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Phinnie Zahareas is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She works as a project manager and professional organizer for a moving company in Louisiana. She’s managed dozens of moving jobs — from tiny houses to sprawling office buildings — and aims to make relocations easier for everyone. In addition to her work in the moving industry, she holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. She still lives in New Orleans, where she walks her two spotted dogs along the Mississippi River every evening.
Moving scams can include lowball estimates, holding belongings hostage or demanding extra fees.
Note red flags such as an ultrahigh deposit requirement, the lack of a written estimate or a binding estimate given over the phone.
If movers scam you, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), your state agency, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or a lawyer if you need to pursue legal action.
Moving scams are unfortunately more common than many people realize, and finding a trustworthy mover can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield. In 2022, 15,198 complaints were filed with the Better Business Bureau against moving companies throughout the year.
From exorbitant fees to damaged belongings or even outright theft, the risks posed by unscrupulous movers are real and daunting. Scammers prey on the stress and urgency of moving, luring unsuspecting customers with promises of low prices and exceptional service.
Common moving scams include lowball estimates, hidden fees, hostage shipments, fake companies, high upfront deposits, and blank or vague contracts. But with some know-how and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can avoid falling into these traps and safeguard your possessions.
Below, we delve into the world of moving company scams, uncover their telltale signs and arm you with the knowledge needed to outsmart the swindlers.
Moving scams are deceptive practices employed by fraudulent moving companies to exploit individuals while relocating their belongings. These scams can take various forms but generally involve dishonest tactics to extract more money from clients while providing subpar services.
However, some situations that might appear to be moving scams aren’t necessarily fraudulent. For instance, delays due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions or logistical issues, may seem suspicious but are often beyond the control of the moving company.
“Delays in shipment are unfortunately pretty common when it comes to long-distance moves,” said Elisa Cool Murphy, a real estate agent in New Orleans.
Similarly, miscommunications or honest mistakes in estimating costs can occur without malicious intent. The movers are estimating the weight of your belongings or the time it will take to complete your move, neither of which they can be absolutely certain just by viewing your inventory.
You can differentiate between genuine mishaps and deliberate scams by assessing the company’s track record, transparency and adherence to regulations.
Scammers are always finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting customers, but there are a few tactics that scam artists in the moving industry frequently employ. Here are some of the most common moving scams to avoid:
Scammers provide misleading estimates, offering low initial quotes and demanding significantly higher payments once the move is underway. The best moving companies provide accurate — and often binding — estimates based on factors such as shipment weight, move distance and additional services required.
We recommend getting at least three quotes before booking your move to get a good idea of average costs and find the most affordable moving companies.
Be cautious of lowball estimates and thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the moving contract. Ask detailed questions about what’s included in the estimate and request a written agreement that clearly outlines all potential charges and services. “Scam companies won’t answer questions with the level of detail that a legitimate company will,” said Cool Murphy, “so you’re going to get a gut feeling just from asking questions.”
Hidden fees refer to additional charges not disclosed upfront by a moving company but sprung upon the customer either during or after the moving process. These fees can significantly inflate the final cost of the move and catch customers off guard.
To avoid falling victim to hidden fees, thoroughly review the moving estimate and contract before signing anything. Ask questions about any items or charges you don’t understand, and get everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings later.
Here’s how the hostage shipment works: After the moving company loads your belongings onto the truck, they suddenly state that the weight of the items is more than what they initially estimated or that extra services were required. As a result, they demand significantly more money than the originally agreed-upon price before releasing your goods.
This situation can be incredibly distressing for the customer, who feels trapped and coerced into paying the inflated amount to regain possession of their belongings. In some cases, the moving company may even threaten to sell or dispose of the items if the customer refuses to pay the additional fees.
A fake moving company can have what appears to be a legitimate business platform. Anyone can create a website, a business logo and reviews from “customers.” A fake moving company may book your services, take your deposit and disappear. But the worst-case scenario is they load the contents of your home onto the truck and drive away with them, never to return again.
Reputable movers may charge a booking deposit, but it will be reasonable, and the terms will be clearly outlined in your contract. For example, International Van Lines (IVL) charges a 25% deposit to reserve your moving date. Your deposit is 100% refundable up to 48 hours before your scheduled move, and this information is readily available on IVL’s website.
While asking for a deposit is a standard practice in the moving industry, an exorbitant or unexpectedly high deposit — such as 50% or more — can indicate a potential scam.
A blank or vague contract lacks clarity and transparency regarding the terms and conditions of moving services. Without clear and specific terms outlined in the contract, you may not understand your rights and obligations, leaving you vulnerable to potential exploitation.
Unscrupulous moving companies can manipulate blank contracts to insert hidden fees, change pricing terms, or alter the scope of services without your knowledge or consent. This creates opportunities for fraudulent practices, such as overcharging for services or holding belongings hostage until you make additional payments.
Understanding the signs of potential scams can help you make informed decisions and ensure a smoother and more secure moving experience. Here are several indicators that should raise concerns when evaluating moving companies:
When looking for the best interstate moving companies, you must verify the company’s license. Interstate movers in the U.S. must be registered with the FMCSA and have a unique USDOT number. Verify the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website to ensure it is authorized to operate across state lines.
For local moves, find the agency in your state that regulates movers. For example, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles regulates movers in Texas.
Further, reputable moving companies provide liability coverage for potential damages to your belongings. Request information about the types of liability coverage offered, what they cover and how much they cost. Ask what the claims process looks like when damages happen. “A company that says they never get anything wrong is a company to walk away from,” said Cool Murphy.
Explore reviews on online platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Consistently positive reviews across platforms can be a good indicator (too many positive reviews that sound fake can be a red flag, though, so use your best judgment).
Pay attention to patterns in customer reviews. Multiple reviews highlighting similar issues, such as hidden fees or damaged items, may indicate a recurring problem with the moving company.
To address any issues you may have with a moving company, first file a direct complaint with the company. Reputable moving companies will take steps to address your concerns and reach a mutual agreement with you.
If you can’t resolve your issues with the company, you can file an official complaint with the following organizations:
If you believe you have a legal case against the moving company, consider consulting with an attorney specializing in consumer protection or contract law. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and advise you on the best course of action.
When hiring a moving company, get estimates from at least three movers and seek recommendations from friends or online reviews. “Make sure the recommendations are for the same type of move that you’re doing,” said Cool Murphy. “If your friend loved this moving company who moved them 5 miles, it’s going to be different than a cross-country move.”
Look for companies with a history of satisfied customers and prompt issue resolution. Verify their licensing, insurance and registration. Trust your instincts and choose a company that makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to handle your move professionally and efficiently.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
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