Moving in general can be a big change for many people. Thus, avoiding a potential moving scam and fraud has become a key concern for thousands of the millions moving each year. With the fierce competition in the moving business, numerous moving companies low-ball their move estimates just to get the deal and these are the ones the customers should be worried about. Therefore, despite the fact that you are looking for the best possible price for your relocation, don’t be lured only by the lowest rate, but take into consideration other factors. This is why we decided to cover the whole idea about avoiding moving scams and finding the best moving companies for your upcoming move, so you don;t get ripped off.
Where to Start When Looking for Movers?
Do your part and research some specifics about the moving company you’ve decided to use in order to ensure you are not wasting your time and money by being scammed. First of all, learn how to recognize rogue movers and spare yourself a stressful situation. Most moving companies are legitimate businesses, but in recent years, many complaints for scams have been received. The best defense to recognize the illegitimate ones is before they load your household goods. Find several moving companies and compare the rates and prices. That should give you a hint as to what to expect and is the offer you are getting a potential scam. As MyMovingReviews is a moving reviews website, we receive hundreds of scam reports and rip off stories annually. These are our findings on how to stay on the safe side and be protected.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Save up to 40% on your upcoming move and get a quote from reputable moving experts.
Here is how to prevent moving scams by researching and asking the right moving questions in advance.
Typical scammers usually give you a low estimate price over the phone and promise to get the job done in a very short period of time, which makes you feel that you’ve got a bargain. This is one of the most popular moving scams to avoid. The good thing is that you can detect this immediately at your first interaction with the moving company which means you can recognize it right away, hang up the phone and move on to the next company.
They also may demand cash only payment or a large money deposit. Most scammers demand cash only. Usually a deposit would be about 10% to %20 – so beware of a possible scam scheme if the percentage in your case is significantly larger. If you pay by cash you cannot dispute the charges with your credit card company. In most cases the movers can’t be reached once your items are delivered.
Another sign to look out for a scam is if the movers don’t have a website – a standard company asset in 21 century – or there is a site, but without any information about licensing or insurance. It is required by law that all moving companies have their DOT number listed visible on their website. This is the government’s way to ensure that people who move will be using the services of a licensed company and to prevent moving scams. Ask your mover about their licensing information and check them with the Department of Transportation. Do not deal with unlicensed movers as there is a great change of becoming a victim of a scam scheme.
They also should give you a copy of your “Rights and Responsibilities” booklet required by Federal regulations. This booklet includes basic information you should be aware of.
Most of the reputable moving companies should have their own branded company trucks. Demand moving with a company owned vehicle and not a rental or unsigned vehicle.
Read moving reviews, ratings and consumer reports before booking. By reading other peoples’ testimonials and complaints online you will be prepared and know which company provides better moving services. By checking out some reviews you will also know what unfortunate scamming situations other people have been to and how you can beware and be careful for these not to happen to you.
It is a good idea to deal with BBB-certified movers.
Red Flags when Choosing a Mover
Here are some tips to look for when selecting a moving company and how to distinguish the good from the bad companies. These are some of the things that most companies specializing in moving scams often do:
When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving company”, rather than the company’s name.
The movers demand cash or a large deposit before the move.
On moving day, a rental truck (usually a Ryder, Penske or a Budget truck) arrives rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck. Note that sometimes even the large reputable companies hire rental trucks, but this usually is only in the busy summer months. This should not worry you once your moving company is well checked and you are sure you can rely on it for your move.
The moving company website does not offer information about licensing or insurance as they are required to do so by law. This is one of the most obvious signs for a potential scam you can easily spot.
They have only good reviews (written by employees) or only bad reviews (written by dissatisfied customers). Yes, rogue moving companies can be very industrious in their scam plans.
You are asked to sign blank pages in your Bill of Lading on the moving day – legitimate movers would never ask you to sign blank pages.
You are being denied a full value protection plan for your expensive items. Professional local and cross country moving companies should offer you multiple insurance options for your load.
Consider Federal, State and Local Organizations
All movers in the USA should be registered with the US Department of Transportation
Consider Federal, State and Local organizations involved in and overlooking the moving business. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FACSA), of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) partners with Federal, State and local associations and agencies to ensure that the costumer has the required information about the moving industry and how to prevent move scams. It is important that you know which are these agencies and moving associations that you can turn to in case you need to file a complaint or have questions. You can always Google them or here are some suggestions:
The moving company you have chosen is not only licensed and insured, but a member of the association that has established certain standards promoting fair business. Such a company will want to keep its reputation so it is not very likely to expect scams from it.
It is always good to verify if they are a BBB-accredited business.
If they are a member of the American Moving and Storage Association.
According to Wikipedia, there are only about 20 people employed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (which is part of the US Dept. of Transportation) to patrol the thousands of moving companies. That is why you should avoid getting scammed at all costs. For more information on moving associations, you can refer to our moving associations information article.
What to do to protect yourself
Make photos of your stuff (especially the expensive furniture pieces) – just in case make sure you photograph all the valuable items you have in the house to be moved. In case you decide to go to court, you will have evidence.
Make photos of the movers and their trucks. See if your items will travel in the same truck.
Demand a copy of the contract – this is extremely important. Make sure you never sign blank papers. Usually this is an apparent evidence and a clear signal to avoid a moving scam.
Dispute credit card charges in case you think you are being scammed.
Contact the Department of Transportation and file a complaint with them.
Write a BBB complaint.
Contact an attorney to handle your case. Make sure you collect enough evidence.
People say education and information bring about change, thus be ready that the moving business is a complicated matter and you have to be aware of your rights and responsibilities in order to be protected from scam. You can also check the Protect Your Move government website for more relocation information.
Did you get scammed by a moving company in the past? Did this post help you prevent getting ripped off? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This is a great roundup of all red flags and things to know when shopping for a mover. I am not sure about BBB though. They are a for profit organization and I’ve heard about a lot of cases where rogue companies benefit from their accreditation and at the same time having so many complaints.
A company should be researched very carefully before signing using multiple sources of information just in case.
Never ever use Out of State Movers based in Huntngton Station, NY. They gave me a low ball estimate of $1200 and then showed up after 12:00 on my moving date. Typical Bait and Switch move. I had to vacate that same day because my home was sold and the new owners arrived. The price then quintupled to $6500 and promised me delivery in two days. It tooks 10 days which was alright but then their driver wouldn’t deliver to my front door because of the sandy soil. He was afraid his truck would get stuck. But for an extra $600 they could get a U Haul truck to deliver to the front. I ended up hiring a bunch of kids to unload it. They made a small accommodation of $250 out of $6500 which I had to argue to get and never unpacked my stuff as promised in the contract. Terrible company. Avoid like the plague.
MX Movers, located in Staten Island, NY (prior address was in Brooklyn) is a scam operation which checks all the red flag boxes for rogue movers. Unmarked, generic truck arrived one day late to pick up our possessions. Originally gave a low ball estimate then jacked up the price 70% once goods were on the truck. Lied about when move would commence as goods sat on truck somewhere in Brooklyn for six days. Falsely advertised GPS Tracking System on all their trucks, ours did not have one. This caused serious communication problems with both MX Movers representative and truck drivers as they were unresponsive to calls and texts. Delivery date kept changing causing further stress. When items finally arrived, many pieces damaged and missing. Six Certified Letters sent regarding claims process, all came back undeliverable. Representative from MX Movers finally responded only after negative review left on YELP. He stated we would be compensated if we took down our review. We said we would do no such thing. This was the move from hell!! If you value your possessions and sanity, AVOID THIS ROGUE COMPANY.
my daughter just made a move from MN to AZ. she hired National Moving Group to move her. As it turns out they are merely a broker, which they failed to disclose. They subbed the actual move out to a company called Unique Moving and Storage. Almost 3 weeks later and dozens of phone calls and conversations with very rude and uncaring people she still does not have her stuff. This is the biggest SCAM I have ever heard of. How these companies can continue to operate is beyond comprehension. I have since read reviews on both companies and they all tell of nightmare experiences.
So, who has had a credible, recommended moving experience they would wish to share? We are moving cross country and realize reliability, dependability is first on our list and then comes price. We’ve already had 3 at-home estimates and they’re all pretty much the same. Are PODS a better answer; they do come right to your front door.
Most movers are legitimate companies, but in recent years there have been many complaints about fraud. You can study some details about the moving company you have chosen to make sure you are not wasting your time and money. Please visit this page https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/avoid-moving-cams/
*At MyMovingReviews we will connect you with a professional moving company. Please note that we may not be affiliated with
and you may be speaking with another licensed provider.
Best movers nearby
We use cookies to optimise your experience.Accept and close or Learn more
Moving in general can be a big change for many people. Thus, avoiding a potential moving scam and fraud has become a key concern for thousands of the millions moving each year. With the fierce competition in the moving business, numerous moving companies low-ball their move estimates just to get the deal and these are the ones the customers should be worried about. Therefore, despite the fact that you are looking for the best possible price for your relocation, don’t be lured only by the lowest rate, but take into consideration other factors. This is why we decided to cover the whole idea about avoiding moving scams and finding the best moving companies for your upcoming move, so you don;t get ripped off.
This is a great roundup of all red flags and things to know when shopping for a mover. I am not sure about BBB though. They are a for profit organization and I’ve heard about a lot of cases where rogue companies benefit from their accreditation and at the same time having so many complaints.
A company should be researched very carefully before signing using multiple sources of information just in case.
you should have used moovooz.com, They give you a flat-rate quote from multiple companies
instantly at their site.
All you have do is enter the items you're moving. They also give a 100% guarantee for their
price quotes. I just used them to move in Miami and it was Awesome!
Never use USA movers or BR movers. Learned the hard way! Still don’t have my items
Never ever use Out of State Movers based in Huntngton Station, NY. They gave me a low ball estimate of $1200 and then showed up after 12:00 on my moving date. Typical Bait and Switch move. I had to vacate that same day because my home was sold and the new owners arrived. The price then quintupled to $6500 and promised me delivery in two days. It tooks 10 days which was alright but then their driver wouldn’t deliver to my front door because of the sandy soil. He was afraid his truck would get stuck. But for an extra $600 they could get a U Haul truck to deliver to the front. I ended up hiring a bunch of kids to unload it. They made a small accommodation of $250 out of $6500 which I had to argue to get and never unpacked my stuff as promised in the contract. Terrible company. Avoid like the plague.
MX Movers are located in Brooklyn, NY. (See my review above regarding this rogue operation.0
MX Movers, located in Staten Island, NY (prior address was in Brooklyn) is a scam operation which checks all the red flag boxes for rogue movers. Unmarked, generic truck arrived one day late to pick up our possessions. Originally gave a low ball estimate then jacked up the price 70% once goods were on the truck. Lied about when move would commence as goods sat on truck somewhere in Brooklyn for six days. Falsely advertised GPS Tracking System on all their trucks, ours did not have one. This caused serious communication problems with both MX Movers representative and truck drivers as they were unresponsive to calls and texts. Delivery date kept changing causing further stress. When items finally arrived, many pieces damaged and missing. Six Certified Letters sent regarding claims process, all came back undeliverable. Representative from MX Movers finally responded only after negative review left on YELP. He stated we would be compensated if we took down our review. We said we would do no such thing. This was the move from hell!! If you value your possessions and sanity, AVOID THIS ROGUE COMPANY.
my daughter just made a move from MN to AZ. she hired National Moving Group to move her. As it turns out they are merely a broker, which they failed to disclose. They subbed the actual move out to a company called Unique Moving and Storage. Almost 3 weeks later and dozens of phone calls and conversations with very rude and uncaring people she still does not have her stuff. This is the biggest SCAM I have ever heard of. How these companies can continue to operate is beyond comprehension. I have since read reviews on both companies and they all tell of nightmare experiences.
So, who has had a credible, recommended moving experience they would wish to share? We are moving cross country and realize reliability, dependability is first on our list and then comes price. We’ve already had 3 at-home estimates and they’re all pretty much the same. Are PODS a better answer; they do come right to your front door.
Most movers are legitimate companies, but in recent years there have been many complaints about fraud. You can study some details about the moving company you have chosen to make sure you are not wasting your time and money. Please visit this page https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/avoid-moving-cams/