Moving is stressful enough without having to worry that you’re being scammed by your movers. Unfortunately there are moving companies — or worse yet, ‘moving companies’ — who will take advantage of your stress for a quick buck. But Little Guys Movers in Flower Mound have been around for a while, and we’ve seen the scams. Here’s what to look out for and how to protect yourself during your move.
Types of Moving Scams
Over the Phone Estimates
Not every company who gives you your estimate over the phone is scamming you. However, you should take into consideration that a company offering a quote without seeing your home and belongings is running on limited information, and sometimes that is purposeful. Many companies will come out to your home for an in-person estimate to fully gauge the labor and supplies needed for the move. If your estimate is being provided over the phone, your moving company should ask specific questions about both locations (where you are moving from and to), how much furniture you have, any items needing special attention, and any other relevant information. Be sure you get your estimate sent in writing, with numbers specific to your move, so they can’t change the number later, saying they did not know the full extent of your belongings. If the company uses flat-rate pricing (like we do), the details are slightly less crucial, but make sure you understand how the pricing works and that it’s included in your documentation.
Thin or Vague Contract
Your contract with a moving company should include a list of all services included, all moving day information — pick up and delivery dates and times — your quote, any additional fees, and both location addresses. If any of this information is missing, or the contract is left blank to be filled in later, do not sign. To sign it leaves room for scammers to add in details that were not agreed upon.
Bait and Switch
If you are given an estimate that seems too good to be true, it probably is. If one estimate is significantly lower than the others — and we do recommend asking around — it is likely because they are leaving quite a bit of information out. Be sure to always ask about extra fees.
Advanced or Cash Deposit
Moving companies get paid upon completion of work, aka when they finish moving your things into your new space. If they ask for a deposit, especially a cash deposit — meaning there will be no evidence of a transaction — you should be wary. They now have your money and little motivation to deliver your items. It is up to them when, or if, they deliver.
Delayed or Abandoned Delivery
Some scammers don’t intend to deliver your belongings at all. Or if they do, they do it on their own time. They pack up the moving truck and drive off, then have excuses why they can’t deliver your items. For example, they say that another family’s stuff is in front of yours in the truck, so that has to be delivered first and you have to wait. Or they say their truck was stolen or impounded. Maybe they don’t respond to you at all, and you never see your belongings again.
The good news is that this can usually be avoided by checking a moving company’s accreditation, reviews, and recommendations by confirmed customers.
How to Avoid Moving Scams
The best way to avoid moving company scams is to be aware and proactive. When looking for moving companies, start with basic research. Ask friends or family for recommendations. Find companies with good reviews. Even an online search of ‘[company name] + scam’ will let you know if people have had issues. If you’re moving across the country, your moving company should be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (Little Guys Movers is registered here through our founding Denton location). Additionally, definitely make sure that the moving company has a physical address.
Once you’ve decided on a few companies, reach out for quotes on your move. Make sure the quote is based on full, detailed information, and is given to you in writing. Your contract should be fully detailed with your home and move information, and should not require any deposit. Finally, if you, for any reason, are unsure about your move, just say no. You should feel comfortable and confident in your moving team. Little Guys Movers in Flower Mound is committed to our customers, and are always happy to provide a free, honest, no-obligation quote to make your move as stress-free as we can.