10 ways to avoid moving scams

Get 3 estimates

When shopping for movers, you're better off getting at least three estimates, says Jennifer Bonham, a spokeswoman for MoveRescue.

"If you've got one that's really, really low compared to the other two, you're going to know something's up," she says.

Demand a contract that covers everything

A moving contract should spell out all the details, and there should not be any hidden charges, such as a driver's fee.

"When you're really giving the customer information or protection, there's a lot more paperwork," Molloy says. "The scam guys make it very easy and simple: 'You're moving from point A to point B; here's your price.'

"But once they start doing the services, the contract didn't include this and that. And all of a sudden they're charging for pads, packing and all kinds of things they never mentioned."

Some movers demand a 20% gratuity on top of the bill -- even before they unload the truck -- with no mention of it in the contract.

"Tipping is customary but down to the level of the customer's own discretion," O'Gorman says.

If there's no contract on the move, there's no record of sale.

"Companies that are just charging you cash, there's no transaction recorded," O'Gorman says. "They could run off with your stuff and pretend nothing happened."

Ask about the claims process

Even reputable movers occasionally drop vases and scratch tables. The difference between a good mover and a bad mover when this happens is that a good mover has a solid claims process to make sure you recoup damages.

You should learn about the claims process before signing the contract. Does the company have its own claims agent? Does it source claims out through a third party? Do you have to go directly to the insurance company that you're buying your valuation through?

"If it's a reputable company, it would have an internal quality-control department and a contact to help you with your claim," O'Gorman says.

Do the movers undergo background checks?

You're allowing these people into your home, and they will be responsible for the safety of your possessions. Not to mention that they will have access to your loved ones. Learning whether a potential mover has conducted thorough background checks and drug testing on its employees is absolutely necessary, says Zuni Corkerton, the president of RefCheck Information Services.

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But Corkerton says many consumers accept a company's word at face value. She recommends requesting verification that the moving company has conducted background checks.

"Oftentimes, they will openly check misdemeanors in the past seven years but not for felonies," Corkerton says. "With today's technology, you can get a pretty good insight into a person's background."

Be cautious of Internet movers

If you were to Google "movers" or "cheap move," your screen would be filled with special moving deals from companies that have legitimate-sounding company names. But Clayton says if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

"Unfortunately, the Internet is making it easy for scam artists to prey on consumers," Clayton says.

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Veteran moving consumers are not the ones who are falling victim, MoveRescue's Bonham says.

"It's people who haven't moved as much in their life, and they don't know what to look for," she says. "We as a society are so used to just going on the Internet and finding something. You don't think about the fact that this truck's going to have all of your worldly possessions in it. You need to make sure you can trust somebody who's driving off with this."

Look at the actual trucks used

When you're shopping, take a look at the trucks. Do they look clean and well-kept? The condition of the truck is a good indication of how your furniture will be treated.

When it's moving time and your hired mover shows up with a rental truck, it behooves you to cancel the agreement right there and demand your deposit back.

Pay little upfront

Some companies require a down payment or deposit as high as 25% of the total move.

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But reputable companies do not require you to pay everything upfront. Nevertheless, with any deposit, consumers should make sure it is refundable, because the closing could always fall through.

"I'd be very wary of a local move situation that expects a (hefty) payment upfront," O'Gorman says.

This story was reported and written by Fred Minnick for Bankrate.com.

Published Aug. 15, 2008

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