Although it may seem unlikely to you, scams among moving companies are very common. A study even concluded that up to five percent of long-distance moving companies in the United States are scams. Moving is already stressful; the last thing you want is for someone to hold onto your belongings until you pay a higher price. But, moving scams can easily be avoided if you know what to watch out for. Read on for some tips from our experienced team at Fixed Price Movers, so you know what to avoid.
1. What to look out for
There are a few warning signs that will help you realize you are being scammed.
2. Suspiciously fast responses
Moving companies always take the time to ask you for specific information. This information includes the size of your move, the number of belongings you have, where you are moving when you plan to go, and so on. When you call us at Fixed Price Movers, we try to immediately collect all the information we need. Then you won’t need to call us multiple times and can instead focus on your other moving arrangements. A moving company will usually also send a mover to your place before the move to see how many belongings need to be moved. If you are offered a final price without an inspector coming over or a long detailed discussion, then this is most likely a scam. When an inspector doesn’t seem to be observed properly and finishes in a short amount of time, then this may also be a scam.
3. A volume-based price
Try to stay away from movers who use cubic footage of truck space used as a unit of measurement. For long-distance moves, trusted companies use estimated weight to offer a price. While cubic truck footage can be used for short-distance moves, it cannot be adequate for a long-distance move. If you are offered a price based on cubic footage for your long-distance move, find a different company to hire.
4. Suspicious terms
Always make sure you are offered a contract to sign days prior to your move. If you haven’t signed a contract, the company can demand you to pay unexpected extra fees after the move. When the company doesn’t ask you to sign a contract, they are most likely scamming you. Demanding an upfront deposit is also highly uncommon with reputable moving companies. You shouldn’t be paying for anything before you sign a contract, and your move is successful. Before you sign a contract, always ask about the payment specifics.
Another sign is prices that seem too good to be true. If you think the services are being offered for a weirdly low price, then you may be getting scammed.
A moving company is also required to offer you movers insurance. When you hire Fixed Price Movers, you will be able to purchase insurance if anything goes wrong on our end. This means you will be reimbursed in case your belongings are damaged during the move. If you aren’t offered an opportunity to purchase some type of insurance, you are most likely getting scammed.
5. How to avoid being scammed
Of course, there is no simple method to avoid being scammed. But there are some tips on what steps you can take to avoid being fooled into a moving scam. All of these should be done prior to your actual move.
6. Read reviews
Once you have selected your potential moving company, try to search the name online. Find reviews that detail the experiences other people have had with your chosen company. If you can’t find anything about them online, chances are they are a scam. Try to ask around to see what companies your neighbors recommend. Also, ask your relatives and friends to see if they have heard anything about the company you chose. You can also contact your chosen company directly and ask for the contact details of satisfied customers. Once you receive this, follow through with the information, and contact the customers for details. If a company fails to present any satisfied customer contacts, then choose a different moving company.
7. Ask your real estate agent
You have probably only moved a few times in your life. But, your real estate agent helps hundreds of people who want to move every day. They have surely interacted with clients who have moved. Your agent will definitely know what type of experience their clients have had with specific moving companies. Try to take the time to ask your real estate agent about moving companies they would recommend. If you have already chosen a company, you can ask them what they have heard about it. When your real estate agent has something bad to say about a moving company, then you must follow their advice and avoid that company.
8. Choose a well-known company
You have surely heard of famous moving companies that most of your acquaintances use. Sometimes your best bet is just to go with the most popular moving company. If they are talked about a lot, and there are many reviews, they are surely not going to scam you. It is better that you pay a slightly higher fee that is finalized in a contract, then to be scammed and pay hundreds more later. Our team at Fixed Price Movers has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and has been helping satisfied customers move for over 15 years. Our prices do not change after the move, and you can be sure that you won’t be scammed when you choose us.
We know that this may all sound daunting at first, but we can assure you that it isn’t. Keep these tricks in your mind when you are in the process of planning your move. Remember that cheaper doesn’t always mean better. In fact, most scammers tend to reel people in with super low prices than demand a higher price after the move. Always check up on the information you receive, read your contract carefully, and you will surely find a trustworthy moving company that will help you move.