How to Avoid Rogue Movers
Approximately 3,000 Americans experience moving fraud every year. Don’t be one of them.
Each year, Bekins successfully relocates approximately 30,000 households, a testament to our trustworthiness and commitment to client satisfaction. Avoid becoming another statistic in moving fraud. Keep reading to discover effective strategies for eluding relocation scams.
Bekins Van Lines Protects Against Moving Scams
Customers have rights when it comes to moving. Bekins Van Lines wants to make sure you know those rights before choosing your mover. That’s why we hand out copies of helpful documents from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to every customer and include links to them on our website:
Tips on Finding a Legitimate Moving Company
If you’re unsure if you’re dealing with a moving company scam, here are a few ways to check if a moving company is legitimate:
LEGITIMATE MOVERS & BROKERS: FMCSA
Authentic moving companies and brokers operating interstate transportation of household goods are duly registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You should anticipate being provided with the following information:
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- A written estimate
- The Ready to Move pamphlet, either as a copy or as a hyperlink to the publication on the mover’s website or the FMCSA website
- Information about the mover’s arbitration program
- Written notice about access to the mover’s tariff
- The process for handling claims
- The “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet either as a copy or as a hyperlink to the publication on the mover’s website or the FMCSA website
Get Peace of Mind with Your Movers: Relocate with Bekins.
Bekins Van Lines is a certified ProMover through the American Trucking Association. We uphold the ethical and professional standards of the organization, which provides customer service agents to help resolve any disputes involving ProMovers.
If you have any questions about how to get started with a professional moving company like Bekins, get in touch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
You pay the full cost of your move just a few days before delivery — or upon the driver’s arrival with a certified check before unloading begins — with all professional and legitimate moving companies. Some movers charge a deposit when you book your move, but it shouldn’t be a substantial amount compared to the total estimate. If your movers ask for money (more than a nominal amount to reserve your move date) before starting the process, it is likely a red flag. At Bekins, we provide an estimate so you can know what to expect for the price of your move.
There are several signs of a moving scam, including:
- Large down payments
- Cash only policies
- Asking you to sign blank documents
- No address or office noted on the company website
- Extreme reviews (excessively good or bad)
Read our blog to learn more about moving scam signs or download our PDF so you can feel confident on move day!
Finding the best moving company for your relocation can be tough. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re moving with the best:
- Talk to friends and family. See what (good and bad) experiences the people in your life have had with certain moving companies.
- Shop around. A common mistake a lot of people make while learning how to hire movers is going with the first company they receive a quote from. However, the best way to make sure you’re receiving the best pricing for your moving services is by shopping around and receiving quotes from multiple companies
- Beware of scammers. You’ll need to be very careful and be mindful of potential moving scammers or those who don’t have your best interests in mind during your moving process. Look out for red flags during your estimate – if the company you’re vetting seems particularly focused on getting money upfront, it’s a big sign of a potential scam.
Read our blog on how to find the best moving company.
The more educated you are about the moving process, the more likely you are to have a good experience. It is crucial that you read through all the FMCSA documents your mover is required to provide and ask questions before signing on the dotted line. In addition to those documents, check out our Resources and Guides page and visit our blog to ensure you’re in the know. You can also give Bekins a call if you have additional questions!