Moving scams have become quite prevalent, with many different practices to get more money from you or just bad practices. Some in the past have loaded up an entire home of its items and never delivered them to the new location. This can be devastating. Protecting yourself from the first conversation with a moving company would be best. By making sure you know some tips to avoid scams, you can be sure to have a smooth move.
Watch Out For Red Flags
There are several items that give you warning signs of a moving company scam.
If one company gives you a very low quote or estimate, it could be a scam. Also, if you get a quote or estimate over the phone, it may be too good to be true. A reliable moving company will do a walk-through of your current home and note all items that need to be moved. They will open closets and cabinets and take note of every item you have so they know the volume of your goods.
If a moving company requests a huge deposit or payments for services rendered upfront, it could be a scam in which they take you upfront money, and you never see them again. This can leave you without the funds needed to find a reliable company to move your items.
An excellent moving company on the up and up will be transparent, have a detailed contract, and be very professional in their manners and appearance.
Any moving company that can’t show you their licensing or insurance is probably a scammer. These are items you need to see in advance of signing a contract. Their insurance should cover all of your belongings while they are on their truck in the case of an accident. You also need to ask if their insurance covers the replacement cost of items or the current value.
Protect Yourself And Your Belongings From Scams
Fortunately, you can take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from moving scams. You can consider purchasing additional belongings insurance before moving to be on the safe side.
You should keep your important documents and valuables with you during the move. This includes financial information, banking information, fine jewelry, and collectibles.
If at all possible, you should supervise both the loading and the unloading process of your goods. If you can’t be there in person, check with a relative, neighbor, or friend to oversee the process.
Research potential moving companies thoroughly by checking reviews and ratings from past customers. Seek recommendations for great movers from friends and family, and verify the company’s licensing and insurance. You can also check the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number to research the company and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) for red flags or reviews.
Get detailed estimates and understand the exact cost of the move. One scam is to tell you a certain fee in total and then to raise the price drastically when your goods arrive at your new home and are still on the truck. Essentially, the movers will hold your belongings hostage, until you pay the higher fee.
Ask about additional fees or charges for any services and ensure they are detailed on the contract you sign.
Report Any Suspicious Activity or Issues
Contact the appropriate authorities if you suspect a moving scam. This includes the police in the same city and contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to report the company.
Protect yourself and others by sharing your bad experiences and warning others. If you fall victim to a scam, you can help others not to be a victim.
Choose Dielman Moving & Storage Inc., your premier moving and storage company for over 25 years, for your moving needs. We offer packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your goods to take the worry out of moving as a stressful situation in the first place. We are professional, and all our employees wear clean-cut uniforms. Call us today to find out about the Dielman difference!
