Common Moving-Company Scams and How to Avoid Them
If you had to list your biggest fears about moving to a new home, what would they be?
You might be worried about the movers breaking something of value. Or you might worry that a box will get lost. Or that the movers won't show up on time -- or perhaps at all.
But the one thing you probably aren't worrying about may be the biggest concern of all: that the moving company you hired is a scam company, holding your stuff hostage until you fork over a wad of cash.
Read more ozmoving.com
"There are bad guys out there for a number of reasons, just like in any other industry," said Linda Bauer Darr, president and chief executive of the American Moving and Storage Association.
Darr said there are two primary scams consumers should watch out for when hiring movers: the hostage-goods scam and the advance-deposit scheme.
"In a hostage-goods situation, somebody has already moved your stuff and quoted you one price. But by the time you get to the destination, they're holding on to the goods and they ask you to pay an inflated price," she said. "We all know that when someone's charging twice the amount they originally quoted, something's gone afoul."
Read more livability.com
In a deposit scam, movers ask for a lot of money upfront and then never show.
Bill Borgman, senior vice president of Graebel Relocation, described a common hostage-goods situation: "Most of the scam artists have a few tractor-trailers and some warehouses, but relatively few. They will give a lowball estimate over the phone. The price will be too good to be true. They'll want the consumer to give a deposit upfront of двадцать пять percent of the total. They'll make the arrangements, pick up your boxes and leave. Once they knock on your new front door, they'll ask for a credit card or certified check for twice the amount. When the consumer doesn't have it, they'll drive away with all the goods. The consumer then gets an invoice for a grossly inflated amount, a bill for four or five times what they were originally going to pay."
Read more imlachcollins.com
How can you protect yourself from a moving scam? There are a few big red flags to watch out for, according to Steve J. Bernas, president and chief executive of the Chicago region of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. They include:
- The moving company has no interest in an on-site inspection of your goods, which is key to giving you an accurate estimate of your total moving cost.
- The movers will accept only cash or a large deposit before they move.
- The company's Web site has no local address or information about licensing.
Read more budgettruck.com
MOVING SCAM - THE BIGGEST RIP OFF IN THE MOVING INDUSTRY
I AM POSTING THIS on he Rip Off report website, because Rip Off report site is legitimate
Consumers can post their complaints and in most cases have the complaint completely resolved. This website also allows the corporations to respond and state their case. RIP OFF is not bias because the owners here have no monetary gain. I found that Rip off Report has been very fair in handling any complaints, and did not slander people
Read more cheatsheet.com
Unfortunately another website targeted toward MOVING tries to mimic the Rip off Report .
Not only is this site BIAS. They are making a fortune by redirecting innocent customers to their sponsoring moving companies
Movingscam.com its owner, mediators and profile holders are promoting and recommending four International Movers on their web site FOR REFERAL FEES that they are receiving from these four companies.
Movingscam.com its owner, mediators and profile holders are trashing any other company involved in the International Moving (including all of our known competitors, some of them we know are excellent companies operating for двадцать years in this field)
Read more gosselinmobility.euThese experts repeatedly advise the public about companies not being licensed by the FMC and operate illegally, when in fact, these companies are licensed
Falsely slandering and tarnishing peoples good name and reputation Advising horrible facts and fictitious stories for example; a criminal fugitive residing in same apartment as one of our competitors
To summarize this important issue:
It is obvious that a major part of the postings on this web site are generated by unscrupulous individuals and companies with their own economic interests at heart, trying to steer away potential customers and direct them for their own benefit.
Read more goodhousekeeping.com
Some individuals may follow the advice, recommendations and this fantastic information
In particular one member MUSIC MOM -- Sharon Bayolo
One of our moving consultants drew my attention to the lengthy communication and the advice given on this site by one Music Mom whose real name is Sharon Bayolo to a guest.
Sharon Bayolo AKA Music mom uses Slanderous unfounded information against individuals, and scare tactics against people who I know are very reputable.
Read more buzzfeed.com
It is amazing how ONE sided her point of view is when it comes to MOVING companies on their THAT PAY Moving Scam REFERAL FEES.
THE MOST NATORIOUS MOVING COMPANIES are not even mentioned in moving scam
I know of several instances that a complaint against a Sponsoring company was posted and then completely removed Although TIM claims that any company can respond to a complaint. Any legitimate response from a company that does not pay or sponsor to moving scam is REMOVED
Read also pasadena movers
And to top it all
See highlighted the posting directly from moving Scam ADMITTING they get paid to slander people
Is not this a beauty. In the interest of full disclosure:- Moving Scam is receiving a referral fee from the four moving companies listed above for every move with them that is booked from this website
Promoting четыре companies for financial gain and trashing nearly any other knowing International Mover?.
Providing Emailed recommendations? a private shipper out of appreciation, search the net and found Moving scam and than put all the time to email Recommendation email I don't think so More likely the competing companies involves are spending the time fabricating Recommendation Emails and also trashing their competitors
Read more theonion.com
Lindaw, you're certainly within your right to "imitate" a class action lawsuit alleging "deformation" of character against MovingScam, but it's an uphill battle costing you a lot of money for little to no reward. It'd be better if you just talked to us about your concerns. This was how the previous lawsuit was mutually settled, the owner of the company talked with us, it didn't go to court, but it most certainly cost them a LOT of money.
Read more twomenandatruck.com
Thomas, I appreciate what you're saying. Yes, sometimes we have to encourage people strongly to avoid mover with known bad histories. We're not out to intnetionally scare people away from movers in general, because we all know that 95% of movers have excellent records and employ honest, hard-working folks. It's the other 5% that concern us.
I have to rebut your statements concerning me personally. If you'd truly read the Message Boards, you'd know that very rarely do I recommend an actual mover directly to a customer, and when I do, it's because I have knowledge of the company directly through personal or friend/family/neighbor's usage, or have the OK of a trusted industry professional who says the company has an excellent record in that home area. I never steer a customer towards a company for the sole purpose of gaining a referral fee. That would be exactly what you claim it is, irresponsible, and would not benefit the consumer.
Read more trosamoving.com
Regarding sending consumers to the government agencies, I agree. I will give people direct links to the Protect Your Move website, and encourage people to research the mover thoroughly on their own (better than asking me to do it). We want consumers to know how to check licenses, verify the mover ie legit and logistically able to handle the move that the customer has been promised.
Our major concern is the customer who has been caught up in a scam. This is where the government is failing, currently. I know there's a lack of funding for enforcement, and most customers slip through the cracks, but that enforcement has improved dramatically even since I was scammed пять years ago. At that time all I could do was listen to a police dispatcher refusing to send out an officer to my location. The DOT took down my move's information in a formal complaint. The only reason anything happened from it was because this one company (now indicted) happened to have amassed a great number of complaints over several years and an investigation by the DOT-OIG was already underway.
Read more listotic.com
But what about the small companies that aren't large enough to get on the OIG's radar? The customers are having the same problems as those scammed by the larger companies, but they have nobody to turn to, nobody to help fix their problems. The scam movers operate like this until their creditors catch up with them, then they shut down and re-open again under a new name. Their old record is not tied to the new company in any way.
Please tell me what a customer might hear if they called the 800-DOT-SAFT number while their mover is demanding $5000 cash on a move estimated at $2000. What would a representative suggest? What would YOU suggest?
Read more about.com
Respond to this report!
Are you an owner, employee or ex-employee with either negative or positive information about the company or individual, or can you provide "insider information" on this company?
Moving company Nationwide Relocation Services ("Nationwide") sued Tim Walker, Walker's company, Consumers First Corp. which runs the MovingScam.com website, and several contributors to the MovingScam.com forum after Walker and the other contributors criticized the company's services. According to the complaint, the website used the trademarks of Nationwide and other moving companies without permission and published statements indicating that Nationwide engaged in "scams," while at the same time trying to induce customers to purchase moving-related products and services from the site and its advertisers. Nationwide sued for false advertising, trademark infringement, unfair competition, defamation, and tortuous interference with business relationships in Florida federal court.
Read more cablemover.com
Defendants Sharon Bayolo and Farrah Leigh Wanner each moved to dismiss, Bayolo for lack of jurisdiction and Wanner for failure to state a claim. As a result, Nationwide amended its complaint, and the court denied the motions as moot.
In October 2007, Walker and Consumers First moved to dismiss for improper venue, failure to state a claim, and lack of personal jurisdiction. The court denied the motions, finding that Walker and Consumers First specifically targeted the Southern District of Florida in operation of the website, thereby establishing jurisdiction and venue, and that Nationwide's claims were sufficiently stated.
Read more txdmv.gov
Moving Scam on Long Distance Move
What is a Long Distance move?
When you move from one state to another within the United States, it is considered a long distance move. If a long distance move is not handled correctly, there will be added stress, worry and disappointment. Amateur moving companies will take twice as long to pack your possessions, their slow and expensive work will be sorely lacking in professionalism. Our customers deserve the best moving and shipping services in the industry; they deserve Packing Service, Inc. to move them smoothly and professionally with no fuss, stress or worry. PSI always provides reliable, professional and courteous service, quickly and efficiently getting your items from your old location to your new one. We always take extreme care of our customer’s items and have become well known for this. Packing Service, Inc. provides every customer with a Guaranteed Flat Rate Quote before providing the service.
Read more mayflower.com
How do shipping and moving companies charge for a Long Distance move?
These companies charge by Cubic Feet, weight and packing materials used:
Cubic Feet: this is a simple calculation of the amount of space your possessions take up in their truck. Therefore the more room your items take up, the more money you will pay. You can see how easy they can scam you, whether it’s by not packing items tightly together or other unethical practices. Research the company extensively and make sure they have a strong name and reputation.
Read more mayflower.com
Weight: Other moving companies will weigh the truck empty and then again after loading with your possessions. The difference between the empty and full weight readings is the amount upon which you will be charged. These companies can scam you in a number of ways: They will weigh their truck with a practically empty gas tank, place your items on it and fill the tank with gas, billing you for the added weight of the fuel. This is moving fraud, plain and simple.
Read more lowes.com
Packing: In this case the moving company will charge for the packing and shipping materials used and not for their time. Beware of their prices; ask for them before you sign a contract or before booking the job.
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.
Read more morningstarstorage.com
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:
Read more flylady.net
According to Wikipedia. there are only about двадцать 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 .
How to Avoid Moving Scams
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.
Read more monstermovers.com
- 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 двадцать один 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 .
- 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.
- The moving company you have chosen is not only licensed and insured, but a member of 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 scam from it.
- It is always good to verify if they are BBB accredited business.
- If they are a member of the American Moving and Storage Association.
- 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.
- Write a review and a rip off report on the mover here .
- 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.
Read more uhaul.com
