Fraud Squad - Fraud Library - Moving Company Fraud

MOVING COMPANY FRAUD

Scenario: You receive a moving company quote based on the cubic feet of space needed to move your things. You agree to pay for additional cubic feet if needed and packing supplies, although you have not received a specific quote for the items. Come moving day, your stuff is in the truck and suddenly the bill is twice what you were quoted.

Scam: They got you! Or at least your stuff. The rate for additional cubic feet is double what they originally quoted and you are charged for packing materials you never saw. What are you going to do? You need to move today.

Moving is an emotional time for most people. The panic of getting everything packed, the new place and a new job can leave you vulnerable. Fraudsters will try anything to inflate your bill and keep your things hostage until you pay in cash. If you don’t pay they might take your goods away and "store" them. They might be left in a substandard location, subject to damp and mold. Your things might be ransacked or stolen and there is little you can do. In many cases you have signed a document saying that you will be responsible for the additional charges.

In some cases, fraudulent movers will request an advance fee to confirm your time slot, but never show up

If you or someone you know has been a victim of Moving Company Fraud we want to know. Contact us and take ACTION NOW!

MOVING COMPANY FRAUD

Get at least three estimates, and check out moving companies with your local Better Business Bureau.

Be wary of "rock bottom" prices.

Find out if the company has a physical presence in your area. A nice website or ad in the phone book doesn't always translate into a legitimate or professional moving operation.

Avoid movers who only give estimates over the phone or refuse to physically examine the goods to be shipped prior to moving day. An in-home estimate should be required and offered without asking. Make sure to get the itemized estimate in writing.

Don't go with a moving company that requires a deposit before the moving date. The mover may try to justify the deposit request by saying it is necessary to "hold dates" or to "insure prompt service." A legitimate company will not ask for a deposit, but will expect payment on delivery and before the shipment is unloaded from the truck.

Price should be based on weight, which can always be verified by state-certified scales. Using the cubic foot method means that there is no way for you to verify the amount you will be charged.

Don't sign anything that you haven't reviewed and approved. Don't sign blank documents.

If a mover shows up in a standard rental truck or a truck with no distinct markings, you may be at risk of a moving scam.

Be wary of demands for payment in cash only. Moving companies are also required to accept personal checks or credit cards.

Reference Links:

http://www.mover-newyork.com

http://www.movingscam.com/

http://www.bustathief.com/moving-company-scams-movers-scam/

http://articles.directorym.co.uk/10_Tips_to_Ensure_a_Good_Move_and_Avoid_Moving_Fraud-a874731.html

http://collegemovingguide.com/

http://www.movecentral.com/articles/WorkingWithaMover/PaperworkInvolvedwithYourMove.asp

http://www.forthepeople.com/moving_company_fraud.htm

MOVING COMPANY FRAUD

Darain’s Space | Darain Shahidi

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Posted on : 2009-03-05