BBB Eastern New England Warns Consumers to Watch for Moving Scams During Peak Moving Season

As the busy summer moving season ramps up, BBB Eastern New England is reminding consumers to stay alert for moving scams that can turn an already stressful experience into a financial nightmare.

Every year, thousands of consumers across the country report issues with dishonest movers ranging from surprise charges and lost belongings to companies disappearing after collecting deposits. According to Better Business Bureau data, movers continue to generate significant consumer complaints and scam reports nationwide.

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“Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about scams,” said Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for BBB Eastern New England. “Scammers often take advantage of consumers who are rushed, overwhelmed, or trying to find the lowest price.”

BBB warns consumers to be cautious of several common moving scams, including:

• Low-ball estimates: A company offers a quote far below competitors, only to dramatically increase the price once belongings are loaded onto the truck.
• Hostage load scams: Movers refuse to deliver belongings unless consumers pay unexpected additional fees.
• No-show movers: Consumers pay deposits to companies that never arrive on moving day.
• Fake moving companies: Fraudulent businesses pose as legitimate movers online using fake reviews or stolen credentials.

Consumers should also be wary of movers that only provide estimates over the phone without reviewing the items being moved. Legitimate movers will typically conduct an in-home or virtual inspection before providing a detailed written estimate.

BBB Eastern New England recommends the following tips before hiring a moving company:

Research the mover carefully

Check the company’s BBB Business Profile, customer reviews, complaint history, and licensing information. Interstate movers should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid U.S. DOT number.

Get everything in writing

Request a written estimate and carefully review all terms and conditions before signing any contract.

Avoid large upfront deposits

Be cautious if a mover requests significant payment in advance or insists on cash-only transactions.

Keep an inventory

Take photos and maintain a detailed list of your belongings before the move to help document any damage or missing items.

Watch for red flags

Generic phone greetings, lack of a physical address, vague contracts, or pressure tactics are all warning signs of a potential scam.

BBB also encourages consumers to compare multiple estimates and avoid automatically choosing the cheapest option.

“If a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Fleming added. “Taking a little extra time to research a moving company can save consumers from major headaches and financial losses later.”

Consumers who encounter suspicious activity or believe they have been targeted by a moving scam are encouraged to report it to BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.com/scamtracker).

For more information and moving resources, visit BBB.com.