How to Avoid Moving Company Scams
Whether you’re relocating to a new city or a new state, moving is a stressful experience. In addition to all of the organizing, packing, and planning required, you’re also tasked with finding reliable moving solutions to get all of your belongings from your current home to your new one.
Most people will seek help from a moving company, as there are many movers out there that will try to help make the process easier and less stressful. However, just as there are reputable moving companies, there are also so-called ‘movers’ that try to take advantage of their customers when they are feeling frazzled and overwhelmed with the moving process. While it may be tempting to go for a moving company with prices and offers that are too good to be true, be careful, it could be just that — too good to be true — and you could end up getting scammed.
At Doorage, we’ve heard far too many stories of people becoming victims to a moving scam. From being overcharged to never getting your items delivered, there are plenty of scam tactics that sketchy moving companies use to take advantage of people. Luckily, we offer reliable door-to-door moving services that will keep your move safe, smooth, and free of any issues. In this blog, we’ll share some tips to help ensure you don’t accidentally get scammed by a shady moving company.
Tips to Avoid Moving Company Scams
With the shuffle of planning, packing, and preparation demanding your full attention, Sketch-ville moving companies will attempt to earn your trust with low pricing and inflated promises of professionalism. However, by following these tips, you can avoid moving scams and find the best moving solutions to meet your needs, timeline, and budget.
Tip #1: Check to See If the Moving Company Has a Website
If you come across an ad from a moving company boasting low prices and professional services, one of the first things you should do is see if they have a website. If you search for the moving company online but cannot find a website, consider it a red flag and a possible moving scam. Reliable, established moving companies will have a website where you can find information about their business, the services they offer, and pricing.
Tip #2: Read Online Reviews
When it comes to looking for the best moving company, online reviews are your best friend. If a moving company doesn’t have a website, chances are you won’t have much luck with finding reputable reviews. When looking at different moving companies and their websites, make sure to spend some time reading the reviews. If a customer ever got scammed, ripped off, or had a terrible experience, there likely will be a review left regarding the situation. Read the bad reviews as well as the good ones to get a better feel for a specific mover and whether or not they can be trusted.
Tip #3: Verify That the Moving Company Is Legitimate
Thankfully, there are many available resources online that can help you verify whether or not a moving company is legitimate. To start, check to see if the mover is certified by the American Moving & Storage Association. You can also check online directories such as the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, certified moving companies must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, so use this resource to confirm the credentials of movers who claim to be certified.
Tip #4: Don’t Sign an Incomplete Contract
If a moving company asks you to sign a contract that is blank or incomplete with the assurance that the details will be filled out later, be extremely cautious and wary. Moving contracts should spell out all of the details of the transaction from the beginning, including a guaranteed price, delivery date, and other important information. The contract should clearly state that there are no additional costs or specific circumstances in which additional charges may be incurred. If you have questions about any parts of the contract or feel uncomfortable with certain sections, make sure to ask questions and get them addressed sooner rather than later. If the movers respond with answers that are less than satisfactory, this is a red flag and you should continue your search.
Tip #5: Avoid Paying Cash
While most people use their debit and credit cards to pay for things, there are still some people who prefer using cash. However, when it comes to paying moving companies, you should avoid using cash at all costs. The only acceptable reason for using cash in this situation is to tip movers after they have completed the job successfully and impressively. Paying for the move with cash only, however, makes it so that there is no record of a paid transaction — if the movers are scamming you, they could disappear with your cash or worse, your belongings, pretending that you never even paid for their services. The best way to avoid these situations is to make sure that everything is traceable and that receipts or transactions are attached to the moving company’s name.
Tip #6: Avoid Movers Altogether and Instead Use Reliable Moving Solutions
The best way to protect yourself from a moving scam is to avoid movers altogether. Today, there are so many reliable moving solutions available that don’t involve working with potentially-risky movers. Take the door-to-door moving solutions at Doorage, for example. Doorage makes it easy to safely and securely move items from your old home to your new home. Offering guaranteed pricing, trucks dedicated to your move, and on-time pickup and delivery, Doorage creates a safe, streamlined, and stress-free moving experience.
When it comes to avoiding moving scams, the best rule of thumb is simple: trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, back away and look for better moving solutions.
Make Your Moves Easier With Door to Door Moving Solutions
If you are planning and preparing for a move, check out the moving solutions offered by Doorage. Whether you are moving across the city or across the country, Doorage can provide you with friendly, reliable, and affordable moving solutions.