Avoiding Moving Company Scams

All it takes is one fly-by-night moving company to pull one over on you...

Even the best organizers can fall victim to moving company scams. All it takes is one fly-by-night moving company to pull one over on you and you’ll vow to never become a victim again. Of course, you don’t have to wait till that happens. Instead, be proactive and do your research before hiring a mover, which is often the same vetting process as hiring any contractor, plumber or drywall installer. With moving scams so prevalent these days, you must do what you can to prevent them. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam.

1. Ask around. Get referrals from family and friends, but don’t forget about local real estate agents, as they know the best movers in your community because they deal with them so much. Ask for estimates in writing, and make sure they come to your home for an in-person quote. It’s impossible for a mover to accurately estimate the cost of moving your belongings. How do they know you don’t have fragile, heavy or large items that need special treatment? Or what about taking measurements of your doorways to ensure they can fit pianos and couches through them? An honest price can only be gleaned by seeing the items and home in person.

2. Check out the company’s background. Research the moving company’s full legal name, years in business, and pertinent phone numbers and contacts. Are they licensed, bonded and insured? Check with your local department of transportation.

3. Follow up on references. Former customers are usually happy to tell you what they liked – or didn’t like – about the moving company in question. This is how you’ll get the real deal on actual experiences. Websites talk the talk, but references walk the walk.

4. Don’t sign a blank contract. Get it all in writing, with details on anything from extra fees to delivery dates. Take the time to read through the contract and inventory list before signing on the dotted line. Don’t let anyone make you feel rushed.

5. Don’t pay in full beforehand. If a moving company asks for all the money up front in cash, or a large portion of it, walk the other way. If you pay it all beforehand, what incentive do they have to come back and do the job? A deposit scam is one of the most common, which is when movers take your deposit and never come back. Any reputable mover worth his salt would never ask for all the cash upfront. You should pay at the time of delivery. If not, you’re giving up any control you have over the situation and luck is not on your side.

A careful consumer is a happy consumer. Taking the time to research your mover fully will more likely result in a successful, seamless experience. Good luck with your move!