How To Avoid These Five Moving Scams
Dec 06, 2022
A move often signals a new beginning and can often come with exciting opportunities and experiences. A new job, making or reconnecting with friends or family, and a new city to explore are all possibilities that await you upon arrival. However, we all know that the actual move itself can be stressful.
Moving company scams are on the rise and, when planning a move, it’s critical to research companies before hiring to avoid ending up with an unfinished move, stolen belongings, or excess fees.
To avoid being taken advantage of, be aware of the following scams disreputable movers will use to cheat unsuspecting customers.
1. Ghost Moving Companies
While not always possible, it’s great to get to know the company you’re working with, before signing a contract or starting the move. Ask friends for recommendations. If you know someone who has moved recently and has had a good experience, reach out for advice. Ask what went well and if they had any issues. Real estate agents are often a great resource, too.
Be wary if you can’t find the company online or can’t find a physical address. Also, be sure to check online reviews and ratings. If they only have reviews that are recent or if you can only find reviews on the company's website, you might want to think twice and go with a more established mover. Not everyone asks for reviews, so look at the past 1-3 or 5 years and see what the history is for moving families in your area.
2. Evasive Moving Estimates
While many companies will give you a ballpark estimate over the phone, if a company refuses to come to your home to give you a final estimate, do not give them a down payment. You want to be clear on the cost of your move and how pricing was calculated. It’s also great to get estimates from a few movers, just to ensure that pricing seems accurate. Be sure to have the estimate in writing and, remember, if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most reputable moving companies offer a Binding Contract which is in place for your protection.
3. An Unclear (or Missing) Contract
A contract is an essential piece of the move and helps to ensure that both you and the mover are clear as it relates to terms and conditions. Read the contract carefully to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions before signing and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something seems unclear or vague.
Also, before interstate moves, the company must provide customers with a booklet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. Be wary if this is not provided to you early on in discussions.
All the details of the move should be included, to name a few:
- Moving Date & Pickup Location
- Delivery or Storage Date(s)
- Final Destination
- Approximate Weight
- Estimated Cubic Size & Dimensions
- Extra Costs or Packing Fees
- Insurance/Claims Process
- Down Payment Requirements
- Billing Schedule
4. Credit Card Concern
If the movers or moving company does not accept credit cards for some or part of the move and requires you to pay everything upfront in cash, you may want to look elsewhere. Credit cards are insured in case something goes wrong. If you pay with cash and the movers turn out to be fraudulent, you are unlikely to see a refund or have any means of recourse.
5. Vanished Items
When packing up, create an inventory of your possessions. Also, consider numbering boxes to keep track of them and what is inside each. This will help to keep you organized and know quickly if anything has gone missing.
As an extra precaution, you may also want to confirm the company is certified by the American Moving & Storage Association. Also, check the Better Business Bureau. By law, all interstate movers must be licensed, and some states may also require licenses for local movers.
Moving to a new area is exciting and can be stressful. Try to plan in advance to alleviate any unnecessary challenges that could arise through working with an unknown or dishonest mover. When selecting a company, do your research and ask questions, thereby avoiding any surprises when you reach your new home.