Common Moving Scams: How to Identify and Avoid Them

Moving scams are on the rise, and knowing how to spot them can save you money and stress. Common schemes include price switching, holding belongings hostage, fake reviews, and hidden fees. In 2023 alone, complaints about moving fraud increased by 12%, with victims losing an average of $836. Here’s what you need to know:

• Red Flags to Watch For: Too-good-to-be-true prices, large upfront deposits, missing licenses, and unclear contracts.
• Common Scams: Price hikes after loading, hostage situations, deposit theft, and fake reviews.
• How to Protect Yourself: Verify licenses (e.g., USDOT number), get multiple written estimates, and avoid paying large deposits upfront.
• What to Do If Scammed: Keep detailed records, report to authorities (FMCSA, BBB, FTC), and seek legal help if needed.

Stay informed, check credentials, and always review contracts carefully to avoid falling victim to these scams.

Moving Company Scams: How to Avoid Them

Warning Signs

Recognizing the tactics scammers use can help you avoid falling victim. Here are some key red flags to watch out for.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices

If a moving company offers rates that are far below what others are charging, it could be a trap. As Joyce Van Lines explains:

"If a moving company offers a significantly lower estimate than others, it could be a red flag. Scammers often lure customers with low quotes, only to increase the price drastically once your belongings are loaded onto the truck"

To protect yourself, get multiple quotes and insist on an in-person or detailed video survey before agreeing to any estimate.

Unusual Deposit Requirements

Be cautious if a mover demands a large deposit upfront or insists on cash-only payments. Moving.com highlights:

"Reputable movers will NOT demand cash or any large deposit before moving you. You generally pay upon delivery. If you pay upfront, you have zero control over when you'll see your belongings again"

Missing Licenses and Insurance

A legitimate moving company will have the proper licenses and insurance. Hayden Mattingly, Owner of Arch Moving, stresses the importance of checking credentials:

"Verifying a moving company's credentials is a critical step in ensuring a successful and stress-free moving experience"

Here’s what to verify:

• A U.S. DOT number for interstate moves
• State licensing from the relevant Department of Transportation
• Active insurance coverage
• A physical business address

Poor Contract Terms

Contracts missing key details are a major warning sign. Be wary of agreements that lack:

• A complete inventory list
• Clear delivery dates
• Transparent pricing
• Company contact information
• Written guarantees for pickup and delivery dates

These gaps can leave you vulnerable to unexpected costs or delays. Always review contracts carefully.

5 Major Moving Scams

Here’s a closer look at five common moving scams and how they work.

Holding Items for Extra Payment

Some movers may refuse to deliver your belongings unless you pay unexpected extra fees. In fact, about 15% of consumer complaints against movers last year involved situations where goods were held hostage .

"These people are thieves who are pretending to be movers."

By law, interstate movers must release your items once you’ve paid the agreed-upon amount - or something close to it .

Price Switching

This scam involves movers increasing the price after they’ve loaded your items. They might claim:

• Your items weigh more than estimated
• Extra services are required
• There are unexpected fees for stairs or long distances

To protect yourself, insist on a binding written estimate that lists all charges. Avoid verbal agreements or signing blank contracts.

Fake Reviews

Online reviews can be misleading. A staggering 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations . Scammers often post fake glowing reviews to attract customers.

"Even a few bad reviews can turn people away from an otherwise great company. The problem is that while online reviews are useful, review legitimacy cannot be verified."

Be cautious of reviews that seem suspicious, such as:

• Many similar reviews posted at the same time
• Overly enthusiastic language
• No specific details about the move
• Repetitive marketing phrases

Deposit Theft

Complaints about moving scams rose by 12% in 2023 compared to the previous year . One common trick is taking a large deposit upfront, only for the company to disappear without providing any service.

Extra Fees

Some movers tack on hidden charges to inflate your final bill. Here’s how they might present these fees:

Fee Type	How It’s Framed	What to Watch For
Long Carry	“Unexpected distance” charge	Must be listed in the estimate
Stair Fee	Added after arrival	Needs upfront disclosure
Packing Materials	“Extra supplies needed”	Include in the written estimate
Fuel Surcharge	Last-minute addition	Specify in the contract
Storage Fees	“Delivery delay” costs	Agree on terms beforehand

To avoid falling victim, make sure all potential charges are clearly listed in your written agreement. Reject any contracts with vague or unclear fees .

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Steps to Avoid Scams

Check Company Background

Before handing over your belongings to a moving company, it's essential to do your homework. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides an online tool where you can look up key details about movers, such as:

• Registration status
• Headquarters location
• Complaint history
• Safety records
• Whether they're a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder

Make sure the company complies with all legal requirements before proceeding.

Check Legal Requirements

Movers handling interstate jobs must meet certain legal standards. Specifically, they should have:

• A valid U.S. DOT number
• Current federal registration
• Active insurance coverage
• Any state-specific licenses for local moves, if applicable

You can verify these credentials through the FMCSA portal. Once you've confirmed legitimacy, it's time to compare quotes to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Get Multiple Quotes

Gathering quotes from several companies helps you understand the market rate and avoid being overcharged - or scammed. Insist on receiving written estimates that are clearly labeled as binding or non-binding. A trustworthy moving company will:

• Provide detailed, written estimates
• Clearly list all fees upfront
• Include weight calculations for your items
• Specify what services are included and excluded

This step helps you catch any inconsistencies before committing to a mover.

Review Your Contract

Take time to carefully review your contract to ensure all services and fees are clearly outlined. This can save you from unexpected issues later.

Contract Element	Focus On	Purpose
Service Details	List of items and services	Avoids surprise charges
Payment Terms	Due dates and methods	Clarifies financial terms
Delivery Timeline	Specific dates and guarantees	Prevents delays or disputes
Insurance Coverage	Protection levels and limits	Safeguards your belongings
Additional Fees	Any extra charges	Prevents unexpected costs

If anything in the contract is unclear, ask for clarification before signing.

Pay Safely

Secure payment methods can protect you from fraud. Credit cards are a good option since they offer dispute protections if something goes wrong. Follow these tips for safer transactions:

• Never pay the full amount upfront
• Use traceable payment methods and keep records
• Confirm payment timing
• Consider post-dating checks until after delivery

Well-known companies like Atlas Van Lines accept secure payment methods such as ACH transfers, wire transfers, cashier's checks, and credit cards through their customer portal.

After Being Scammed

If you've been scammed, acting quickly and staying organized can help you recover your belongings or funds.

Keep Detailed Records

Gather and organize all relevant information. This includes:

• Communications (emails, texts, etc.)
• Photos or videos of your belongings
• Call logs (with dates, times, and names)
• Estimates, bills of lading, and payment receipts

Make sure to note any differences between initial quotes and final charges. Digitize these records for easy access.

Report the Scam

Reporting the scam to the right authorities increases the chances of a resolution. Here's where you can file complaints:

Authority	How to File a Complaint
FMCSA	Use their online portal or hotline
BBB	File through their website or via mail
FTC	Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
State Attorney General	Check your state’s official website

Seek Legal Advice

Legal help might be necessary in cases like:

• Your belongings are being held hostage
• You’ve lost a large amount of money
• The company refuses to honor the contract
• Major financial or property losses have occurred

Reach out to a consumer protection attorney who focuses on moving disputes. Many offer free consultations, so it’s worth exploring your options.

Recover Your Belongings

If your items are being held hostage, take these steps:

1. Contact Law Enforcement
   File a police report as soon as possible.
2. Document the Situation
   Record any demands or threats, as well as the condition and location of your belongings.
3. Use Official Channels
   Stay calm and focus on resolving the issue through proper channels instead of making payments under pressure.

Acting quickly and staying organized can make all the difference in recovering your items and resolving the issue effectively.

Conclusion

Moving scams are a growing concern. According to the Better Business Bureau, there was a 12% rise in moving-related fraud cases in 2023 compared to the previous year . Victims, on average, lost $836 to these scams . This highlights the importance of staying alert and taking precautions.

Here are some key steps to help protect yourself:

• Verify credentials: Confirm the mover's USDOT number and FMCSA registration.
• Request written estimates: Always ask for detailed, binding, in-person estimates.
• Do your homework: Check BBB ratings, FMCSA complaints, and genuine customer reviews.
• Keep records: Save copies of all agreements and the Bill of Lading.

Authorities stress the importance of these measures. Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez advises:

"The NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers important tips for New Yorkers to avoid the signs of possible scams and to plan for a smoother and more secure moving experience" .

When selecting a moving company, focus on those that are licensed, insured, and have a proven track record of reliability. Opt for services like My Piece of Cake Move, which are fully insured and verified, ensuring your belongings are delivered safely and securely.