Moving Company Scams and How to Avoid Them

When hiring movers, it’s always best to check to see if they’re a reputable company. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting scammed. Getting scammed is a terrifying prospect since not only would you lose your precious items, but you’d also be losing money and time.

In this post, Around Town Movers discusses the different moving company scams and how you can avoid them.

Holding Your Items Hostage

If your moving company isn’t what they say they are, there’s a chance this may happen to you. Your moving company may put your items into their truck and then refuse to unload it at the new location. That is, of course, unless you pay them an extra sum that wasn’t in the previous quote. They’d essentially be holding your items hostage until you meet their demands.

No-Show

Avoid paying up front as much as possible. Refuse if they start to harass you for it. If you pay up front, the rogue moving company might just take the cash and not show up on the agreed date, making you pay for a service they never intended to provide in the first place.

Escaping

This is the most terrifying scam of all. This is when the moving company takes your goods in their truck and drives away, and you never hear from them again. You’ll essentially lose all your property with very little chance of ever retrieving it, costing you precious time and money with nothing to show for it. Of course, to prevent all of these scams, you should hire professional movers.

How to Avoid These Scams

Now that you’re informed of the various moving company scams, it’s time to learn how you can prevent them. Of course, researching can go a long way when it comes to prevention. Search the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to make sure your chosen company is a registered mover.

Afterwards, research your company on the Better Business Bureau and American Moving & Storage Association websites. If you don’t find them on any of these, and they do not have the proper certifications, then it’s best to find another moving company to move your items to your new home.

To avoid getting scammed by a moving company, turn to Around Town Movers for your moving needs. We are your number one provider of office and long distance moving services. Give us a call at (703) 691-5598 and (703) 682-5922 , or fill out our contact form to request a free moving quote. We serve clients in Washington, DC, and Reston, Arlington and other nearby areas.