Moving scams are, unfortunately, prevalent in this industry…
Your move may be going along swimmingly with everything going just right – until you become the unwitting victim of a moving company scam. This can throw a wrench into even the most organized move. That’s why you have to do your due diligence when it comes to hiring a reputable moving company – just as you would when considering inviting an electrician or plumber into your home. Moving scams are, unfortunately, prevalent in this industry, but a well-informed consumer can prevent this. Check out these tips for avoiding moving scams.
- Check references. This means you ask for references from former customers and actually call them to see what they thought of the company. Would they hire them again? What did they like about the movers? What did they dislike?
- Get referrals. In addition to family and friends, seek out referrals from local real estate agents, as they often deal with movers on a frequent basis. Get a bunch of estimates in writing, and in person. No reputable mover can accurately estimate how much it would cost to move your stuff without seeing it first. This is because you may have lots of fragile, heavy or large items that require special care, or maybe you live in a townhouse where the movers would have to schlep up and down the stairs to get your stuff out. Exact measurements of doorways and elevators should be taken by the movers before they can give you an honest price.
- Ask questions. Find out the moving company’s full legal name, how long they’ve been in business, and how they can be reached. Make sure they’re licensed, bonded and insured, and follow up on that with the local department of transportation.
- Don’t fork over the entire amount up front, or even a significant portion. One of the most common moving scams is a deposit scam, where the movers take your deposit and then disappear. Reputable movers won’t ask for all cash upfront – you are expected to pay at the time of goods delivery. Don’t do business with any company that demands full cash payment or large deposit before performing the service. Essentially, you’re giving up control over the transaction, and all you can do is hope that they show up and do their jobs.
- Avoid signing blank contracts. Get everything in writing, with a clear amount that outlines possible extra fees, pickup dates and delivery dates. Read through the contract before signing anything, particularly in regards to the inventory list. Don’t feel rushed and sign without going over every line.
Do your part in being a careful consumer so you don’t fall victim to a moving company scam. All it takes is some research and careful planning to have a seamless transition from one home to the next.
