6 Moving Company Scams and How to Avoid Them

Some common moving scams include weight bumping, lowball estimates, holding household goods hostage, no-shows after deposit, credit card upcharges, extra fees, and stolen items

Learn how to recognize and avoid six common moving scams, plus where to report a fraudulent mover and how to get your money back

Weight bumpingHow it worksFirst, you get a non-binding estimate for the cost of your move

Then, on the day of the move, the movers tell you that your belongings weigh more than the company originally thought they did

They may charge you more per pound than the first estimate, sometimes as much as double the amount

If this happens after your belongings are loaded on the truck, the movers can effectively hold your things hostage until you pay the higher price

How to avoid itWhile there’s no sure-fire way to know that your total move weight has been accurately estimated, using only reputable movers can help

You can also tect yourself from the bait-and-switch aspect of this scam by getting only binding moving estimates (signed by both parties) before you hire a mover

Many of NerdWallet’s top-rated moving companies offer binding estimates. » MORE: NerdWallet’s top moving company picks2

Lowball estimatesHow it worksThe mover vides a very low estimate, then refuses to release the customer’s belongings unless they pay additional fees or a higher price overall

How to avoid itTo avoid falling victim to this scam, get multiple estimates (preferably binding) from reputable movers, and be cautious of quotes that are much lower than the average price range

Always ask potential fees and make sure that all communication with the company is in writing. » MORE: How much does it cost to move

Stolen truckloadHow it worksThe move appears to be going according to plan, and all your belongings have been loaded onto the truck without incident

But then, the truck never arrives at its destination, and you can’t get in with customer service

The company may also demand additional fees to release your stuff, or it might “lose track” of individual boxes or items

How to avoid itTo avoid this scam, only hire vetted, reputable movers, and keep a thorough, written inventory of all belongings being moved

You can also take pictures or s of all of your things as they’re loaded onto the truck, so you can address any discrepancies quickly after the truck is unloaded

No show after depositHow it worksThe customer pays the mover a significant deposit, and then on the day of the move, the mover doesn’t show up

How to avoid itTo tect yourself from no-shows, be wary of movers who require deposits, especially large ones

Credit card upchargesHow it worksThe mover vides the service but then charges the customer’s credit card a higher amount than the agreed-upon price

In the hectic frenzy of moving, customers may hand over a credit card at the end of the day, sign on the dotted line and be unaware they’ve been victimized by this scam until they receive their monthly credit card statement

How to avoid itTo avoid being scammed with an unexpected upcharge, use only reputable movers and try to get a binding estimate if possible

Keep an eye on your credit card statement during and after your move, and read the fine before signing anything

Keep copies of contracts and estimates so you have evidence if you need to open a dispute with your credit card company

Thin contractsHow it worksFraudulent movers may offer contracts that leave out important details, allowing them to add extra charges at the end of the move

Some may even ask you to sign a partially or fully blank document

How to avoid itRead all contracts carefully

Make sure they include your moving quote, a detailed list of everything included in the move, and your pickup and dery dates and times

Get startedon moveBuddha's websiteOther services offeredPacking, unpacking, storage and debris removal

How to choose a moving companyBefore selecting a mover, do the ing:Review the company’s Better Bureau (BBB) rating

You can see their average review with customers and check if any formal complaints have been filed against them

The FMCSA Mover database

This tool allows you to see a company’s location, information, registration with the DOT, safety info and any complaints that have been lodged against it

You’ll also be able to find out if the company you’re considering is a full-service mover or a moving broker

Moving brokers contract third-party carriers and may have less consistent payment policies

Read online reviews from trusted sites Google, BBB, Angi and TrustPilot

If you only see very recent, positive reviews, the company may be manipulating reviews

Ask friends and neighbors if they’ve used the mover, or ask the mover for references

Verify that the mover exists by driving by the mover’s listed address or using online satellite and street map tools to see if the company has a physical location

Document the moving cess by getting everything in writing, saving all paperwork and taking inventory photos of everything you’re moving. » MORE: When to hire a fessional mover and when to DIYMoving company red flagsA mover may not be reputable if it has any of the ing issues:The website doesn’t display insurance information or an FMCSA registration (including the DOT number or other type of registration)

When you call the phone number, a customer service representative doesn’t answer with the company name

The address doesn’t contain the company name or use a fessional domain

They lack any online presence

They claim to have been in for many years, but all online reviews are very recent

They won’t vide the exact address of their storage facility

The company keeps changing its name or address

They won’t answer your questions

They bombard you with unsolicited calls and s

QuotesThey don’t vide a careful inspection of your perty and belongings, and instead offer a telephone or online quote sight-unseen

The quote you receive is much lower than average or than other estimates

They won’t vide you with a written quote (binding or non-binding) and want you to hire them with just a handshake

They try to pressure you into hiring them by claiming they have a limited-time discount that needs to be locked in immediately

They don’t vide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”

Federal law requires movers to vide this information to all customers planning interstate moves [0]FMCSA

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

PaymentThey don’t accept credit cards

They require cash or a large deposit before the move

They charge for a quote

Moving dayThe driver arrives in a rented truck instead of a fessionally labeled moving van

The driver asks you to sign blank documents. 🤓Nerdy TipIf you catch several of these red flags last minute or even on the day of your move, consider canceling and rescheduling with a more reputable company

It may be awkward, but it’s better than losing more money or even your belongings

How to report a moving scamIf you’ve been scammed by your movers, report the crime to the police first

Here are other helpful places to report:File a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Consumer Complaint Database

Report to your state moving agency

Each state has its own agency that regulates moving companies, so you’d need to that agency for instructions on filing a complaint

File a complaint with the Better Bureau

You can also post a negative review there that will help warn others against using the mover

Frequently asked questionsCan I get my money back if my credit card was upcharged during my move

If unauthorized charges from movers appear on your credit card, the financial institution that issued the credit card to report the fraud and dispute the charges

Have all supporting contracts and documentation available

Can I take legal action if my mover scammed me

You can a lawyer to explore your options, which may involve taking the mover to small claims court or, if the mover has scammed multiple customers, filing a class action lawsuit

What’s the difference between binding and non-binding moving contracts

There are three main types of moving contracts:A binding contract means your mover can’t legally ask you for any more money than the price appearing in the original quote

A non-binding contract means you may have to pay more than the quoted price if your items weigh more than estimated or you need additional services

A binding-not-to-exceed contract allows movers to charge a bit more than quoted if additional weight or services are involved, but that amount can’t exceed the amount specified in the contract

Can I get my money back if my credit card was upcharged during my move

If unauthorized charges from movers appear on your credit card, the financial institution that issued the credit card to report the fraud and dispute the charges

Have all supporting contracts and documentation available

Can I take legal action if my mover scammed me

You can a lawyer to explore your options, which may involve taking the mover to small claims court or, if the mover has scammed multiple customers, filing a class action lawsuit

What’s the difference between binding and non-binding moving contracts

There are three main types of moving contracts:A binding contract means your mover can’t legally ask you for any more money than the price appearing in the original quote

A non-binding contract means you may have to pay more than the quoted price if your items weigh more than estimated or you need additional services

A binding-not-to-exceed contract allows movers to charge a bit more than quoted if additional weight or services are involved, but that amount can’t exceed the amount specified in the contract

The authorDalia RamirezDalia Ramirez writes services and estate planning for NerdWallet

In science and nology studies from Wesleyan University