Beware of Popular Moving Scams and Tips on How To Avoid Them

Millions of Americans fall victim to the various scams set up by fraudsters to the point where it is getting harder to point out the gimmicks from reality. Moving can be one of the most hectic times in people's lives, and it can be frustrating to know that moving scams have become one of the latest and most costly scams out there to now face.

 According to the FTC, 1,390 moving scams occur yearly, costing Americans $2.1 million annually. With moving season at its peak due to so many being affected by the inflation of rent prices, this high demand means that more people are at risk of illegitimate moving companies taking advantage of them.

If you are a first-time mover or have never hired professional movers, below are a few common scams and five simple tips to keep in mind when trying to avoid scammers and ensure you are working with an honest, reliable company that will give you a stress-free moving experience. 

Popular Moving Company Scams Include:

According to the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are several red flags to look out for when planning your move. However, common scams to avoid include: 

• The classic “bait-and-switch” scam: This is when a company gives you a super-low estimate to get you to agree to business with them, then overcharge you upon arrival or delivery. It is likely if you think the price is too good, it is. Always get multiple quotes before settling on your final moving company.
• The unseemingly large “required” deposit: Most reputable movers will not demand cash or large deposits before moving you. However, use a credit card if you must pay a deposit upfront to hold your place during the busy calendar months. This will help you fight fraudulent activity if anything goes wrong.
• A “new” company with a generic moving name: Are you finding that the company’s website has no reviews, no local address, no information about its registration, insurance, or authentic contact information via phone or email? That is a clear sign to look for another company before becoming a victim of fraud.

Five Tips on How To Avoid Scammers:

1. Stay in Communication: It should not be difficult to stay in touch with your moving company. If you are paying for a service, the servicer should be as accessible as you need them to be. Therefore, if you cannot maintain regular contact with your movers, that is the first clear sign that the company could be fraudulent.
2. Search the FMCSA Database: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) acts as a safety department for the moving industry. The FMCSA’s website lets you search for licensed movers using the USDOT number, MC/MX number, or simply the company name. If a company is not coming up in your search, it is most likely not a reputable company or does not have the proper licensing. Therefore, it is best to find a new company that does.
3. Read Customer Reviews: All moving companies, even the great ones, receive bad reviews. In fact, it is more common to see negative reviews because people are more likely to review something when they are upset about a service. We get most of our jobs from referrals; therefore, ensuring each customer has a great moving experience is our highest priority. However, if you see multiple negative reviews listing sketchy experiences, you should take that as a warning before selecting that specific company for business. Fortunately, we have worked with wonderful clients who have shared their positive reviews, which you can view here Our Reviews - Fireman Movers DFW.
4. Keep a list of inventory: Moving can be hectic, let alone keeping track of everything during the transition. To be sure that none of your items go missing without your knowledge, it is a good idea to keep a detailed list of what was packed. Also, locking up your high-value items or sensitive information wouldn’t hurt to do either. This way, you can know if anything is missing once the move is done. Movers can make mistakes, and things can get left behind by accident, or if one or some of your items are to be stolen, the list will allow you to react swiftly to hopefully get your items back. Use this tip to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

One of the easiest ways to avoid these popular scams and to have peace of mind from the beginning is to use a reliable company like us here at Fireman Movers. We are a  company with a standing tradition of creating relationships you can trust to move the things you treasure most in your home or business. 

Contact us today for all your moving services needs. All our employees have extensive experience in the moving industry and will handle your items with the utmost value and care.