Common Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them

The only thing more stressful than moving is moving with a scammer.

Moving is already one of the top three most stressful events in life, but adding a moving scam to the mix can add a whole new level of misery.

Think about it: you’ve spent weeks planning your move, you’ve packed up your life in boxes, and now you’re at the mercy of the movers who are supposed to help you.

But what if those same movers are out to rip you off?

Here’s the scary truth—moving scams happen way more often than you might think.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 2,000 complaints about moving fraud were filed just last year. And these numbers are on the rise.

We're talking about everything from hidden fees to straight-up stealing your stuff. It’s enough to make you rethink the whole “moving day” excitement.

But don’t worry—we are here to help you navigate the shady world of moving company scams and show you how to spot sneaky scammers before they can take your stuff.

What Are Moving Scams and Why Do They Happen?

What moving scams actually are?

They’re deceptive practices that shady moving companies use to take advantage of customers.

These scams range from hidden fees to flat-out theft of your stuff. Honestly, nobody has time for that.

A report from the Better Business Bureau mentions that thousands of complaints are made each year related to moving scams.

If you Google “moving fraud stories,” you'll quickly see that many people have been tricked, scammed, and left feeling helpless during their move.

So, what types of scams you should be on the lookout for?

Common Moving Scams You Should Know About

Here are some of the most common tricks these scam moving companies try to pull off.

No-Show Movers

This one’s a classic. You’re all ready to move, your stuff’s packed, and you’ve paid the deposit, but the movers don’t show up.

They'll either ghost you or come up with some excuse about "traffic delays" or "emergency rerouting," and just like that, your entire moving plan will be ruined.

Bait and Switch

You've probably heard of this one: A moving company gives you a super low quote, but once your stuff is packed, they suddenly charge you extra.

They'll claim the load’s heavier than expected or that there were additional "unexpected" fees.

Hostage Goods

Now, this one’s a scary thought. Some moving companies might hold your stuff hostage if you don’t pay up.

They'll load everything onto their truck and demand more money than you agreed to pay to release your stuff.

It’s a huge scam, and it leaves you stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Hidden Fees

You have your budget planned out, and the moving day goes smoothly. Then, after everything’s unloaded, the movers hit you with some surprise charges.

This might be for “packing materials,” “stairs,” or even “long-distance carriers." It's a scam to inflate the price.

Phantom Weight

This one’s pretty shady. Some movers will tell you your stuff weighs more than it does, and then they’ll charge you based on that inflated weight.

This scam is sneaky because it’s hard to argue once everything’s on the truck.

Red Flags of Moving Fraud

Now, let’s talk about those warning signs of moving scams.

If any of these things pop up while you’re planning your move, don’t hesitate to bail.

These are red flags that should make you run the other way.

• No Address or License Info: If they can’t provide an official address or their licensing details, that’s a huge warning sign.
• Generic Business Name: If they just say “Movers” instead of the actual name of the company, run!
• Pressure to Book: A legit company won't pressure you to make a fast decision. If they're pushing you to sign contracts on the spot or "act now," don't do it.
• No On-Site Estimate: If they don’t want to come to your place to assess your belongings, they’re probably trying to hide something.
• They Demand Big Deposits: If they ask for large upfront payments, that’s a major red flag. No legitimate mover requires more than 10-20% upfront.

How to Avoid Moving Scams

Now you know what to look out for.

However, the most important part is how to avoid moving fraud altogether. These tips will help keep you out of the scammer’s trap:

Do Your Homework: Check reviews, ratings, and credentials. Look for companies with a proven track record.

Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for just one. Compare pricing and services to spot any outrageous quotes.

Get Everything in Writing: Always insist on a written agreement. Verbal agreements are worth nothing.

Check the Fine Print: Hidden fees are often buried in the fine print, so read everything carefully.

Protect Yourself: Take out moving insurance if needed and never pay full upfront unless it’s part of the agreement.

Know What’s Included: Make sure the estimate covers everything you’ll need, like packing, stairs, or special handling.

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How to Report Moving Fraud

So, you've realized that a moving company scammed you. But don't worry; you can take action, and it starts with reporting the fraud.

Let’s discuss the exact steps you should take to report moving fraud.

Step 1: Document Everything

Before you report anything, it’s crucial to gather all your documentation. Here’s what you need to collect:

• Contract and estimate: Get a copy of the moving company’s contract, including the original estimate (whether written or verbal).
• Receipts and invoices: Any payments made—whether deposits, final payments, or additional fees.
• Communication: Save all emails, text messages, and any written communication between you and the moving company.
• Photos or videos: If your belongings were damaged or if items went missing, take photos and videos of the damage or loss.
• Inventory list: If possible, have a list of the items that were moved, especially if things are missing or damaged.

Step 2: File a Complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The FMCSA is the U.S. government agency that regulates moving companies, and they handle moving fraud complaints.

They’ve got a special database where they track these types of scams, and filing a complaint with them is the first step in holding the company accountable.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the FMCSA website: Visit the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move page at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
2. Click "File a Complaint." You'll find a button to file your complaint online.
3. Fill out the form: Provide all the details about your moving experience—make sure you include the name of the company, the dates of your move, and a description of the fraudulent activity. Be specific about what happened (e.g., overcharging, damage, holding goods hostage).
4. Submit evidence: Upload any supporting documents or photos you’ve gathered. This helps the FMCSA investigate your complaint.
5. Follow up: After submission, you’ll get a confirmation number. Keep track of it and follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable time frame (they can take up to 30 days to respond).

Step 3: File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

If you’ve been scammed by a moving company, you can file a complaint with BBB to alert other consumers and potentially get your issue resolved.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Visit the BBB website: Go to bbb.org.

2. Search for the moving company: In the search bar, enter the name of the moving company you want to report. This will pull up the company’s BBB profile.
3. Click on “File a Complaint”: There will be an option to file a complaint directly on their profile page.
4. Provide details: Fill in all the details of your complaint, including what went wrong, the financials, and your communication with the company.
5. Attach supporting evidence: Upload any documents or evidence you’ve collected to back up your complaint.
6. Wait for a resolution: The BBB will contact the company to attempt to resolve the issue. They will also publish your complaint for the public to see.

Step 4: Report to Your Local Consumer Protection Office

Each state has a Consumer Protection Office that handles complaints related to fraud. They can investigate fraudulent moving companies and take action to protect consumers.

Here’s what to do:

1. Find your state’s Consumer Protection Office: Do a quick search online for your state’s specific office. For example, search “California Consumer Protection Office” or “Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection.”
2. File a complaint: Most state offices have an online complaint form. You'll need to provide the same details as you did with the FMCSA and BBB.
3. Follow up: Once you’ve filed your complaint, follow up with your state’s office if you don’t hear back in a few weeks.

Step 5: Report to Local Law Enforcement (If Necessary)

In some cases, moving fraud can involve theft or extortion, which means the police need to be involved.

Here’s how to handle it:

1. File a police report: Visit your local police station or use their online reporting system (if available). Provide all the details of the fraud, including the company’s name, dates of service, and what happened.
2. Provide evidence: Give the police any documents, photos, and inventory lists that show the fraud.
3. Stay involved: Follow up with the police regularly to ensure that they’re investigating the matter.

Step 6: Take Legal Action (If Needed)

If your case is particularly complex or involves significant financial loss, you should consult an attorney.

Here’s how you can proceed:

1. Consult a lawyer: Find a lawyer who specializes in consumer protection or contract law.
2. Determine your legal options: Your lawyer will guide you on whether you have a strong case and whether it's worth pursuing legal action.
3. Prepare your case: If you go to court, you’ll need to present all your evidence—contracts, receipts, photos, emails, and witness testimony.