Moving is a heavy task. If you get a professional and honest mover, these concerns are more than halved. But if you come across a fraud company, moving a scam can lead to increased stress and problems.
What are moving scams?
When a fraudulent moving company adopts tactics to abuse its customers and not offer the promised services, you can be said to be the victim of a scam in motion.
How can you protect yourself from these scams?
- The credentials and notices published by these companies are generally false. It is therefore advisable to use a company recommended by your friends, neighbors and acquaintances
- A better moving company will be a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Beware of offers that seem too good to be true. This is the most common trick adopted by scammers to trap innocent customers. It is safer to get an estimate of 3 to 4 companies after conducting an on-site inspection and then choosing a better moving company.
- In the worst case scenario, the cheats movers hold your precious assets for ransom or may simply disappear into the air, never to be seen again. In such cases, you can do nothing but try to recover the lost goods. Notifying the police, filing a complaint with the Department of Transportation and filing a consumer complaint of household items should be a step in the right direction.
- Never pay large deposits in cash. If this is the peak of the moving season and the mover wants an advance as confirmation of the date, then make the payment only by card. This deposit must not exceed 10-15 of the amount paid.
- Make sure you have everything in writing. The moving contract, estimated fees and taxes, inventory sheet and all required documents for the move. All documents must be complete and properly signed and stamped.
- Never sign incomplete or blank documents. Look carefully at the document and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.
- Beware when the mover asks you to sign a new invoice, because the previous one has been damaged or misplaced or you have more items than they originally estimated.
- Ask for a revised estimate and make sure that “you” both sign them before the move begins.
Just a little precaution on your side will ensure a pleasant and safe move.