Greg's Corner

Don’t let your belongings be held hostage

By Greg Collier

Moving happens all year round, but during the warmer months it really picks up. No pun intended. But as more people move around the country, more moving scams will find victims. Real estate scams are one thing, but we’re discussing the act of moving itself, specifically the moving companies. While there are many trustworthy moving companies and van lines, there are a number of shady moving companies out there as well.

The shady moving companies will give you a quote without even coming out to your home to measure your stuff. Once all your belongings are packed on their truck, the movers will increase their fee. At this point, the movers are essentially extorting you for more money. If you don’t have the money to pay these shady movers, they’ll drive off with your stuff and hold it hostage until you pay them. Previously, we’ve seen shady movers dump the customer’s belongings in warehouses in a state the customer was neither from nor moving to. It’s become such a problem in Arizona, the state Attorney General’s Office has referred to the lost merchandise as ‘hostage loads’.

The Grand Canyon State even has a law that prohibits in-state movers from holding possessions hostage once the quoted price has been paid.

If you’re looking to move in the near future, check with your state legislation to find out what rights you have when it comes to moving companies.

To better protect yourself from a scam like this, avoid any moving company that identifies themselves over the phone just as ‘moving company’. If a moving company gives you a quote over the phone without coming out to your house, they’re not to be trusted. Get multiple quotes from different moving companies before paying any money, but still ask the company if there are any hidden fees. Lastly, move the most valuable items like jewelry, money, electronics, medical equipment, and personal records yourself.