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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: movers ( 9 ), moving ( 7 ), moving company scam, Scams ( 1,499 )   

  Scammed Before You Even Move 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Relocating to a new home is rarely a smooth experience. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating logistics, stress levels are already high. Unfortunately, dishonest moving companies are ready to take advantage of that pressure, turning an already difficult process into a financial and emotional nightmare.

  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported more than 100,000 inquiries related to movers in 2024, alongside hundreds of formal complaints. The scams themselves can take various forms, including movers never showing up, prices being inflated without warning, or belongings being held hostage for additional fees after the move has begun.

  In one notable example reported to the BBB, a consumer used a popular review app to arrange a move. The movers quoted a price and requested a deposit via a digital payment service. However, when the customer tried to cancel, all communication ceased. The number became unresponsive, and the promised refund never materialized. The invoice lacked any legitimate contact information. If not for backup arrangements, the individual would have been left on moving day with no assistance and hundreds of dollars lost.

  This type of story is not rare. Scammers often rely on consumers being rushed, distracted, or unaware of red flags. They can appear professional until the moment they disappear or demand unexpected payments. Some load belongings onto trucks only to vanish or claim the delivery cannot be made until extra charges are paid.

  To prevent such situations, thorough research before hiring a mover is essential. A company’s online presence should include a physical address and licensing information. Reputable businesses provide written estimates after a site visit and do not demand large upfront payments. Consumers should carefully review any documents before paying, and verify that the company is registered with the appropriate federal transportation authority if the move crosses state lines.

  Keeping a detailed inventory of possessions and photographing items before packing is another useful precaution. These steps can assist in any disputes over damages or missing items. Ultimately, transparency and trust are key in any moving arrangement. Companies that are evasive or overly aggressive about payments should be approached with caution.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 11, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: hostage loads, moving ( 7 ), moving company scam, Scams ( 1,499 )   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 15, 2022 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: movers ( 9 ), moving ( 7 ), moving company scam, real estate ( 134 ), Scams ( 1,499 )   

  Moving company scam holds belongings hostage 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Congratulations. You happen to be one of the lucky few who just bought or rented a new home. You avoided all the scams, and you’ve gotten all the money and paperwork in order. The hard part is over. Now you just have to move your belongings into your new home. That should be easy, right? You just need to call a few moving companies, get a few quotes, take the cheapest one, and you’re home free. But what happens when the movers ask for more money than they quoted? They’ve already got your stuff loaded on their truck. If you don’t pay then and there, they drive off with your belongings. Can they do that? The answer to that questions is no, but it happens anyway.

  A man in Natchez, Mississippi, recently found this out when he wanted some of his belongings moved to a storage facility. He was given a quote of $900, but when the movers showed up and loaded his stuff, they then asked for $2600. The movers allegedly added travel time to their per hour charges. The Natchez man did not have that kind of money, so the movers drove off with his possessions. They told him he can get them back when he pays the full amount. The matter was initially a matter for a civil court, since the man signed a contract that included extra cost for the travel time. However, after the matter was referred to the state Attorney General’s office, the moving company’s owner and another employee have since been arrested and charged with embezzlement. At the time of their arrest, police allegedly found the property of other victims as well in the moving company’s possession.

  Picking the right mover is almost as important as picking the home itself. If you find a reasonably priced moving company, do an online search for reviews and complaints. You can also check the mover’s license number with the Department of Transportation to see their complaint history. If they’re not registered with the DOT, the movers could be a fly-by-night operation or worse.

  If a company gives you an estimate without physically inspecting your belongings, they might be trying to scam you. You should always get at least three estimates from three different movers and get the estimates in writing. You should also never pay in full up front. Lastly, if anything feels out of the ordinary with your movers, don’t be afraid to go with another company.