Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Amidst the anticipation of starting fresh in a new place, the process of packing, transporting, and unpacking your belongings can be a significant source of anxiety. To make matters worse, moving scams are a real and growing concern. In order to protect yourself from falling prey to these unscrupulous individuals, it’s crucial to be aware of the most common moving scams and how to avoid them.
1. The Bait-and-Switch Estimate
One of the most common moving scams is the bait-and-switch estimate. This occurs when a moving company provides you with an attractive, low-cost estimate, only to significantly increase the price on moving day. To avoid this scam, obtain written and binding estimates from multiple reputable moving companies, and don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Additionally, ensure that the estimate is based on an in-person inspection of your belongings or a detailed video inventory.
2. Large Upfront Deposits
Reputable moving companies typically require a small deposit or no deposit at all to secure their services. Scammers, on the other hand, may request a large upfront payment, then fail to show up on moving day or disappear with your money altogether. To protect yourself, never pay a large deposit, and only use a credit card or another payment method with fraud protection.
3. Unmarked or Unprofessional Trucks
Another red flag is when a moving company arrives in an unmarked truck or a rental truck. Reputable moving companies will have their logo and contact information clearly displayed on their vehicles. If the truck looks unprofessional or the movers lack uniforms, consider this a warning sign.
4. Hostage Loads
In some cases, scammers will load your belongings onto their truck and then demand a significantly higher payment before they’ll deliver your possessions to your new home. This is known as a hostage load. To avoid this scam, ensure that the moving contract you sign includes a “not-to-exceed” clause, which will prevent any additional charges beyond the agreed-upon estimate.
5. No In-Home Estimates
A reputable moving company should always offer to perform an in-home estimate, either in person or through a video call. If a company only provides an estimate based on a phone conversation or email exchange, it may be a sign that they’re not legitimate. Insist on a thorough, in-home estimate before agreeing to any services.
6. Lack of License and Insurance
Legitimate moving companies should be licensed and insured. If a company can’t provide proof of their license or insurance, it’s a sign that they may not be operating legally. Always verify a mover’s license number and insurance information through official channels, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA).
7. Excessive Use of Blank or Incomplete Documents
If a moving company presents you with blank or incomplete documents, be cautious. Scammers often use these types of documents to add in extra fees or clauses after you’ve signed. Always review any paperwork thoroughly, and make sure all terms and conditions are clear before signing.
By familiarizing yourself with the most common moving scams and following the tips provided, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to unscrupulous movers. Always research and verify the legitimacy of a moving company before agreeing to their services, and keep an eye out for the red flags outlined above. With due diligence and awareness, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free move to your new home.
Finding a Trustworthy, Dependable Mover
Avoiding moving scams starts with finding trustworthy and dependable movers and packers. Atlas has a track record of professional service dating back to 1948, and all of our local agents like J.W. Cole & Sons of Florida, Inc. are happy to provide key information such as insurance details and FMCSA registration numbers when asked. To find out more, simply contact J.W. Cole & Sons of Florida, Inc. at 239-694-3400 or message us online.
