Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in rogue movers. To properly protect yourself, your family and your household items from popular moving company scams, let’s look into how to spot rogue movers. We’ll also cover how to vet a legitimate moving company with clear communication and transparent fees.
What are Rogue Movers?
In order to avoid rogue movers, you’ll need to know what they are. Rogue movers operate a bit differently than regular scammers who might simply overcharge or who don’t hire experienced crews.
Rogue movers are moving companies that give you very low quotes to draw you in. Then, once they’re moving you, they hold your things hostage until you pay them extra fees. Depending on their level of sophistication, rogue movers can pull a variety of different scams. Here’s what to watch out for:
13 Signs of a Rogue Moving Company
1. Low Moving Quotes
Rogue movers begin their scam by quoting you a very low price over the phone, saying that everything is included in the price they give you. They’ll probably say it’s based on an hourly rate for a van and a certain amount of people for your moving crew. Unfortunately, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Large Down Payment
Most legitimate companies will only ask for a down payment of 20 percent or less of the full price. In fact, many movers don’t even ask for a down payment. Instead, you pay upon delivery. This way the company is held responsible for actually getting your belongings to the final destination safe and on time.
A company that asks for a significantly higher down payment is likely to be a scam. They may not even show up for the move and simply disappear with the down payment.
3. Cash-Only Payments
One of the biggest signs of a rogue moving company is asking for cash deposits, whether during your quote process or on moving day when it’s too late to back out. While it’s true you can sometimes get a better deal paying with cash, be careful if the movers won’t accept anything but cash. Credit card payments leave a paper trail and allow you to dispute charges. A legitimate moving company has the ability to accept credit payments.
4. Casual Phone Etiquette
Any professional business will answer a phone call by clearly saying the name of the company. If a mover answers the phone with a simple “hello” or “movers”, they may not be a legitimate moving company.
5. No License
One of the biggest indicators of your potential moving company being a scam is that they’re not listed on the Better Business Bureau and aren’t listed or aren’t licensed with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This agency regulates the trucking industry, which includes moving companies. If they aren’t listed as licensed with this agency, they’re most likely a scam.
6. No In-Person Quote
Rogue moving companies won’t give you an in-person quote or accurately assess how many items you have and the circumstances surrounding your relocation. They also won’t want to provide you with a quote in writing that will implicate them or give you evidence to bring against them. A good estimator looks at your home and decides on a quote based on an estimated weight and bulk.
7. No Advance Contract
Rogue movers probably won’t provide you with a moving contract until the day of your move, once they’re already there. This puts you in a spot you can’t get out of without throwing off your entire moving process.
8. No Address or Office
Most companies, including moving companies, have websites. This presence gives you the perfect opportunity to check for a possible scam. If there’s not an address listed on the mover’s website or if the address is a P.O. box or just a city, you should question it. It’s also a good idea to check if what looks like a real address actually has a business rather than a vacant lot. This is easy to do with Google maps.
9. Extreme Reviews
You always want to check the reviews before hiring a moving company. Of course, too many negative reviews stand out as a testament of their bad service. However, you should also keep an eye out for too many overly positive reviews as it could be a sign of false reviewers. Check out reviews on reputable moving sites before coming to a decision.
10. Scheduling Trouble
If the movers keep changing the time or date of your move, be wary. If the team arrives late for the move or for an on-site estimate, be wary. While some scheduling changes or tardiness is acceptable, continual scheduling trouble could indicate a scam. You don’t want to risk having to change your plans at the last minute.
11. Unmarked Vehicles
If your movers show up with trucks that don’t have any marking associating them with a van line or moving company, and especially ones that don’t have built-in ramps or any moving equipment to speak of, you’re probably working with a rogue company. They’ll also probably handle your belongings unprofessionally or carelessly since they’re not actual professionals.
12. Moving Day Fees
On the day of your move, a rogue moving company will typically show up and start adding on fees for random things like heavy objects or stairs. These are things reputable movers would bring up in advance or assess during an in-person quote. They may also pressure you to sign a contract on moving day without giving you sufficient time to read it.
13. Threats
On moving day, if you object to the extra fees being piled on to your initial low quote or refuse to make a cash deposit, your movers will threaten to leave. They know that, with a packed house and a schedule to adhere to, you have no real other option than to appease them. Additionally, they may arrive at your new home with all of your things packed up into their truck and present you with an exorbitant final bill. This puts them in the position of being able to keep your things or hold them hostage until you meet their demands. They may even threaten to dump your stuff over the sidewalk or break your items.
5 Ways to Find a Moving Company You Can Trust
Now that you know what red flags to watch out for, let’s discuss how to hire a legitimate moving company. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Verify Their Licenses
Always verify a moving company’s license on the FMCSA website and make sure they’re credible. A moving company should always provide you with their FMCSA number and will probably have it listed on their own website so you can verify it.
2. Check Reviews
Always check a company’s third-party reviews from real people. If a company has a bunch of five-star reviews listed on their website, but none on any other site, it could be a sign of a moving scam. Make sure to not only look on places like Google Reviews, Yelp and Angi either—get recommendations from trusted family members or friends as well.
You can also look up their standing on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Though they may list the BBB logo on their website, they can easily place that on there without being listed or in good standing with the Bureau.
3. Shop Around
Get multiple written quotes from several different moving companies and eliminate those with out-of-the-ordinary low pricing. Follow up with the companies that have an established reputation and are willing to give you an in-person quote backed by a signed agreement. Remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best!
4. Get an In-Person Estimate
If you can, always get an in-person quote done from a moving company representative so that you get the most accurate estimate possible. A site inspection allows the company’s agent to fully evaluate the circumstances around your move and prevents any moving day surprises. Bekins agents can often perform this service virtually.
5. Look for a Physical Location
Another good indication that you’re working with a legitimate moving company is that they’ll have a brick-and-mortar location or headquarters with a physical address. This will not only let you know that they’re established but can also indicate that they’re a reputable area moving company.
Avoid Moving Scams and Rogue Movers
Moving can be stressful under any circumstances, but can only be made worse when it comes to dealing with rogue movers or scam artists. If you’re looking for the best moving company for your relocation, look no further than Bekins. With decades of experience and a well-established reputation, you can be certain that we’ll provide you and your family with the best moving value for your money.
