Don’t Let Your Mover Scam You Monday Mar 28, 2022

Moving is one of life’s most stressful endeavors, and the last thing you need is to have your move turn into a complete disaster at the hands of a dishonest mover. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT), is responsible for overseeing moving companies. They receive thousands of complaints against moving companies each year. So the big question is: “How can I Find a Reputable Moving Company?”

How Do Moving Scams Work? 
A lot of dishonest moving companies get their clients from the Internet. Once you enter some basic information about your move on their websites, they offer you a low-ball bid. They convince you that your things will be in good hands with them because they are “professionals.” It’s when the movers actually show up, and it’s too late for you to save yourself, where things start to go horribly wrong.

The Price Change Tactic
Their first tactic is to quote you by cubic footage, not by weight. If you get a quote that is priced by cubic footage, that should raise a red flag right away. Any mover should be giving you a quote based on weight, not on cubic footage. In fact, as of August 2005, interstate moves based on cubic feet were made illegal. Once they have all of your belongings loaded onto their truck, they hit you with the real price. At this point, you’re in a tough spot because they have your possessions and won’t release them without immediate payment. 

The Delay Tactic
When it comes to interstate or long-distance moves, disreputable companies find ways to delay the length of the move while it’s in progress so they can tack on additional charges. During this time, you may incur extra personal expenses. Since you don’t have any of your furnishings at your new home, you have to make arrangements for a hotel and eating out.

Choosing the right moving company can make or break your experience. To be sure you’re selecting a reputable mover, check FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the company is accredited and whether they have any complaints lodged against them. For more valuable tips on what you should consider when selecting a mover, check out this article we did just last year. 

Choosing the right mover is critical to ensuring that you don’t become a statistic. At Advance Relocation Systems, we offer both commercial and residential moving services. When in doubt, turn to us. Whether you’re moving in-state or long distance, you can put your trust in our 83 years in business, 50+ years as an Atlas agent with multiple quality awards, and hundreds of 5-star customer reviews. When you’re planning your next move, contact us.

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