To help you avoid being taken advantage of, the experts at Wheaton World Wide have put together a list of moving company scams to look out for.
Signs of a Moving Company Scam
Before you hire a moving company, perform your due diligence. Here’s how to tell if a moving company is legitimate or just out to steal your money:
1. Upfront Payment or Unusually Large Deposit
When booking with a high-quality moving company, you rarely need a deposit. Peak season – May through September—is the only time a deposit may make sense. Because this is such a busy time for the industry, movers may need to ensure they’re covered in case of cancellations. If a moving company asks for a large retainer, be wary. You may never see it or them again.
2. Cash Payments
Cash is a thing of the past for most businesses. If a moving company requires a large cash deposit or cash payments, don’t trust them. There is no reason for cash to be the only form of payment available. Find a moving company that will be accountable for your money.
3. No FMCSA License Record
Having a license with FMCSA is a necessity to operate a truck. Before you sign on the dotted line with any mover, check the FMCSA database for their license. You can check by name or license number. As you search the database, double check that the license is up to date and not expired. If the moving company in question has no license at all, look elsewhere.
Another site to check is the Office of Inspector General. The OIG site shows pictures and names of individuals charged with transportation-related crimes who have fled jurisdiction rather than facing prosecution or serving their sentence.
4. Poor Communication
Communication is key with any service provider. The better communication you have with the provider, the safer and more secure you’ll feel with the moving company. Before move day, you should be contacted by your mover several times to set expectations and answer questions. During the move, your move coordinator and/or driver should keep you updated on what’s going on and when you can expect them for delivery at your new location.
Most negative reviews movers get are due to miscommunication. To avoid this situation, set communication goals with your move coordinator before your move so you know what to expect before, during and after the movers pick up your items.
5. Doesn’t Supply a Contract
Even if you feel comfortable with a mover, get everything in writing. Make sure that the terms you agree upon are carefully drafted in a moving contract that is signed by both parties. This will cover all your bases and help later if legal matters arise. If someone hands you a contract to sign, read it carefully and be aware of all the details covered.
Additionally, never sign a blank contract. Rogue movers could fill in the blanks later with excessive fees and conditions.
6. Lack of Insurance
If your movers claim your belongings are covered by insurance, they must show proof. A common scam is to claim your items are covered while there actually is no coverage. Keep in mind that the government mandates limited liability – not insurance – for your goods, but it’s very low: $0.60 per pound per item. So, if your 5-pound laptop is damaged in the move, the government-mandated limited liability nets you just $3.00. Most licensed companies like Wheaton World Wide Moving offer full replacement valuation protection that allows you to make sure your items are protected.
7. Frequent Change of Name
Name changes are a sure sign of a moving company scam. When a company switches names frequently, it may mean it has stolen from multiple victims and then reopened under a new banner. The Better Business Bureau warns against these types of scams, where the company can’t remove all the one-star reviews from its Google listing, so it just starts over.
Check the company’s address and information about licensing and insurance. Do they say the company’s full name when answering the phone? If so, this indicates consistency. If not, something might be going on you don’t want any part of.
8. Suspiciously Low Estimate
Moving companies should give accurate estimates. A comprehensive moving estimate based on the size of your home and the weight involved lets you know upfront what your total costs will be. It also allows the driver to estimate how large of a truck they will need to bring on moving day.
Unfortunately, some companies give low estimates to bait and switch customers. Then, on moving day they will ask for more money when they know they have you between a rock and a hard place. Lowballing is one of the most common moving company scams to look out for from rogue operators. Before choosing your mover, check each company’s reviews and reputation. Accurate estimates, even if higher than you’d like to see, give you a realistic idea of what you’ll spend with a professional moving company.
9. No On-Site Survey
Another variation of moving fraud involves operators giving estimates without even seeing the items they are moving. Then, once they have all your items loaded in their truck, they ask for more money. To give accurate moving quotes, movers need to see how large your home is, how many items you need moved and how heavy everything is. They should also notice moving challenges like narrow staircases and specialty items like pianos so that they can accurately estimate the time and effort needed to clear the home. 
When you show the movers around, whether in person or virtually, make sure all the items you are moving are accounted for. Keep in mind that if you add items to go on the truck without having mentioned them during the visual survey, the cost of your move will go up, as that changes the scope of the move.
Avoid Moving Scams with a Reputable Moving Company
By using the list above, you can identify rogue movers and avoid falling victim to a moving scam. To ensure your move goes smoothly, choose Wheaton World Wide for your next move. We’ve spent decades building our reputation to be the moving company America trusts most.
