Common Moving Scams to Watch Out For

When you’re moving into a new home, there are lots of things to think about. Sadly, many people end up falling for different moving scams during the process. Learning what these scams are and how to stay away from them can help you protect yourself while you move.

We’ve put together a list of common moving scams that many people get tricked by every year. By going through this information, you’ll be more prepared to spot these scams and know how to avoid them during your move.

Over the Phone Estimates

This scam happens when movers only give you a price estimate over the phone instead of checking your items in person. Phone estimates are not as accurate as in-home ones. Because of this, dishonest movers may give you a low price at first but once the move is done, they raise the cost far higher than what they told you before.

Getting an in-home estimate will give you a clearer and more accurate idea of how much your move will really cost. If a moving company refuses to give an in-home estimate, it’s a warning sign that the movers may not be trustworthy.

You should ask the movers to come to your home and give you a free moving quote. After that, make sure to get the quote in writing. This helps protect you from extra hidden charges being added later. Sometimes important details are hidden in the fine print, so always read everything carefully. It’s important to know all the details to keep your move safe. And remember, if a phone estimate sounds way too cheap, it’s probably a scam.

The Bait and Switch

A lot of people get tricked by the bait and switch scam. In this scam, a moving company gives you an estimate that looks like an amazing deal. The price sounds so good that you decide to hire them for your move. That’s the bait!

At the end of the move, the company adds extra fees and charges. This is the “switch.” Movers use this trick to attract customers by offering cheap prices at first but later raising the cost a lot. By the time this happens, the move is already done and you’re left paying much more than you originally agreed to.

Ask the movers to explain any itemized fees that might be part of your moving costs. This way, you’ll know if the company is being upfront about all the charges. Before choosing a mover, check their BBB rating, get recommendations and read reviews to make a smart decision.

Required Deposit

This scam happens when movers demand cash up front before doing any work. A trustworthy moving company usually won’t ask for a deposit before your move. In most cases, you only pay once all your belongings are safely delivered to your new home. Paying in advance gives scammers full control over your move. Waiting to pay until the job is done helps make sure your things are delivered safely and on time.

The Thin Contract

Many moving scams come from shady contracts. Some unreliable movers will give you a contract with very little detail. By leaving out important information, they can later charge you extra for your move. A proper moving contract should include things like your estimated quote, any extra fees and key moving day details such as pickup time and the expected delivery date and time.

The best way to avoid this scam is by knowing your rights and responsibilities as a customer. When you understand what you’re entitled to, it’s easier to steer clear of contract scams. Always take time to carefully read every part of your contract before signing. This will help keep both you and your belongings protected during the move.

Late (or Never) Delivery

This might be the worst moving scam of all. The movers show up, pack and load your things, and promise to deliver them “on time.” But later, they call to say your belongings are stuck behind other people’s items in the truck, so you won’t get your furniture until those deliveries are made first.

Or, if the movers have a license issue and their truck gets impounded by the Department of Transportation while on the road, all your belongings will be stuck inside until the truck is released. In both cases, your items could arrive weeks late—or may never be delivered at all.

Reckless Abandonment

This scam usually happens with dishonest or rogue movers. They take your money, load your belongings and then disappear—shutting down and leaving your items either on the truck or in a private storage facility. In this case, the mover runs off with both your money and your possessions. If you do manage to track down where your things are stored, you’ll likely have to pay a huge amount to get them back.

Avoiding Moving Scams

Now that you’re aware of the common scams shady movers pull, how can you make sure to avoid them? Having a smooth, affordable move with a reliable moving company is completely possible. Here are some tips to help you choose the right mover for a safe and successful relocation:

• Ask for an on-site estimate: STI Moving & Storage offers free in-home moving estimates.
• Verify the company’s address: A legitimate mover will have a physical location. Once you get the address, check it on Google or visit it in person to confirm it’s real.
• Get recommendations from people you trust: One of the easiest ways to find a reliable mover is through word of mouth from friends, family or neighbors who have used them before.
• Ask your real estate agent: Since real estate agents deal with people moving all the time, they can be a great resource for recommending trustworthy movers.
• Get three in-home estimates: Collect quotes from three different moving companies. If one price seems way off compared to the others, it’s a clear sign that something might not be right.
• Pick a mover who charges by weight, not cubic feet: This helps make sure the estimate you’re given is accurate and locked in from the start.
• Look at the mover’s complaint history: If a company has more than eight complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau, it’s a good idea to think twice before hiring them.

How to Protect Yourself from Moving Scams

There are a few easy steps you can follow to avoid getting scammed by movers, along with some things you should never do during a move. Follow this advice, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, safer and more affordable moving experience:

• Avoid paying a large deposit: If a mover asks for a big deposit upfront, it’s usually a red flag. They may be more interested in taking your money than safely moving your belongings. If this happens, find another company.
• Don’t pay in cash: Paying cash is risky because there’s no proof of the transaction. If your items don’t get delivered—or worse, disappear—you’ll have no record of having paid for the service.
• Check that the truck is branded: Legitimate moving companies use trucks with their name and logo on them. Always look for the branding to make sure scammers don’t drive off with your belongings.
• Never sign an incomplete contract: Just like you wouldn’t sign a loan agreement with blanks, you shouldn’t sign a moving contract that isn’t fully filled out. Make sure everything is complete before you put your signature on it.
• Don’t accept a thin contract: Only sign a detailed moving contract, ideally more than two pages long. It should include a full list of all your belongings.
• Get extra insurance: A trustworthy moving company will offer additional insurance options to give your belongings maximum protection in case something is lost or damaged. STI Moving & Storage provides Full Valuation Coverage which fully protects your shipment if any issues occur.
• Ask about the mover’s claims policy: Learn how the company handles claims in case you ever need to file one. If you do have to file a claim, you’ll want it to be taken care of quickly and fairly.

How to Choose a Reputable Mover

In today’s uncertain economy, many people end up falling for moving scams. Often, they look for the cheapest mover, not realizing that these “too good to be true” offers usually come from scammers.

With over 21 years of experience in the moving industry, STI Moving & Storage understands how the business works. As a trusted moving company, we can guide you on how to pick a professional mover. We know you’re looking for a smooth move at a fair price. Here are some tips to help you choose the right mover for the job:

• Start looking for the right mover about 8 weeks before your move. If you don’t have that much time, begin as soon as you can.
• Ask for references. Talk to people you know who have recently moved and get their recommendations for a reliable mover.
• Make a list of all the services you’ll need. Think about everything, including temporary storage or even shipping your car, so you can get the most accurate price and pick a mover who can handle all your needs.
• Research moving companies carefully. Focus on ones in your area that offer the exact services you need and cross off any that don’t meet your requirements.

Use these tips to guide you in finding the right mover. Keep in mind, the cheapest option isn’t always the best one. A deal that looks good at first could end up costing you a lot more later.