Moving Scams Rise as Moving Season Heats Up

As the moving season approaches, the unfortunate reality is that moving scams become more prevalent. This widespread issue often leaves people stranded without reliable movers, or worse, dealing with damaged belongings or hostage situations where their household goods are held until additional payments are made. To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and be mindful of certain key factors. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and scam-free move:

• Licensed & Certified: First and foremost, verify that the moving company is properly licensed. Look for their United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) license numbers. You can easily verify these numbers through the provided link. Additionally, reputable movers should also hold ProMover certification, a designation by the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Moving & Storage Conference. This certification helps you distinguish trustworthy professionals from unscrupulous operators attempting to exploit you for financial gain.

» TIP: Confirm the USDOT and FMCSA licenses and seek ProMover certification.

• Van Line Affiliation: Many moving companies are affiliated with larger van lines, such as Atlas Van Lines. Being part of a well-established van line means that the moving company must adhere to specific standards, undergo frequent evaluations, and have access to more resources. If you encounter any issues with your chosen moving company and they fail to address your concerns, you can seek support from their associated van line.

» TIP: Determine if your moving company is affiliated with a reputable van line.

• Surveys & Estimates: Beware of moving companies that provide verbal estimates without physically inspecting your belongings. Insist on an in-home survey or a one-to-one virtual survey. For virtual estimates, inquire about the technology they utilize to accurately assess and document your items. Following the survey, ensure you receive a professional, written estimate that comprehensively outlines the scope of your move. Refrain from engaging with any movers who are unwilling to provide you with this essential documentation.

» TIP: Insist on an in-home or one-to-one virtual survey with a detailed written estimate.

• Bait & Switch: If a moving quote appears exceptionally low, exercise caution. Often, fraudulent movers entice customers with unrealistically low estimates only to add unexpected charges once the move is underway. They may claim that your belongings weigh more than anticipated or include additional tariffs and fees not initially disclosed. Consequently, they hold your items hostage until you pay these added charges.

» TIP: Always demand a written estimate that includes detailed line-item charges.

• Deposits & Payment Terms: Be wary of moving companies that request substantial upfront deposits or exclusively accept cash payments. These practices often indicate unreliability. Dishonest or unlicensed moving companies may exploit large deposits as an opportunity to abscond without fulfilling their obligations. Cash payments offer no recourse and make it difficult to trace fraudulent actors in such scam scenarios.

» TIP: Select a moving company that offers payment options, including credit cards, and does not require a deposit.

• Valuation, Insurance & Claims: Exercise caution if a moving company claims to provide complete or "blanket" insurance coverage. Moving insurance is typically offered through insurance companies, while moving companies provide Valuation Coverage. Request a clear explanation of the Valuation Coverage levels provided by the movers. Ensure they inventory your belongings and furnish a high-value inventory form for your more valuable household goods. It's also important to inquire about their claims process in advance to ensure they have a well-defined process and department.

» TIP: Familiarize yourself with your Valuation Coverage options, be cautious of movers claiming to offer complete insurance, and obtain detailed information about the claims process.

• Reviews & Referrals: When conducting research on a moving company, it's important to seek out unbiased reviews from independent sources. If you come across reviews solely on the company's own website and find none on external platforms like Google, it could be an indication that the company lacks reliability. Another valuable resource is your realtor, who often has established connections with trustworthy movers they can recommend to ensure their clients receive excellent care.

» TIP: Check for reviews on independent platforms like Google and consult your realtor for referrals.