Your Guide to Avoiding Moving Scams

Moving is a stressful endeavor on its own. Add to that the stress of trying to find a reputable company that won’t rip you off, and it can be quite the daunting experience. While most movers do everything they can to help make the process easier, there are some that don’t have your best interests at heart and will try to take advantage of you.

Here are some things to watch out for when hiring a moving company.

Warning Signs

If you come across an ad or a deal that sounds unbelievable, it probably is – so steer clear. The advertised price isn’t typically clarified by any small print or context and often times doesn’t mention what the price is actually referring to. The scam appears right at the contingency: when your movers tell you a super low base price but start adding on with every little extra, such as stairs or loading routes more than 50 feet.

And when there is no paperwork involved, there is no binding agreement. The next thing you know, half of your stuff is being held hostage on moving day.

Signs of a Reputable Moving Company

Reputable moving companies should appear on a variety of consumer review websites, such as BBB, Angie’s List and Google+. A good company knows how important it is to create and foster credibility and as such will make every effort to obtain positive reviews. But be skeptical of scores that seem too perfect. This could be a sign they’re not authentic. Even the best companies have some negative reviews. Just look for feedback that seems reasonable and overall positive.

Make sure the moving company assigns a move coordinator or manager to handle your case. It’s their job to ensure your move goes smoothly through every step. They also act as your contact person in case you have any questions.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Always plan ahead. Booking early means you have more choices available and thus can take your time finding the moving company you feel the most comfortable with. Arrange an onsite visit so you can determine in person if the movers are legitimate, friendly and give attention to detail. Any company that tries to give you a binding estimate over the phone is no one you want to deal with.

An in-person quote involves taking measurements, viewing the surrounding environment, and assessing how much stuff you have.

Also, if a company asks for all the money up front, run the other way. While it’s common for moving companies to ask for a small deposit, no one should be asking for the full payment upfront, or even a very big deposit amount. If you give them all the money upfront, what incentive do they have to actually show up and do the work?