Fraudulent letters to trucking companies seek banking information

An example from the DOT’s Office of Inspector General of a fraudulent letter requesting banking information.

The Department of Transportation’s Inspector General published a bulletin last week warning motor carriers to be wary of letters asking recipients to give them bank account information.

The letters so far have been received mostly by fax, DOT says, and come in the form of an “Authorization to Release Financial Information” form. The letters claim to be from the DOT’s Procurement Office and are signed with a fictitious name — Julie Weynal.

This is not an employee of the DOT, says the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

According to the bulletin from the Inspector General, “Any direct communication from DOT should always be accompanied with detailed contact information. In addition, DOT procurement representatives will only request financial information in reference to specific contracts awarded. DOT does not request financial information from prospective contractors wishing to submit a bid proposal or quote.”

If you’ve received the letter and would like to report the fraudulent request, click here to contact the Office of the Inspector General Hotline or call (800) 424-9071.

If you’ve responded to a fraudulent request, notify your banking institution immediately, says the OIG.