Online fraud targeting commercial drivers is on the rise, and scammers are getting bolder. Recently, malicious actors have been impersonating legitimate professionals and exploiting FMCSA systems, especially the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, to trick CDL holders into handing over sensitive information. The result can be devastating: compromised CDL data, false Clearinghouse entries, and long‑term damage to a driver’s safety record.
How the scam works
Fraudsters are reaching out to commercial drivers and pretending to be:
– Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) offering to “resolve” violations
– Employers claiming they can report a negative return‑to‑duty (RTD) test
– Individuals promising to “fix” Clearinghouse records for a fee
Their goal is simple: convince drivers to share personal details. Once they have this information, scammers may initially enter positive updates into the Clearinghouse to gain trust, then demand more money. If the driver refuses, the scammer threatens to enter fraudulent drug and alcohol violations.
How to protect yourself:
– Never pay someone to update your Clearinghouse record. There are no shortcuts. Only completing the official return‑to‑duty and follow‑up testing requirements will legally resolve a violation.
– Don’t share your CDL information; if someone contacts you asking for your CDL details, do not respond. Instead, take a screenshot of the message and report it to the FMCSA Clearinghouse Team.
– Guard your personal information. Share it only when you are certain of the recipient’s identity and the purpose is legitimate.
– Complete your RTD process the right way. The return‑to‑duty process exists to keep everyone safe, including you. It ensures drivers receive the proper evaluation, treatment, and testing before returning to safety‑sensitive duties.
Don’t look for shortcuts. If you have a drug and alcohol program violation, the only path forward is to follow the official process. Scammers prey on drivers looking for quick fixes, but those shortcuts can cost you your career.
Stay alert, protect your CDL information, and always verify who you’re dealing with.