Millions of Americans move every year. Moving is an exciting as well as overwhelming process. Embracing a new start in a new location can give you a whole new lease on life. However, with so many steps as part of the process, it’s easy for consumers to fall victim to moving scams. According to Better Business Bureau (BBB) figures, consumers lost an average of $836 to moving scams in 2023, and it is expected that this number will rise at the end of 2024. One of the best ways to avoid a moving scam is choosing a thoroughly vetted and reputable moving company. But how do you do that? Here are a few tips from the professionals at ARS.

How To Avoid A Scam

      -  Conduct thorough research

When communicating with a moving company, make sure you check their experience, track-record, address and other company details. Inquiring about their license is a must. You can also check FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the company is accredited or has complaints. 

      -  Trust your instincts 

While interacting with their employees, lookout for vague answers. If you think you are getting indirect or incomplete answers, please become alert. Also, beware of high pressure sales tactics.

      -  Use trusted resources

Leverage resources from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). Authenticity can be confirmed by verifying the credentials of the moving company. Check out this article for some more tips on How to Find a Reputable Moving Company.

How To Identify A Scam

      -  Demanding large deposits

Moving companies very rarely ask you to pay a large percentage of your estimate as a deposit. If a company is requesting more than 25% of the estimated cost as a down payment, you may be dealing with a scam. You should also practice caution during payments. Never pay without a receipt confirming the amount and purpose of the payment.   

      -  Providing inaccurate estimates

Don’t be afraid to shop around. Never rely on just one company’s estimate. Try to get estimates from multiple sources. Compare all those estimates and understand the pricing and what services are included before proceeding with payment. Also, note that many organizations, including ARS, provide estimates for free. 

      -  Avoiding proper contracts

Inquire and read the whole contract carefully. Ensure that the contract covers all the important points. Never blindly sign the contract and remember that lack of contract is a red flag. Always remember that only transparent companies have a compact contract. 

How To Deal With A Scam 

      -  Examine all items 

After realizing that your moving company was a fraudulent one, check for damages or theft of your belongings. Find out if there are any broken belongings or missing items on your checklist and lodge a complaint immediately.  

      -  Complain to BBB

Better Business Bureau (BBB) maintains a record of complaints filed against fraudulent moving companies. It is your right and duty to spread awareness among other potential targets by reaching out to BBB. This makes sure that other people don’t fall prey to the same scams.   

      - Add reviews online

Go to various digital and social media platforms to share your bad experience. This will alert other users about such scams and spread more awareness on how to avoid or deal with frauds. 

With more than 85 years in business, Advance Relocation Systems has come across many consumers who were scarred by experiences with a dishonest moving company. It is our goal to show our customers that there are professional, honest movers in the industry. We provide quality with reliability. Our client’s satisfaction is important to us, so you can rest assured that all your valuables will be handled with the utmost care and consideration. Contact us for transparent and authentic moving services.