Spotting and Avoiding Common Moving Scams
A move to a new home is already stressful, and dealing with fraudulent moving scams can turn a difficult task into an outright nightmare. Actually, moving scams are very common, with some fraudulent movers simply preying upon unsuspecting customers. Knowing how to recognize common mover scams can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. This article will look at a few prevalent moving scams and give you tips on protecting yourself against these kinds of frauds.
Understanding Common Moving Scams
Mover scams are diverse in their nature, but the objective is always the same: to dupe clients at a time of vulnerability. Some of the most common forms of moving scams involve the following:
1. Low-Ball Estimates
More often than not, hidden charges are the norm in moving scams. A low-ball estimate is given to attract as much business as possible. However, in reality, once all your goods are loaded into the truck, you will be presented with a far higher bill for payment. Worse, they can even hold hostage what is yours unless the money is paid upfront.
2. Hidden Fees
Rogue movers pose a significant relocation risk. They could be some totally rogue movers who would bait you with an overwhelmingly good price just to hit you with a laundry list of hidden fees after your things are already on their truck. These could be charges for ascending stairs, taking long carries, or for “extra” services that one would never have wanted in the first place. In fact, in the final arithmetic, the final bill would be stretching upwards like the sky from what was initially estimated.
3. Rogue Movers
Rogue movers are those that are unlicensed moving companies that are neither registered nor regulated and mostly operate under fake names. They sometimes have no actual address or customer service department that one can easily reach, thus it is usually very hard to locate them once they got your things. Such rogue movers usually ask for large deposits upfront and one may never see them again, or worse, your possessions will have vanished.
4. Hostage Situations
The movers hold your property ransom and would not hand them down to you no matter how much you pay a lot more than you were earlier quoted. The company argues the weight of your shipments was much higher than the estimated weight or argue that other than earlier disclosed extra services were provided. Your belongings remain with them until you pay.
5. Fake Reviews
Unethical companies have discovered a new way to gain artificial trustworthiness: they come up with fake testimonials. These may be on the company website or third-party review websites, created to make customers believe they are dealing with a credible company. Whereas, in truth, the service provided by such companies is far from satisfactory.
How to Spot Moving Scams
Though it may be quite tricky to discover mover scams, especially if you are too busy organizing the move at the same time, watch out for these red flags:
1. Unrealistically Low Estimates
If a moving estimate appears to be too good to be true, that’s likely because it is too good to be true. Avoid the moving company that offers so much lower rates than other movers. Everyone enjoys a great deal, but a quote that is well below the market price, in general, is a bad sign.
2. No On-Site Inspection
More specifically, the good mover will make an on-site advance inspection of your goods before issuing the estimate. This way, they get to make an estimate based on the volume and weight of your goods. That is a red flag: if the company wants to or insists on giving you a quote without coming to your home, refuses to do in-home inspections, or wants to pass on giving a quote over the phone or online without looking at your goods.
3. No Written Agreement
Always insist on a written contract that outlines all the details of your move, including the estimate, any additional fees, the delivery date, and the terms and conditions. If a moving company is reluctant to provide a written contract or offers vague terms, it’s a sign that they may not be trustworthy.
4. Lack of Credentials
Make sure to establish the legitimacy of the moving company before hiring it. An official mover should be registered by the relevant government agencies and have a valid license number. For interstate moves, confirmation can be done by a USDOT number provided. Such numbers are given by the FMCSA. If a company is unable to offer this information, there may be a cause for concern about their legitimacy.
5. Poor Communication
Take note of the way they speak to you. A good company will react professionally, and will not be beating about the bush when it comes to service provision and charges. If the moving company is hard to reach, or you cannot get straight answers on the questions asked, it is a pointer to a scam.
How to Avoid Mover Scams
Now that you know how to spot potential scams, here are some tips on how to avoid them:
1. Investigation of Moving Companies
Investigate moving companies. Online reviews of firms from various websites, references must be asked for, and their legitimacy checked. Find a company with a history of years in business with satisfied customers and a good reputation overall in the industry.
2. Quotes
Do not accept the first offer that you get. You should get at least three quotes from different companies. That will give you a better idea of how much your move is likely to cost and help you detect any outliers that seem either too high or too low. Remember: the best deal is not usually the lowest price.
3. Ask Questions
Feel free to ask any questions about the process, estimate, or any extra fees. A good moving company will be more than willing to answer your questions by providing clear, straight answers. If the company appears evasive or blows off questions, then that is a red flag.
4. Read the Fine Print
Read in between the lines and other information before sealing the deal. Ensure you are clear on the terms of extra expenses should any arise. If you get the feeling some things are not in the right place or are rather ambiguous, ask for clarity or you might even consider getting a word or two from a lawyer.
5. Have Confidence in Your Feelings
Finally, trust your gut. When something doesn’t feel right about any moving company, it is always better to be safe than sorry. There are a lot of good movers around, so do not be pressured to settle with a company that is making you feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
With a little vigilance and information, you could save yourself from being a victim of one. Spotting red flags, asking the right questions, and doing plenty of research can be that pack of hassle taken out of your move. Remember, it’s worth taking proper time and precaution in making a deal with the movers.
If you’d like to discover the latest information about the moving and relocation world, please also check other industry news from Asian Tigers Group.
Your trusted moving support is only a few clicks away from your hand. Contact the Asian Tigers office near your origin or destination for your next move. You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions resource, AI-powered by Tiger Move Bot.
