Red flags of moving scams
Most moving scams follow the same pattern: a low quote, a deposit, then a much higher price once your things are on the truck. Here are the warning signs, drawn from FMCSA's guidance.
Before you book
- The quote comes over the phone or online, and nobody has seen your belongings.
- There's no written estimate, or you're told the price will be worked out after loading.
- The company wants cash or a large deposit up front.
- The website has no local address and nothing about registration or insurance.
- Someone answers the phone with "Movers" instead of a company name.
- You don't get the two required FMCSA documents: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move.
- The company says your goods are "fully covered" by its insurance.
On moving day
- You're asked to sign blank or incomplete documents.
- A rental truck shows up instead of a marked company truck.
- The crew says you have far more stuff than the estimate, and the price jumps.
One more pattern to know
The BBB has reported that scam movers often quote by volume (cubic feet) rather than weight, because volume is easier to manipulate. See their study linked below.
If it's already happening
- Don't pay more than 100% of a binding or 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery (FMCSA rule).
- File a complaint with FMCSA online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
- Contact your state attorney general or consumer protection office.