Unfortunately moving scams are a national problem, but you can avoid them by knowing a few key things.
Moving scams are a nationwide problem that leave many people stranded without movers, or with movers who damage their belongings or hold their household goods hostage until they receive more money. When looking for a moving company it’s important to do your research and look for a few key things to prevent yourself from becoming the target of a scam. Here are a few tips to help your move run smoothly and scam-free.
HOME SURVEYS & MOVING ESTIMATES
Some scam moving companies will provide you with a verbal estimate without ever seeing what you’re moving. Insist on an in-home or one-to-one video call survey. If it’s a video call survey, ask about the technology they use to identify and document your belongings. After the survey, you should be provided with a professional, written estimate that documents the scope of your move. Any mover that won’t provide you with that is a mover you shouldn’t use.
» TIP: Insist on in-home or 1:1 virtual survey with detailed estimate and scope of your move.
BAIT & SWITCH
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep that in mind if you get a crazy low moving quote. While it’s tempting to choose based on price, many scam movers lure you in with a low estimate and then throw extra charges on you when the move starts, saying that your belongings weigh more than they thought, or there are tariffs and other extra charges that weren’t included in the original estimate. Then they hold your goods hostage until you pay the additional charges.
» TIP: Always insist on a written estimate with detailed line-item charges included.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT TERMS
If a moving company asks for a hefty deposit up-front or only accepts cash, it’s a clear signal that they might not be reputable. Large deposits are an easy way un-licensed or non-reputable moving companies can take your money and then never show-up to execute the work. Paying cash also provides you with no recourse and makes it harder to track down bad actors in a scamming situation.
» TIP: Choose a moving company with payment options, including credit cards, and no deposit requirement.
VAN LINE AFFILIATION
Many moving companies are affiliated with a large van line. Being part of a larger van line means the moving company must adhere to certain standards, they are reviewed frequently, and they have access to more resources. If something goes wrong and your moving company won’t respond to you, you can reach out to their van line for support.
» TIP: Know if your moving company is affiliated with a larger van line.
