotes is bait-and-switch pricing.

The process may begin with a highly attractive estimate. The customer books based largely on that price.

Later, the situation changes.

The customer may hear:

• “No driver will take the vehicle for that price.”
• “Carrier rates increased unexpectedly.”
• “We found a driver, but they need more money.”
• “Your original quote was only an estimate.”
• “You need to approve the new price today.”