Avoiding Moving Scams
How to Spot the Tell-Tale Signs
A 2022 study revealed that moving scams cost Americans over $2.1 million annually. This amount is incurred as lost personal belongings, hidden fees, and damaged goods. When moving, the last thing you wish to encounter is falling prey to scammers. It’s unfortunate that moving scams occur every day so your best way to keep them at bay is to know how to spot a scammer when searching for a mover. Here are the tell-tale signs of a possible moving scammer and ways to avoid them:
Giving phone quotations
Any reputable mover would want to visit your premise and assess the work before giving a quote. If you speak to a mover who is quick to give a rough estimate, this should warn you that they don’t know much about the moving business or they just want to make a quick buck.
Charging hidden fees
It’s important to be clear about the cost of hiring a mover before you sign any contract. If you notice that a prospective provider leaves some details outside the contract, you probably shouldn’t work with them. Roque movers use this trick to charge extra for parking, carrying items along stairs, and other services. All these should be mentioned in advance so that you can get a clear idea of how much their services will cost you.
Giving a one-size quote for all
Each moving job is different. Clients don’t have houses with the same number of rooms or quantity of goods. That means the weight of goods and truck space required to fit goods from different households will vary. Besides, the distance to cover when moving items should also come into play when giving a quote. Long distance moving services cannot cost the same as a move within the same zip code. That’s why any serious mover should come to inspect your house thoroughly and check the various items you have and how heavy they are, among other details that affect the moving service, before giving a quote.
Suspicious pricing
If you find a mover whose charges are too low compared to market prices, this should raise a flag. It’s a good idea to want to save some cash, but not by opting for providers with unrealistic charges. Such movers might just disappear with your goods, surprise you with extra charges or just do a shoddy job. The same goes for those providers who are quick to give a quote without getting proper details of the job.
Quick to ask for deposits
Usually, movers don’t need to tie you down to doing business only with them before the due date. Most reputable movers don’t require a downpayment until the last days once you’ve agreed on most aspects of the move, including the date. Just pay when you are confident this is the company you want to work with and they have a clear refund policy in case of any last-minute changes.
Scanty details about their business
Before you work with any moving services provider, it’s prudent to do your research about the business. You’ll need to establish their physical address, working phone or email contact, customer reviews, and such. Today’s businesses keep this information accessible by having an online presence. That’s why if you notice a company whose information isn’t available or clear, and you can’t establish their physical offices, treat this as a red flag.
Brokers posing as movers
Yes, there are moving brokers and you don’t want to work with one. A moving broker is a person with only a computer, a phone, and a desk. They will make you think that you've hired them to move you, but really they auction off your move to someone else. In this case, a broker holds no responsibility for the success of your move.
You can avoid them by being vigilant. Make sure you check their physical address and find as many details of a mover as you can. In case you cannot establish the physical office of a mover, chances are that they operate as a broker.
Don't be misled by the name "XYZ Mover." Just because they have "mover" in their name doesn't mean they aren't a broker. Do your research to make sure the mover you hired is a physical company with its own employees, trucks, and equipment. They should also give you a valid contract that uses their details as they appear on relevant business registration agencies.
Summing up
Moving can be hectic and costly. You don’t wish to add to your hassle by hiring the wrong service provider. You’ve protected your household items all this time by having security gates and doors with proper locks. Protect them on the way by hiring the right mover. Use the tips above to sniff a moving scammer out before they make you their next victim.
About the Creator
James Deutsch
James Deutsch is a writer and content strategist with a passion for travel. Always on the move, he bounces between the west and east coasts, pursuing his love for writing, music, and finding unique knick-knacks and gifts.
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