Phishing scams in the auto logistics industry are becoming more common and more sophisticated. But understanding the warning signs, how to defend against them, and where to report scams significantly reduces your risk, and creates a safer marketplace for everyone.
Know the Warning Signs
The most common phishing scam is credential harvesting. Bad actors will impersonate Central Dispatch or another legitimate company via an email or text, then direct you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials, payment details, or US DOT information. Watch out for these warning signs, so you can identify attacks before they start.
Unusual Sender Email: Phishing emails will always come from lengthy, complex, or otherwise strange-looking email addresses. All legitimate emails from us will come from:
- reply@messages.centraldispatch.com
- do-not-reply@centraldispatch.com
- An official @centraldispatch.com or @coxautoinc.com domain.
Lookalike Domains: Though scammers can create fake websites that look nearly identical to the official Central Dispatch site or login portal, they always use domains with noticeable character changes, like cëntraldispatch.com. Legitimate URLs will always contain “centraldispatch.com” with no special characters or alterations, such as:
- www.centraldispatch.com
- app.centraldispatch.com
- id.centraldispatch.com
Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing scams typically use intense language in order to get you to act fast without thinking. Be wary of any messages with sentences like: “Act now or your account will be locked” or “Your service will be discontinued.”
How to Protect Yourself
Use Extreme Caution: We will never ask for passwords, payment details, ACH, or US DOT information through an email or text. Any message requesting you to take actions involving your sensitive information are very likely phishing scams.
Verify Sender Email & URLs: Closely examine messages before clicking any links or downloading attachments. Hover over the sender’s display email name to reveal the true address and see if it looks unusual. Be sure to double check all domains and URLs for extra letters, special characters, or alterations.
If you have doubts, type “centraldispatch.com” directly into your browser and confirm the requests. This ensures you’ll reach our legitimate web page.
Secure Your Account: To add an extra layer of security to your account, set up User Management. This gives each user in your organization their own set of log in credentials, and lets you control their access to sensitive information—dramatically reducing the risk and impact of stolen credentials. You should never share your Central Dispatch log in credentials with anyone.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious message, report it to our Marketplace Integrity Team. It helps us track scam patterns, investigate cases, and provide you with more personalized security guidance.
Contact the Marketplace Integrity Team at CentralDispatchFraudClaims@coxautoinc.com
Security isn’t just a technology challenge—it’s a shared responsibility between platforms and the people who use them. So while your awareness remains your strongest defense, we’re continually working behind the scenes to root out bad actors, and create new tools to help you stay safe.
Dear Central Dispatch Customers,
We want to share an important update about something that reinforces our commitment to the security, transparency and integrity of your Central Dispatch experience.
For years, we’ve invested heavily in building Central Dispatch into the industry’s leading logistics marketplace. We’ve worked hard to earn your confidence through secure connections, transparent operations, and features you can rely on. Recently, we’ve had to take legal action to protect that integrity.
What Happened
We became aware that Super Dispatch was accessing Central Dispatch without authorization, obtaining customer login credentials, harvesting our data, and making false advertising claims about our platform’s capabilities and their products’ integration with our system. We first tried resolving this directly with Super Dispatch, but those efforts weren’t successful.
In April 2024, we filed a lawsuit to stop these practices. Even as we worked toward resolution, their problematic practices escalated. We’re pleased to report that a consent injunction—an order agreed to by both parties and adopted by the court—has been entered in federal court that puts permanent restrictions in place.
What This Means for You
The consent injunction requires Super Dispatch to permanently stop:
- Offering a web browser extension that interacts with the Central Dispatch platform
- Offering products to post loads on the Central Dispatch platform
- Obtaining Central Dispatch login credentials from Central Dispatch customers or from any other source
- Using known Central Dispatch information, ratings, and pricing data for their products
- Using unauthorized automated means to scrape data from Central Dispatch
- Falsely claiming or implying that Central Dispatch lacks certain features
- Falsely claiming or implying that Super Dispatch’s products integrate with or interact in any way with Central Dispatch or that Central Dispatch is affiliated in any way with Super Dispatch
This is part of our ongoing efforts to make sure you know exactly where your loads are posted, who has access to information, and that every tool you’re using to connect with Central Dispatch is authorized and secure. We will work to provide customers who may have been using unauthorized Super Dispatch functionality as much notice as possible before any changes occur, and we’re proactively helping clients transition to supported options.
Why This Matters
In an industry where fraud prevention and data protection are increasingly critical, how companies connect to platforms and treat information matters enormously. The outcome of this case reinforces that there’s a right way to compete: secure, honest and with integrity. Anything less undermines trust for everyone in the ecosystem.
We believe you deserve to work with partners who play by the rules—companies that compete through innovation rather than shortcuts. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to, and it’s the standard we expect from anyone operating in this space.
What’s Next
Central Dispatch operations continue uninterrupted, and we’re doubling down on our commitment to security, transparency, and innovation. You can expect continued investment in connected tools that make it easier to move vehicles faster and more efficiently, plus the peace of mind that comes from working with a platform that prioritizes your trust above all else.
If you have any questions about how this might impact your Central Dispatch experience, please reach out to our Customer Support team at 800-928-7869.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Lainey Sibble
Head of Central Dispatch
Beginning in January, Central Dispatch is taking an important step toward creating a safer, more secure marketplace for all: identity verification. This process will help confirm every Central Dispatch account is linked to a real individual, add a strong layer of protection against unauthorized access, and make Central Dispatch first automotive logistics marketplace to implement ID verification.
All customers will soon need to complete ID verification to continue accessing the marketplace—and completing the process fast and easy! All you need is a smartphone or tablet with a camera and a government-issued ID. From there, you’ll follow a few simple steps before logging in, then continue using Central Dispatch as you usually do:
1. Go to the Central Dispatch log in page, and click “Start Verification” to begin the process.
2. Verify your legal name to continue.
3. Continue on your phone by receiving a link via SMS, or by scanning the QR code.
4. Follow the prompts to start verification and consent to verify ID.
5. Use your phone’s camera to scan the front and back of your government-issued ID.
6. Take a selfie to confirm you match the individual featured in the ID.
7. Return to the device where the process started to validate or edit your information.
8. That’s it! You’ll receive a success or failure message after completing.
9. If you receive a failure message, try one of these best practices to ensure best results:
- Don’t use the back button
- Complete the process at one time and limit delays in steps of the process
- Review information before proceeding to the next step
We all play a part in building a safer, more secure marketplace for shipping vehicles. Let’s keep working together to protect our industry from fraud and ensure Central Dispatch remains a trusted platform for everyone.
FAQs
Why is ID verification required?
To ensure the safety and integrity of our marketplace, we require ID verification to confirm that every account belongs to a real individual. This helps prevent fake accounts, protect against fraud, and keep the platform secure for all users.
Is my information secure?
Yes. We use encrypted technology and comply with industry security standards.
What do I need to complete verification?
All you need is a smartphone with a camera or tablet and a valid government-issued ID.
What happens if my verification fails?
If you receive a failure message, retry from step one. Ensure each photo has proper lighting, and that you’re following the prompts carefully. For more assistance, contact our support team at 800-928-7869.
Will this affect my ability to use Central Dispatch?
Yes—verification will be required in early 2026 in order to continue accessing the marketplace.
Selecting the right transportation partner is one of the most important decisions for dealers, fleets, and shippers. In this episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast, Central Dispatch leaders Shanna Wise and Blake Bentley share expert guidance on what to consider before making that choice. They outline five key questions that can help businesses protect their vehicles, reduce risk, and ensure a smooth shipping experience.
The discussion goes beyond the basics, addressing common challenges in automotive logistics and how technology like electronic bills of lading (eBOLs) can improve transparency and accountability. Shanna and Blake also highlight why clear communication and verified credentials matter when building trust with carriers. If you’re looking for practical steps to strengthen your transportation strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
The Central Dispatch Marketplace Integrity Team was created to support our clients and help keep them safe on our platform. Hear directly from Katie Louk, Director of Operations, and Caleb Oakley, Sr. Manager, Marketplace Integrity to learn about their roles and how this team helps Central Dispatch clients every day!
Share a bit about your role at Central Dispatch.
Katie: As Director of Operations at Central Dispatch, I lead strategic initiatives to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless platform experience for all users. My focus is on delivering exceptional client service at every touchpoint, from onboarding to ongoing support. I oversee the efficient and timely vetting of all incoming users, ensuring only properly licensed and insured professionals gain access to our network.
Caleb: I lead Marketplace Integrity efforts for Central Dispatch. Lately my role has been focused on addressing fraud in the industry and working with key stakeholders to help secure the marketplace, but I am also engaged in other non-fraud related work that will positively impact Central Dispatch and the industry in general.
What does a typical day look like? What kinds of things are you monitoring or responding to?
Caleb: A typical day for me often involves extensive research and discussion around fraud trends in both the industry and the impact it has on Central Dispatch. I am often engaged in identifying root causes of automotive shipping fraud and place special emphasis on stolen vehicles. While reacting to active incidents is critical, I spend many hours a week engaged in efforts to proactively identify suspicious activity with the goal of preventing fraud and theft from occurring on the platform. Using data analytics and advanced reporting, I am dedicated to staying ahead of bad actors.
What are some of the most common threats or issues you’re on the lookout for?
Caleb: A bad actor’s ultimate goal is to steal high-value/luxury vehicles, and they accomplish this through numerous different schemes, but they all tend to show some similarities. For example, bad actors will often engage in identity theft and pose as legitimate carrier companies to conduct fraudulent activity and so we are often focused on ways to more thoroughly inspect prospective Central Dispatch accounts prior to their activation.
What are the top three priorities the team is currently focused on, and how do these priorities impact the safety and experience of users on Central Dispatch?
Katie: Our top priorities are centered around strengthening the foundation and future of the platform. First, we’re focused on enhancing Marketplace Integrity by allowing only qualified, trustworthy users are active on the platform. Second, we’re committed to delivering an exceptional client experience at every touchpoint, from onboarding to ongoing support.
These priorities play a vital role in ensuring both the safety and overall experience of users on Central Dispatch. By enhancing marketplace integrity, we help prevent fraudulent or unqualified users from entering the platform, creating a more secure environment. Delivering an exceptional client experience ensures users feel supported and confident throughout their journey. Encouraging subscriber longevity fosters a stable, engaged community, which contributes to a more reliable and trustworthy marketplace for everyone.
Caleb: Our top three priorities right now all involve efforts to help protect our customers:
- Making sure we know exactly who is on our platform
- Providing the marketplace with solutions to help track the chain of custody of their vehicle
- Creating barriers for bad actors to mitigate fraudulent activity
Each of our priorities are specifically targeted at addressing the most pressing issues our marketplace and industry are experiencing. Our users want to have an increased level of confidence that everyone on the platform is exactly who they say they are, that their vehicles will make it safely to their intended destination, and that they will not encounter bad actors.
Share an example of how your work has directly improved a user’s experience.
Katie: One clear example of how our work has directly improved a user’s experience involves a broker who was previously one of the most vocal critics of the platform, particularly around issues of fraud. After implementing stronger marketplace integrity measures and increasing transparency around our efforts, he began to recognize and appreciate the work Central Dispatch is doing to combat scammers and protect users. Not only did his sentiment shift, but he also became an advocate, sharing best practices aligned with our standards to his peers, ultimately helping to elevate safety and awareness across the broader user community.
What’s a recent “win” or success story that the team is especially proud of?
Caleb: We are especially proud of the efforts made to move to phone as the only method for multi-factor authentication. We understand that bad actors will often target email accounts, and we are highly confident that moving to phone-only MFA will be a positive step forward in protecting the marketplace and preventing vehicle theft.
What trends are you seeing in the space that could impact how Central Dispatch operates?
Caleb: Central Dispatch is in close communication with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) and understands that there will be many positive enhancements made to the way the FMCSA from registration processes to their online portal. Central Dispatch is preparing for these changes so that we can continue supporting our customers.
How is the team preparing for these trends or shifts in the industry?
Katie: Our team is taking a proactive, multi-layered approach. We’re building strong partnerships with cybersecurity experts, product and technology teams, and legal and marketing departments to ensure our defenses are both technically sound and strategically aligned. We’re also partnering with our internal physical security teams to help secure assets and leverage their established relationships with law enforcement to support investigations and enforcement efforts.
In addition, we’re collaborating with industry peers, leveraging social media listening to detect early warning signs, and attending industry conferences— not only to stay informed on best practices and innovations, but also to share our viewpoints and contribute as an industry leader.
What do you find most rewarding about working on this team?
Katie: What I find most rewarding about working on this team is the all-in attitude that exists at every level of the organization. Everyone is incredibly resilient, dedicated, and agile, always ready to adapt and support one another. It’s inspiring to be part of a group that consistently shows up with purpose and passion. Above all, it’s the amazing culture we’ve built—one rooted in collaboration, trust, and shared commitment—that makes this work truly fulfilling.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned since joining the team?
Katie: The most surprising thing I’ve learned is just how complex it is to develop new tools while maintaining platform integrity. Balancing innovation with security, compliance, and user trust requires deep cross-functional collaboration, careful planning, and constant vigilance. It’s given me a new level of appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the platform both evolving and stable.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work your team does?
Katie: I wish more people knew about the incredible level of care and commitment our team puts into exceeding client expectations. Every decision, every process, and every improvement are made with the client experience in front of mind. It’s not just about meeting standards, it’s about going above and beyond to ensure users feel supported, valued, and confident in the platform.
Caleb: That not only do we hear all the chatter around Central Dispatch and the logistics industry but that we appreciate every bit of it, both positive and negative. Everything we do is done with an eye on the customer’s experience and safety in mind and that there is a team of passionate humans working hard to make a positive difference for everyone.
Manage your Preferred and Blocked companies to shape who you see—and who sees you—on Central Dispatch.
In the fast-moving world of automotive logistics, trust and efficiency are critical. Whether you’re managing a high volume of dispatches or building long-term relationships with reliable partners, having control over your network helps you reduce risk, save time, and operate with confidence.
Central Dispatch’s Preferred and Blocked functionality allows you to manage your professional relationships directly in-platform—promoting visibility for trusted partners and avoiding those you no longer wish to work with.
Preferred Carriers: Streamline Your Workflow
Adding companies to your Preferred network makes it easier to work with trusted partners. Preferred status improves visibility and simplifies selection across key workflows:
- Carriers can filter listings to show only Preferred shippers when searching for vehicles.
- Shippers will see Preferred carriers at the top of the list when creating a dispatch or assigning a load.
- Both can view and manage Preferred status directly from the Network tab of the Company Profile page.
Blocked Partners: Visibility Matters
Blocking a company removes visibility across key workflows—for both sides. Whether you’re a shipper or a carrier, this feature helps you maintain control and protect your business from unwanted interactions.
- Carriers will not see listings from shippers they have blocked or shippers who have blocked them.
- Shippers will not see carriers they have blocked or carriers who have blocked them.
- Both can view and manage Blocked status directly from the Network tab of the Company Profile page.
This mutual visibility removal ensures your network stays focused on trusted relationships—helping you avoid surprises and operate with confidence.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Network
- Actively manage your network: Regularly review and update your Preferred and Blocked companies based on recent experiences.
- Use filters wisely: When searching for loads use the ‘Shippers Preferences’ filter to streamline your workflow.
- Ensure proper access: Only users with Owner or Admin roles can manage these lists—make sure the right team members are set up to make updates.
Ready to take action?
Read the step-by-step guide to manage your network with confidence.
Digital logistics has brought many benefits to both shippers and carriers, but it’s also increased the risk of phishing scams. Make sure you know how to identify and avoid them with these tips and best practices from our Marketplace Integrity Team.
How To Spot Phishing
- Most phishing scams start when a bad actor contacts you via text or email, asking you to click a link. That link often looks like the Central Dispatch login page, but is in fact a phishing site designed to capture your username and password.
- Other times they’ll direct you to a fake FMCSA website where you’ll be prompted to enter your FMCSA details.
Best Practices To Keep Your Business Safe
- Pay attention to notifications from Central Dispatch alerting you to changes in your user or company profile. Take action by calling Central Dispatch immediately if this looks suspicious to you. Never click on any links received via email and/or text from third parties directing you to Central Dispatch.
- Always type the URL in your browser before entering login or account information.
- Take precautions if anyone is offering you money to re-route a delivery. Request that all changes and communications be made within the Central Dispatch platform.
- Take extra care to double-check details, like confirming the identity of the shipper or carrier. This can prevent costly mistakes and keep your business safe.
Visit our Safer Shipping Hub to learn more about other ways you can keep your business safe.
Questions about security or fraud? Contact our Marketplace Integrity team at CentralDispatchFraudClaims@coxautoinc.com
Hear from Lainey Sibble, our Head of Business, as she shares how Central
Dispatch is enhancing marketplace security by making your transport safer,
more transparent, and more secure.
What this means for your account, and how it protects you
With increasing security challenges in the transportation industry, keeping your Central Dispatch account protected is more important than ever — and there’s a quick and easy way to do it.
Verifying your phone number allows you to use a secure multi-factor authentication method by receiving future one-time passcodes via SMS text messages instead of emails. Receiving multi-factor authentication passcodes via SMS is the most reliable and strongest method of verification.
We first began requiring multi-factor authentication for all accounts last year and are now encouraging all users to verify their phone numbers to shift to receiving one-time passcodes for MFA via SMS text messages.
It only takes a few seconds to add your phone number and enter the code sent to your phone via SMS text message. Once you verify your phone number, we will send all future MFA one-time passcodes via SMS text message, making it difficult for bad actors to access your account.
Each employee or contractor under a Central Dispatch account will need their own login credentials for fast, secure access to the platform. These credentials can be set up via User Management and will allow each user to use their own phone number as the verification method. Phone numbers will not be able to be shared across usernames inside the platform.
Make sure your current phone number is linked to your account >
