When a moving company provides an estimate, loads the goods and then states a much premium cost to deliver the goods, successfully holding the goods as lien, the scam is known as a moving scam. Choosing a moving company is more than just a financial decision. How much faith can you put in a moving company that promises to get your belongings from point A to point B, without a scratch, and at the agreed-upon price? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case all the time. Moving company scams appear to be on the rise as the number of long-distance and interstate moves grows.
In reality, some moving companies that appear legitimate on the internet are actually professional scammers who fail to complete moves, steal goods from customers, or overcharge for their services. It’s important to keep an eye out for these warning signs and indicators of fraud:
• Requiring direct deposit or cash payment instead of credit card
• During off-season periods, requesting large deposits before moving
• Ineligible to carry passengers by commercial motor vehicle (FMCSA)
• Instead of agreeing to an onsite inspection to provide an accurate estimate, they provide instant quotes.
• If you’re moving, the Federal government requires movers to give you a copy of ‘Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.’
• Customer complaints that haven’t been resolved or no reviews at all can be a red flag.
• Customers should be required to sign blank contracts or paperwork prior to the move.
To find out more about moving company scams, watch the video.
