Moving scams: What you need to know when hiring a moving company, so you don’t get scammed

Moving to a new home or state can put many people on edge. In addition to carefully packing and organizing your beloved possessions, you may find yourself searching for hours for a trusted moving company so you don’t get scammed.

Moving scams are more common than you may think. In fact, the Better Business Bureau notes over 1.5 million inquiries were made about moving companies in 2023, with nearly 6,000 complaints filed by consumers.

According to the BBB, consumers who fell victim to moving scams reported a median loss of $350 last year.

Here are some of the most frequent moving scams:

• No-shows after upfront payment. After contacting the company, you receive a quote to pay the deposit but the movers never show up at your door.
• Disappearing movers. After the moving company loads your belongings onto the truck, they disappear with them.
• The movers hold your belongings hostage unless you pay extra charges.
• Overcharging. Initially, the movers give you a low estimate to secure your business, then begin adding more and more fees (packaging, the estimated load is much heavier than expect) that can double the original estimate.

Real-life example

“[Name redacted] moving company [name redacted] charged my credit card $505 more dollars then quote he promised of $1595. His workers also stole belongings of mine by not emptying the truck and drove away with them,” one consumer complaint submitted via the BBB Scam Tracker reads. They complained my $50 each tip was not enough so [name redacted] decided to charge me extra knowing full well his workers kept my belongings too. This is also in addition to items that I let them keep from the previous apartment.”

Here are telltale signs that the moving company you see online might be a scam operation:

• The company does not accept credit card payments
• Your movers request large deposits or cash upfront
• The company lacks a proper license
• Claims all of your goods are covered by their insurance without checking everything out
• Instant quotes. A mover will give you an estimate without an on-site inspection of your household or goods
• Customers are required to sign a blank contract or paperwork before any moving work is done
• The company has many complaints online or has changed its name recently
• Refuses to provide you with any written estimates or contracts before booking
• Does not give you a physical address
• Movers show up in rented or unmarked vehicles

How to avoid moving scam rip-offs

Moving scams perpetrated by either a moving company or individuals take advantage of the stress of moving house. If you’re looking to hire a moving company, keep in mind these rules to avoid scams:

• Look out for the warning signs: poor reviews, no address or registration, rented trucks, over-the-phone estimates, no on-site inspection or answering the phone with a generic name “moving company” or “movers”
• Never pay large deposits upfront. If a company insists, we recommend switching to another company
• Research the company name and look for any complaints or bad reviews online
• Ensure that all moving trucks are branded or have a company logo.
• Avoid paying cash whenever possible
• Keep an inventory of your belongings and make photos of all important items
• Ensure that any contracts presented to you are complete before signing off on any blanks

If you are scammed by a moving company, contact consumers protection agencies in your area and law enforcement. For individuals in the US, reach out to the FTC, BBB and the FMCSA.

Worried about scams?

Use Bitdefender Scamio, our AI-powered tool dedicated to helping you identify and avoid potential scams. When unsure about an email, you can check it with Scamio on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or a web browser for free! Copy/ paste a text or link, describe the situation, and upload the image or the QR code you want to verify. Scamio will analyze the data and tell you if anyone is trying to scam you.

You can also help others stay safe by sharing Scamio with them in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, Australia and the UK.