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119-hr-8799119th CongressWALLET

Stop Scamming Truckers Act

Sponsored By: Representative Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]

Introduced

Summary

Stops misleading private solicitations about USDOT numbers. This bill would require private companies that contact motor carriers about USDOT number registration to clearly disclose they are not a federal agency, ban deceptive government-like branding, and let recipients sue for violations.

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  • Small motor carriers and owner-operators would see fewer confusing or costly solicitations because messages about USDOT numbers must state they are from a private company and not the FMCSA or DOT.
  • Private companies that send USDOT number communications would have to place a clear disclosure on the first page or make it visible without scrolling in electronic messages, use at least 12-point font in print, and avoid names, seals, logos, or claims that payment is required.
  • Recipients of noncompliant messages could bring a civil action in federal court. Remedies include actual damages, statutory damages of $500 to $5,000 per violation, injunctive or declaratory relief, attorneys’ fees, and a five-year statute of limitations. Plaintiffs would not have to prove actual reliance, intent to deceive, or actual confusion.

The bill also says it would not limit FMCSA or DOT enforcement or reduce stronger state protections.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Protect truckers from USDOT scams

This bill would require private companies that send written or electronic messages about USDOT numbers to include a clear notice. The notice would say: "This communication is from a private company. We are not the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation, or any other Federal Government agency, and we are not affiliated with the United States Government." The notice would appear on the first page of printed mail and be visible without scrolling online. The bill would bar using names, seals, logos, or trade dress that imply FMCSA or DOT affiliation, and would bar saying payment is required to obtain or keep a USDOT number. If you get a message that breaks these rules, you would be able to sue in U.S. district court. You could recover money you paid, plus $500 to $5,000 for each violating message, and seek injunctive or declaratory relief and attorney fees. You would have five years to file. Federal, state, and local government agencies would not be covered.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]

WA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 5/13/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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