Moving is stressful enough without
having to worry about being taken advantage of by a
disreputable moving company. The typical moving scam begins
when you are offered a much lower estimate than what a
legitimate moving company would quote for the same move. But
when they arrive at your new home, scammers refuse to unload
your
belongings unless you pay them a much higher price than
you were originally quoted, usually demanding to be paid in
cash.
Here are a few of the dead giveaways the
American Moving and Storage Association suggests you look
for to avoid being scammed:
 |
|
Beware of
Moving Scams. Protect Yourself and do plenty of
research. |
Beware of prices based on
anything but the shipment's weight
Legal interstate moving estimates are based on the weight of
your shipment, but scam movers often base charges on the
cubic feet your goods take up in the truck, and then adjust
them to their advantage. Under law, shipment weight must be
determined on a scale certified by a state agency.
Never rely on a price estimate
made over the phone or online
Federal rules require a legitimate interstate mover provide
a written estimate. While some legitimate movers may offer a
survey over the phone, it is a good idea to request that
they send a trained, experienced estimator to your home for
a more accurate estimate, if possible.
Watch out for required deposits
A legitimate mover generally doesn't require a deposit
before moving you except in extraordinary circumstances;
however, scam movers frequently require significant deposits
even for the simplest moves. If a mover requires you pay a
significant deposit before your move to "hold your dates" or
to insure "prompt service," you may want to use another
mover.
If the price seems too good to
be true, it probably is
While honest movers are competitive and their prices differ,
they will be within a reasonable range. If a mover comes in
with an estimate way below all the others, that should send
up a red flag that you should probably avoid them.
Check out
Moving 101: How to Choose a Mover for tips on how to
find the best professional mover. You can also read more
about how to avoid moving scams in the American Moving and
Storage Association article
Smart Moving: How to Take the Stress Out of Moving.
*This article was originally posted
at
The Home Services Guide, Powered By WhiteFence.
