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What is the Moving Company Scam?

Rogue movers give you a low estimate to get your business, load your belongings onto their truck, and then hold them hostage until you pay exorbitant extra fees, often thousands of dollars more than the quote.

Red Flags

  • Giving an estimate over the phone without seeing your items.
  • Demanding a large cash deposit before the move.
  • No local physical address or valid registration number.
  • Answering the phone with a generic "Movers" or "Moving Services."

How It Works

Moving is stressful, and scammers take advantage of your desire to save money and get it over with quickly.

  1. The Quote: You find a mover online offering a great rate. They provide an estimate over the phone or email based on a vague description, without an on-site inspection. This estimate is usually "non-binding."
  2. The Pickup: On moving day, the crew arrives (often late) and rushes you. They might make you sign blank documents or contracts with incomplete sections, claiming they'll "fill it in later."
  3. The Hostage Situation: Once your life's possessions are on their truck and they drive away, the communication changes. They call to say the load is heavier than expected or takes up more cubic feet.
  4. The Extortion: They demand double or triple the original price to deliver your goods. If you refuse, they threaten to put your items in storage (at your expense) or auction them off.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Get an On-Site Inspection: legitimate movers will send someone to your home to see what needs to be moved before giving a quote.
  • Check Registration: Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Check their USDOT number.
  • Demand a Binding Estimate: A "binding estimate" guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown in the estimate.
  • Read Before Signing: Never sign a blank or incomplete document. Make sure everything is written down.

If You've Been Scammed

If your belongings are being held hostage:

  • File a Complaint: Report the company to the FMCSA and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Call the Police: Holding goods hostage for a price not agreed upon can be considered theft or extortion in some jurisdictions.
  • Check Your Insurance: See if your homeowners or renters insurance covers theft or loss during a move.