Don’t Fall for a Moving Scam!
Make sure to compare all your options and avoid any moving scams. We all have busy lives and it makes sense that many of us are on the move each year. For the past five years, more than 40 million Americans find themselves packing things up and moving each year, according to American Community Survey.
That’s a lot of boxes to pack and the experience can be overwhelming. But the most important part of this move is to make sure you don’t get scammed.
The Better Business Bureau receives 13,000 complaints about moving companies each year. The complaints range from bad experiences to how dishonest the moving company has been.
So if you are on the move this year, there are things you should know before you start packing up you life. Here are some things to watch for to make your move stress free:
REVIEWS OF MOVING COMPANIES
Do your research. If you don’t want to get scammed, a successful move starts with finding out the moving company you are going to hire.
Forbes Advisor at forbes.com can be one source to use as it rates the top moving companies in the United States. They look at everything from customer ratings to upfront pricing and availability.
A review alone will not necessarily prevent you from getting scammed by a moving company, but it’s the first step to a successful move.
BROKERS COMMIT MOVING SCAMS
A moving broker is a company that arranges the transportation of your items and they hire the actual people who will move the items. The brokers are sales people that book your move and sell it to companies. The broker does not assume responsibility for your move. Avoid moving brokers at all costs! Often when you hear about a moving company asking for money up front and/or asking for more money once your items are on the moving truck, it’s the result of dealing with a moving broker. Just say no!
MOVING COMPANY SCAMS
Of the 4,780 complaints the FMCSA received in 2019, 57% of them involved overcharging. But it is believed that only 10% of these fraud claims are even reported.
According to the Better Business Bureau, a man moving to Missouri for a job in 2019 obtained a quote for $5,000 from a moving company after reading reviews. A week later an “expert” from the company called back and said the price would be $10,000. That price soon doubled to $20,000. The man’s company paid the first $10,000, but he was charged with the rest.
Consumers also can find their items held hostage by these moving scammers.
People who are scammed can contact moverescue.com for help, according to the BBB website.
MOVING SCAMS with Fake QUOTES
Movers who don’t insist on an on-sight inspection of your home for an estimate should be the first clue that something is not right.
Most people don’t estimate how many things they truly have that need to be moved, and getting a real quote is the first step.
Moving prices are not only based on mileage, but the size and weight of the items.
The moving industry is plagued by scammers who advertise their company heavily on the Internet to get good placement. They can have professional-looking websites and fake reviews. And the BBB reports that in some cases the license of the mover often has been revoked for the scammers.
Use the FMCSA database to find a good mover.
PACKING COSTS
If you pack your own items a mover often isn’t responsible for any damage that will occur. But if you have them pack the items, they might throw things in boxes quickly and charge much more for packing materials.
THE DEPOSIT
Reputable movers do not demand cash. Most movers will let you pay upon delivery. When you do pay, use a credit card to fight fraudulent movers. Any one asking for payment before delivery is trying to attempt a moving scam.
MOVERS CONTRACT
Get EVERYTHING in writing. This is the most important step. Do not sign anything that the moving company will fill out later. The moving scam often is to get your items moving and charge you a ton of money to get them back. Read everything in the contract and don’t skip anything because of small print.
Make sure everything is on an inventory list before it leaves your current home.
INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
In general, your mover is legally liable for damage to items that occur during transportation. There are two levels to look at.
Full Value Protection
This is the most expensive option to pick, but it will increase the cost of your move.
Waiver of Full Replacement
This is the cheapest route to go as there is some protection of your items but there is no cost to you. With this, the mover takes responsibility of 60 cents per pound of the items.
You also may look at a third-party insurance plan.
MOVING SCAM
Here are a few things to look for in common moving scams:
- The bill has been altered that details the quantity and place items will be shipped.
- Giving you a low estimate to lure you in or hold your items hostage.
- Assigning fake weight numbers to charge you more often called “weight bumping.”
- Getting money for fake things like additional packing materials.
YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Your mover has full responsibility for the charges for delivery, handling and storage of the items to make sure all the items arrive in the same shape to your new home.
You have the responsibility both to your mover and yourself, according to the FMCSA. Here is a look at what you should know:
- Read all moving documents issued by the mover.
- Be available at the time of pickup and delivery of your items.
- Notify your mover if something has changed.
- Make payment in the amount agreed upon.
- Promptly file claims of damage, loss or delays of items with the movers.
THE KEY TO NOT GETTING SCAMMED — HIRE THE BEST
The key here is do your research and don’t get scammed. All Around Moving and Storage is a reputable, professional moving company and can help you move with confidence. Get your free moving quote online or give them a call at (734)941-2280. Because we are an agent of National Van Lines, you can bet we abide by all FMSCA Policies and we do everything we can to protect your rights when you move with us! Learn more about our partners and their trusted moving solutions.
If you’ve already avoided a moving scam and are settled into your new home, check out our After the Move tips–like How to Install a Ceiling Fan from our friends at American Moving & Storage!
