Ways to Avoid Moving Scams

You probably heard of scams related to moving service. We have been bombarded by a lot of hypes by these moving companies claiming of giving affordable services. But when you see these kinds of marketing ploys, be careful as not all of them are legitimate. Don't fall into their trap. Don't be a victim of fraud and moving scams.

Here are few tips to avoid scam movers and easily identify them:

Get referrals from real estate agents, friends, and family
Referrals are a great way to spot a genuine moving company. Start with your family, friends, and neighbors. Ask them if they could refer you to a reliable moving company. You can also ask experts in the housing industry, like real estate agents around your area. They are always a good source of information.

Do a background check
Investigate and do your research about the movers. Check if they are listed in Better Business Bureau (BBB) and American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Find out their location, license, memberships to organizations, and more. Genuine movers will show their license, memberships, and will add an address on their websites. Fraud movers usually do not have these information.

Know their workers
Extend your background check from the moving company itself down to their workers. Make sure they have a reliable team as you will entrust them with your valuables.

Be a keen observer
If the movers show up with a rental truck, it's time to think twice. Professional movers own trucks with distinct company name or logo. 

Get on-site estimates
Aside from discussing initial fees on phone or email, genuine movers come to your home to meet you in person and give a firm estimate based on the weight of the items. 

Be skeptical
Most of the time, scam movers offer attractive low prices which can be too good to be true. They even have a website to showcase their deals at a very low price.

Secure a contract
The contract should cover all the details without hidden charges. Genuine moving companies will give you documents with detailed information as well as a booklet of your rights and responsibilities. On the other hand, fraud movers will give you paperwork that's simple and will charge you later on for things you have not agreed beforehand. So make sure to ask if you don't understand something written in the contract or if you feel that there are lacking information. If you find their answers suspicious, chances are they might be into something. 

Ask about the claims
Before signing the contract, find out how your movers provide claims. Professional movers include a claim policy on the contract to compensate for accidental damages during the moving process.

Don't pay cash deposit
If a moving company demands on cash before getting the job done, say no! Genuine moving companies will never do that.

Don't be a prey of fraud movers! Recognizing these red signals will give you a worry-free moving experience.