LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Relocating is typically a stressful experience, but it gets even worse when you fall victim to a disreputable moving company.
Last year, the Better Business Bureau received more than 700 complaints about moving scams.
Some involved companies that took the deposit, but never showed up to make the move. In other cases, movers charged customers more than the original quote. Sometimes, they tacked on additional fees, claiming the load was heavier than estimated. And, in some extreme cases, moving companies hijacked customers’ belongings, essentially holding them hostage until paid more for delivery.
To avoid falling into one of these traps, do your homework. Check the company’s website, and make sure it has a physical address. Next, look for its registrations and insurance information. Both should be readily available.
The BBB urges you to be suspicious of quotes made over the phone, rather than after an in-person inspection. If a mover asks for a large down payment or wants the full payment in advance, it’s probably a scam. If a company refuses to surrender your belongings, contact local police and the BBB.
To protect yourself, be sure the get everything in writing, including any additional fees that might arise. Also, make a complete inventory list of everything going into the van, and clearly label all boxes with their content. Finally, take pre-packing photos of your items. This will help with any insurance claims, should things get damaged while en route to your new home.
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