The decision to employ the services of a mover company is a very delicate one that includes a lot more than just economic considerations. It requires a lot of trusts to leave everything you own in the hands of a mover service provider with the hopes that they arrive at the specific destination, at the originally agreed price with all your belongings intact. As there is an increase in the number of people relocating across states to long distances, so is the increase in the number of scams carried out by fraudulent moving companies.
Warning signs and possible scam indicators
While they might appear to be genuine online, some moving companies are in fact experienced fraudsters who steal customers’ possessions, take their money, and charge hefty fees. These are the top warning indicators and warning signs of fraudulent movers that you should be wary of:
- Request that you must make a large down payment if you want to move during the off-peak season.
- They are not registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- There are a lot of customer complaints that are not being addressed or there are no reviews whatsoever.
- Demanding that you complete blank contracts and other papers before the moving commences.
- The company does not accept credit cards and instead requires payment in cash.
- Instead of agreeing to an on-site examination to give an accurate cost, the company offers instant quotations to customers.
Sometimes fraudulent movers in NYC might give the impression that they’re too busy to communicate with their clients or respond to their queries on a regular basis. However, the truth is that the customer has every right to know what is happening and be properly informed. It’s a red flag if the company providing the service is not willing to respond to any inquiries or is only responsive when it comes to receiving payment from you. If you’re in regular and respectful conversations with your movers about the services they offer and their charges, you will most likely be able to prevent many moving scams from happening in the first place.
When should a complaint about a scam be filed?
If you feel your rights have been violated or you wish to notify other customers about a mover business that has violated your rights, the best approach is to submit a complaint. Here are some violations you should be wary of that may need the filing of an official complaint.
- Where your belongings are held hostage: False moving agents may hold your belongings hostage in a bid to pressure you into paying them an additional fee.
- Overpays: The weight of your belongings, the distance to be covered between two locations, and any additional services will all go into the total price of the move. In the majority of cases, it is recommended that the increase in the final price should not be more than 10 percent higher than what was anticipated on the quote.
Other circumstances like delays in delivery, badly damaged goods or poor service, aren’t always grounds for legal action, nevertheless, it is advisable to file an official complaint. The concerns you have should be taken seriously if you’re dealing with a reputable moving company and the employees should try their best to address them.
Choose a reliable moving company to avoid scams
When choosing a moving firm, one way to lessen the chances of being cheated is to go through a screening procedure that helps you recognize the various warning indicators that are employed by scammers. Make sure to do this while considering other companies and analyzing your options:
- Call a few reputable moving companies to verify their credentials, we recommend starting with Zeromax moving. You should also verify if they have insurance and have been registered. When you enter a moving firm’s USDOT code on the FMCSA website, you’ll be able to see the company’s registration information.
- It’s a smart idea to request an estimate personally from your mover to avoid any unwelcome price increases.
- If you are looking for a moving firm, make sure you only deal with those who are keen to get everything written down. Estimates and quotes provided on the phone are not legally binding.
- Ensure the company that you hire to move your belongings offers a comprehensive written contract that outlines the entire amount that each party is liable for.
- Google Maps has a street-view option that lets you examine the address of the business.
- Check out the reviews published on various online rating services, including the Better Business Bureau.
Always consult your family, friends members, and neighbors for referrals regarding legitimate moving firms who they have worked previously. This will help you avoid dealing with fraudsters.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.