Common Moving Scams: How to Identify and Avoid Them

March 27, 2025 by Aaron Coney

7 minute read

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Moving scams can turn an already stressful process into a disaster. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself:

Common Scams: Hidden fees, holding items hostage, unlicensed movers, and fake reviews.
Warning Signs: Low quotes without inspections, large cash deposits, vague contracts, and unclear credentials.
How to Stay Safe:
1. Verify licenses (USDOT or state-specific).
2. Get multiple in-home estimates.
3. Pay with a credit card for fraud protection.
4. Document belongings with photos and lists.
5. Avoid large upfront payments.

Take these steps to ensure you hire a legitimate moving company and avoid falling victim to scams.

Top 5 Moving Company Scams And Red Flags (2021)

Types of Moving Scams

Moving scams come in different forms, often designed to overcharge or manipulate customers. Knowing these tricks can help you steer clear of trouble during your move.

Hidden Fees After Low Estimates

Some movers lure customers with low estimates, often without an in-person evaluation. Once the move begins, they tack on unexpected charges like:

Fees for using stairs or elevators
Extra costs for switching to smaller trucks on narrow streets
Charges for packing materials
Long carry fees for items moved over long distances
Additional costs for handling heavy items

Holding Belongings for Extra Payment

In this scam, movers provide an unrealistically low estimate after a quick survey. Then, they hold your belongings until you agree to pay inflated fees. This leaves you with little choice but to comply.

Unlicensed Movers

Unlicensed movers often lack proper insurance or certifications. They may operate as brokers without owning trucks or facilities, leaving you with minimal protection if something goes wrong.

Fake Reviews and Websites

Dishonest movers often create misleading online profiles by:

Using multiple business names
Posting fake positive reviews
Designing professional-looking websites with vague or misleading information
Choosing names that mimic well-known, trusted companies

Being aware of these scams can help you identify red flags before it’s too late.

Warning Signs to Spot

Spotting potential moving scams early can save you a lot of trouble. Here are some key warning signs to check before committing to a moving company.

Quotes Without Home Visits

Legitimate moving companies will want to inspect your belongings before giving a final quote. If they provide an estimate without an in-person or video survey, it often leads to unexpected price increases.

"If the moving company gives you a too good to be true estimate before seeing your belongings, then it’s probably just that: too good to be true." – Moving.com

Without a proper evaluation, movers might miscalculate:

The total volume of your items
Special handling needs for fragile or valuable belongings
Access difficulties at pickup or delivery locations
Necessary packing materials and equipment

Large Cash Deposits Required

Be wary of movers asking for big upfront payments, especially in cash. Most reputable companies require only a small deposit, typically 5%–10% of the total estimate.

"Reputable movers will NOT demand cash or any large deposit before moving you. You generally pay upon delivery. If you pay upfront, you have zero control over when you’ll see your belongings again. Pay with a credit card for fraud protection." – Moving.com

To protect yourself financially:

Pay using a credit card instead of cash
Avoid paying the full amount upfront
Keep detailed records of all payments
Always request receipts for deposits

Unclear Contract Terms

Trustworthy moving companies provide clear, detailed contracts that protect both you and them. Be cautious of contracts with vague legal language, missing details about pickup or delivery dates, or no breakdown of fees.

A good contract should include:

A complete inventory of your items
A clear breakdown of all charges
Specific pickup and delivery dates
A full explanation of insurance coverage
Written confirmation of any verbal agreements

If anything in the contract seems unclear, consider consulting an attorney before signing. Ensure every term is documented in writing – verbal promises won’t protect you if problems arise. Always clarify the details to ensure a smooth moving process.

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Checking Moving Company Credentials

Making sure your moving company is legitimate is crucial to avoid scams. Here’s how you can verify their credentials.

License and USDOT Number Search

For interstate moves, movers must have a USDOT number and proper licensing. Here’s what to do:

1. Search the FMCSA Database

Go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and search using the company’s:

USDOT number
MC (Motor Carrier) number
Company name

Check the "Licensing and Insurance" section. If "Household Goods" is marked as "Yes", the company is authorized for household moves. If it says "No", steer clear of that company.

2. Verify State Licenses

For moves within California, check the state government website to confirm the company’s license. Search by the company’s name and ensure their license is valid and in good standing.

Company Background Check

Looking into the company’s background can reveal any issues. Start by checking their reputation through official sources.

"A licensed mover is required to follow industry regulations designed to protect consumers, including offering liability coverage and adhering to safety standards." – Verity Van Lines

Here’s how to dig deeper:

Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating (A+ to F scale).
Look up their complaint history on the FMCSA website.
Read customer reviews on multiple platforms.
Confirm their insurance coverage and liability policies.

Getting Multiple Home Estimates

Getting several in-home estimates ensures fair pricing and helps spot scams.

"Legitimate moving companies will come to your house and perform a formal walk through in order to accurately assess the cost of your move." – Moving Forward SF

A good estimate should include the following:

Essential Components	What to Look For
Property Details	A complete inventory of your items
Pricing Structure	A clear breakdown of all fees
Service Coverage	The origin and destination addresses
Insurance Options	The levels of coverage they offer
Timeline	Specific pickup and delivery dates

Be cautious of companies that:

Give quotes without inspecting your property.
Offer prices far lower than others.
Present contracts with blank spaces for prices or dates.
Pressure you into making a quick decision.

Once you’ve verified credentials and estimates, you’re ready to focus on move-day safety.

Moving Day Safety Steps

On moving day, taking the right precautions can help you avoid scams and keep your belongings secure.

Getting Written Records

Before any loading begins, make sure you have a written agreement, an inventory sheet, insurance details, and clear payment terms. If you’re getting an on-site estimate, ask for a "not to exceed price" contract. This ensures the moving company sticks to the quoted price.

Here’s a quick guide to the key documents you’ll need:

Document Type	Purpose	When to Get It
Bill of Lading	Acts as the official contract and receipt	Before loading begins
Inventory Sheet	Lists all items being moved	During loading
Insurance Details	Explains coverage levels	Before the move starts
Payment Terms	Outlines amounts and timing	Before any work begins

Additionally, documenting your belongings can provide extra protection.

Item Lists and Photos

Creating a detailed inventory helps prevent loss and supports claims if anything goes wrong. For interstate moves, movers often only note major items like furniture and the total number of boxes – not the detailed contents.

Here’s how to document your items:

Create a Digital Record: Walk through your home with a video camera or smartphone, and take photos of valuables. Note any existing damage or unique features.
Track Box Contents: Use a spreadsheet or inventory app to list what’s inside each box. Color-code labels to show where each box belongs.
Photograph Valuables: Take close-up photos of high-value items, including serial numbers and any pre-existing damage.

Once your documentation is complete, focus on safe payment practices.

Payment Timing

Only pay the movers after delivery and unloading. Follow these payment tips to avoid issues:

Move Type	Payment Timing	Warning Signs
Local Moves	After unloading is done	Full payment upfront
Long Distance	Upon delivery, before unloading	Deposits over 10%
Interstate	At the destination	Cash-only payments

Whenever possible, use a credit card for payment. Credit cards offer fraud protection and make it easier to dispute charges if needed. Keep copies of everything – deposit receipts, credit card statements, written agreements, and final payment records.

Steps After Finding a Scam

If you’ve confirmed a scam, take the following steps to protect yourself and work toward recovering your losses.

Keep Detailed Records

Gather and organize all relevant evidence in one place:

Communications: Save emails, texts, and call logs (keep digital copies).
Financial Documents: Include estimates, receipts, and contracts.
Photos and Videos: Capture any visual proof with timestamps.
Company Information: Record USDOT numbers, business cards, and any identifying details.

Store both physical and digital backups, keeping everything in chronological order for easy reference.

File Official Complaints

Report the scam to the appropriate authorities in this order:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Submit a complaint to the FMCSA, providing your contact details, shipment information, and any supporting documents.
Law Enforcement
If your belongings are being held hostage, file a police report immediately.
State Agencies
Reach out to your state’s regulatory bodies, like the State Attorney General’s office (for both origin and destination states), the Public Utilities Commission, or your state’s household goods trade organization.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consider escalating to legal action.

Explore Legal Options

"Media attention can pressure fraudulent movers to release your items." – MovingScam.com

Here are some options to consider:

Contact MoveRescue for help with hostage situations.
File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
Share your experience on MovingScam.com’s "Report a Scam" forum.
Reach out to local media outlets.
Contact your state representatives to advocate for stricter enforcement.

When pursuing legal action, work systematically. Focus on one agency at a time unless your case calls for involving multiple agencies simultaneously. For personalized advice, online forums with experienced volunteers can be a helpful resource.

Wrapping It Up

Taking the right steps can help you avoid falling victim to moving scams. With Americans losing close to $30 billion to phone scams in 2021, it’s clear that being cautious is non-negotiable.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Check credentials: Make sure the company has proper licensing and insurance.
Get multiple estimates: Aim for at least three in-home estimates.
Keep records: Detailed documentation can be a lifesaver if disputes arise.

"You can enhance your chances of a good experience by doing your homework." – Steven Weisman, professor at Bentley University and founder of Scamicide.com

Paying with a credit card instead of cash adds an extra layer of protection, giving you options to dispute charges if something goes wrong. Combine these precautions with the move-day tips mentioned earlier to build a solid defense against scams.

The 5,700 BBB complaints filed in 2019 highlight the importance of thorough research. Sticking to licensed, reputable movers and following these steps can help ensure a smoother and safer relocation process.