Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FTC Returns Additional Money to Carriers Allegedly Defrauded by DOTAuthority.com

The Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totally $757,946 to 14,948 small business that were tricked into using DOTAuthority.com’s registration services with advertising and practices that were deemed deceptive.

August 21, 2019
FTC Returns Additional Money to Carriers Allegedly Defrauded by DOTAuthority.com

 

2 min to read


The Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totally $757,946 to 14,948 small business that were allegedly tricked into using DOTAuthority.com’s registration services with advertising and practices that were deemed deceptive.

While the number seems large, the average refund will be just over $50 per check. DOTAuthority was accused of sending misleading messages to thousands of small business that implied that the company was affiliated with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and Unified Carrier Registration system, according to the FTC’s October 2016 complaint.

Ad Loading...

Using official-sounding names and threats of law enforcement action, the business were coerced into using DOTAuthority’s registration services which included hidden or inadequately disclosed fees that ranged from $25 to $500 or more. Some fleets alleged that they were unwittingly enrolled in an annual renewal program without knowledge or consent.

DOTAuthority agreed to a settlement with the FTC over the charges that banned the company from the illegal conduct alleged in the complaint and imposed a $900,000 monetary judgement. The FTC had previously sent checks totally $89,736 to small businesses involved in the complaint.

Recently uncovered additional information found by the FTC’s investigation prompted the agency to send a second round of refunds.

Ad Loading...

Representatives from DOTAuthority said at the time of the initial settlement that the suit was an example of government overreach and that the business was offering customers a convenience-oriented alternative and were filling a need in the market, rather than engaging in deception.

More Safety & Compliance

YouTube thumbnail illustration

The Truck Safety Tech K&B Transportation Says Is Making a Difference [Watch]

Can technology help prevent truck crashes? In this HDT Talks Trucking Short Takes episode, K&B Transportation explains how it’s using cameras, speed management tools, cellphone-blocking technology, and other systems to improve safety and reduce risk across its fleet.

Read More →
Lance Evans, Director of Safety at K&B Transportation.
Safety & ComplianceMay 13, 2026

Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation

Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.

Read More →
Mobile tablet showing Motus screen against highway background with Motus logo

FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now

FMCSA's long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls. And there are steps you need to take by May 14.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Winter pileup accidents.
Disaster Responseby Jack RobertsApril 30, 2026

Avoiding Winter Pileups: Don’t Become the Next Link in the Crash-Chain

Winter roadway “pileups” aren’t one crash — they’re a chain reaction. Here’s what triggers them, how truck drivers can spot the danger early, and what to do if you're suddenly trapped in the mess.

Read More →
Graphic with light bulbs, HDT Truck Fleet Innovators logo, and the word Nominations
Fleet ManagementApril 24, 2026

Nominations Open for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026

Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.

Read More →
Detroit ABA6 safety system.

Freightliner Expands Detroit Assurance with New Intersection and Turning Safety Tech

Detroit’s next-generation ABA6 safety system adds cross-traffic detection and enhanced side guard assist with left-turn protection, targeting high-risk urban scenarios.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with ATRI logo and square blocks spelling out "research"
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 20, 2026

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List

The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.

Read More →
Illustration of colorful map of United States with DataQs website screen superimposed

FMCSA Revamps DataQs to Improve Fairness, Speed of Reviews

New requirements add firm deadlines and independent review steps, addressing long-standing complaints about inconsistent rulings and slow response times.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of Top 20 Product award ceremonies
EquipmentMarch 31, 2026

HDT Honors the Best New Products of 2025 at TMC [Photos]

Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products awards recognize the best new products and technologies. Check out the award presentations at the 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.

Read More →