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Whether you’re moving locally or long distance, the process of relocating can be incredibly stressful. On top of the difficulties of orchestrating a successful move, there’s the challenge of finding a moving company that you can count on.
Although plenty of moving companies exist, the problem lies in finding trustworthy movers, and unfortunately, with the rise of moving scams, this can prove to be a stressful task. Wondering about the most effective ways to find a reputable moving company and avoid moving scams? Discover our guide to spotting and avoiding moving scams, allowing you to enjoy a simplified, stress-free move!
Warning Signs of Moving Scams
Although rogue movers can be sneaky in their tactics, the good news is that many warning signs can help you recognize their schemes before proceeding with their services. Learn about some of the most prominent red flags to look out for below!
- Providing Estimates Sight Unseen: Be cautious of moving companies that offer estimates without fully inspecting the scope of your move in person. Without a thorough assessment of the amount of items you need to move, the estimate may be inaccurate, leading to unexpected costs later down the line. Reputable movers typically conduct in-person assessments to provide accurate quotes based on the size and weight of your items.
- No License or Insurance: Legitimate moving companies are always licensed and insured, no matter what. Having these certifications is crucial to protecting your belongings during transit. If a company cannot provide proof of these credentials, it may be a red flag for a potential scam. Before hiring a moving company, verify its license and insurance status with the appropriate regulatory authorities to ensure your belongings are in safe hands.
- Lack of Physical Address: Scammers often operate without a physical address, making it difficult to track them down if issues arise. Always verify the company’s address and contact information before moving forward with their services. Legitimate moving companies always have a physical office or warehouse you can visit to discuss your moving needs in person, so be sure any company you consider has an address.
- Unfounded Claims: Beware of moving companies that make unrealistic promises or guarantees, such as extremely low prices or exceptionally fast delivery times. These claims are often too good to be true and may indicate a scam. Reputable movers provide realistic estimates based on industry standards and may offer additional services at an extra cost. To make sure you understand what realistic prices or delivery times look like, always request quotes from numerous companies so you can be aware of what most companies will charge for your services.
- Requiring a Large Deposit: Legitimate moving companies typically don’t require large upfront deposits. If a company insists on a substantial payment before the move, it often serves as a sign of a scam. Be cautious and avoid making payments until services are provided. Reputable movers may require a small deposit ahead of time, but the majority of the payment should be made after the move is completed.
- Name Changes: Watch out for moving companies that frequently change their name or operate under multiple aliases. This tactic may be used to evade negative reviews or complaints and could signal a scam in progress. Before hiring a moving company, research their business history and check for any past complaints or legal issues under different names.
- Blank or Incomplete Contract: Always carefully review the moving contract before signing. Beware of contracts that are blank or contain incomplete information, as they may leave room for hidden fees or unexpected charges. Ensure all terms are clearly outlined and agreed upon before proceeding with the move. If anything seems unclear or suspicious, don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification from the moving company.
Steps to Avoid Scams from Moving Companies
Now that you know several of the most common red flags to look out for when hiring movers, you can proceed with the necessary knowledge. Learn more about the steps you should take as you search for reputable movers!
- Thoroughly Research Your Options
Take the time to research different moving companies thoroughly. Although preparing for a move is a busy time, completing a thorough search is worth the time commitment. Look for reviews, ratings, and any complaints filed against them with organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This research will help you narrow down your options and identify reputable movers.
- Verify Credentials
Ensure that the moving company you’re considering is fully licensed and insured. Verify their credentials with the relevant authorities to confirm their legitimacy. A legitimate moving company should be able to provide proof of their license and insurance upon request, so remember to steer clear of companies that don’t provide this information or make it readily available to their customers.
- Request Numerous Estimates
Obtain estimates from multiple moving companies to compare prices and services. Be wary of significantly low quotes, as they could be a red flag for potential scams. By getting multiple estimates, you can better understand the average cost of your move and identify any outliers, which can be a very telling way to see which movers you should avoid.
- Ask for References
Don’t hesitate to ask the moving company for references from past customers. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences with the company, including the quality of service, reliability, and any issues encountered during the move. Hearing from previous customers can provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation and reliability. In the same vein, customer reviews can also offer important information about a moving company, so take a look at those to assess the quality of their services.
- Carefully Review Your Contract
Before signing any contracts or agreements, carefully review the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to any hidden fees, ambiguous language, or clauses that could lead to unexpected charges. Make sure all aspects of the move are clearly outlined in the contract, including the services provided, the cost, and the timeline. Your contract should never have any incomplete aspects at the time of signing.
- Go With Your Gut
Trust your instincts when choosing a moving company. If something doesn’t feel right or if you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of the company’s practices or behaviors, consider looking for another option. Your intuition can often be a reliable guide in avoiding potential scams and ensuring a positive moving experience.
Prepare for Your Move with Trusted Movers!
With the right knowledge and proper understanding of moving scam red flags, you can prepare for your relocation and find the ideal movers. Ready to skip the search and count on Ohio’s trusted movers for your upcoming move? Book with RLD Relocation & Logistics, Akron’s reliable moving company since 1998.
Throughout our 26-year history, RLD has consistently provided only the best in moving, packing, and storage solutions to our valued customers. We are fully licensed and insured, and you can always trust our team to deliver top-tier moving services. Request a quote online or via phone today, and discover how we can improve your move for a competitive price!
