On The Move

On the Move: Protecting Yourself from Moving Scams

Packing for a move can be a stressful time full of checking and rechecking to make sure you got everything. However, one thing many movers forget to check is the legitimacy of their moving company.

Nearly 3.000 consumers filed moving fraud complaints just last year. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to make sure that you don’t have to. The first step is being aware of the red flags that can help you recognize a fraudulent moving company.

One practice that is common among rogue movers is giving estimates over the phone or online without ever inspecting your items in person. The figures they give you often sound too good to be true, and usually that’s because they are. You should also be wary if a mover refuses to give you a physical, written document recording the estimate he offered you. The company should also be willing to provide this information well before the move. It is important to do so in order to insure that they mover can not charge you more than the agreed amount.

Another thing that unreliable companies will do is ask for cash or a significant deposit beforehand. Reliable companies should have no problem with transporting your possessions before receiving any significant payments.

Moving companies are not only responsible to provide you with quality service, but also with the proper paperwork. All movers are required by law to give their clients a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and a copy of FMCSA’s “Ready to Move” brochure.

You should also be skeptical of any company that does not offer a physical address on their website, or answers the phone with a vague description of the company rather than giving the specific company name.

And finally, it is not too late to back out if the company arrives with a rental truck rather than a company moving vehicle. This detracts from the company’s legitimacy, and should signal to you that they are unreliable.

Moving is already stressful enough. Don’t let an unreliable moving company make it worse.

Contact us here at Howard Webb Insurance 764-644-8847 or www.howardwebbins.com for more information