Moving Company Scams: What to Know Before You Hire
Quick Answer
The FTC and FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) receive thousands of moving fraud complaints annually. Moving scams are particularly devastating because your possessions are literally held hostage until you pay.
How Moving Scams Work
The lowball estimate. A mover gives an attractively low estimate, often over the phone or online without seeing your belongings. On moving day, the "actual weight" or extra services push the price far higher than quoted.
The hostage load. Once your belongings are on the truck, the mover informs you the price has increased substantially, sometimes by thousands of dollars. They refuse to deliver until you pay the new amount in cash. This practice is illegal under federal law but still occurs.
The rogue broker. A moving broker collects your information and deposit, then sells the job to an unlicensed carrier with no accountability to the broker's promises. Your belongings may end up on an unmarked truck with no clear recourse.
Damage extortion. After delivery, the mover claims damage occurred during transit and demands additional payment, or holds the payment of a damage claim over your head.
How to Verify a Moving Company
Check the USDOT number. All interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA. Verify any mover's registration and complaint history at protectyourmove.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Check the FMCSA complaint database. Search the mover's name and USDOT number for prior complaints.
Search the name on the BBB and Google with "scam," "complaint," and "review" added.
Verify a physical address. Legitimate moving companies have a real business address, not just a website. Call to confirm the address before booking.
How to Protect Yourself When Hiring a Mover
- Get at least three in-person estimates, not phone or online quotes
- Request a binding estimate or binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing. Non-binding estimates can increase without limit.
- Read the Bill of Lading carefully before signing, it is a legally binding contract
- Never pay the full amount in advance. A deposit of up to 20 percent is typical; paying in full before delivery removes your leverage
- Confirm the mover carries liability coverage and ask for the insurance certificate
- Request that all charges be itemised in writing before the move begins
Your Rights Under Federal Law
Interstate movers are regulated by the FMCSA. Under federal law:
- Movers must provide a written estimate
- Movers cannot increase charges more than 10 percent over a non-binding estimate (for the services listed) without your written approval
- You have the right to be present when your goods are weighed
- Movers must release your goods upon payment of the original estimate plus 10 percent on delivery day, you have 30 days to pay any remaining disputed amount
If Your Goods Are Being Held Hostage
Contact the FMCSA immediately at 1-888-368-7238. The FMCSA can intervene in hostage load situations. Also contact local law enforcement and file a complaint.
Report to:
- FMCSA: protectyourmove.gov, 1-888-368-7238
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov, 1-877-382-4357
- Your state attorney general: usa.gov/state-consumer