While making the transition to moving into a new home or office is an exciting venture, at the same time, it is a stressful one as well, and this is mostly when it comes to trusting a moving company to start you off on the right foot. There are always hundreds of options, but how can you distinguish which one is a trustworthy source?
Unfortunately, the moving scam is frequent and can give you several headaches.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know on how to prevent moving scams, what to look out to identify a shady business, and why you can trust Terry Moving and Storage to provide reliable moving services in Orange County.
What Are Moving Scams?
Moving scams are tricks where a company takes advantage of you by either overcharging, damaging your belongings, or failing to deliver services as promised. These scams can happen in many forms, but they all lead to a frustrating experience.
Some common moving scams include:
- Hidden Fees: The company will offer a cheap price; however, once the job is completed, they will add additional charges that were not discussed.
- Unlicensed Movers: Not all moving companies are licensed or insured, which means that your property and belongings are at stake.
- Moving Brokers: These are usually a scam. They lure you with a low quote, but when the movers arrive, they demand more money before completing the move.
- Stolen or Damaged Goods: Some moving companies may even break or steal your things, and you may not even get compensation.
How to Spot Moving Scams
It’s important to recognize red flags so you don’t fall for a moving scam. Here’s how you can spot them:
Unrealistically Low Estimates
This is one of the most typical frauds when a company offers a considerably low price to entice clients. They may quote a few hundred dollars to move, but as soon as they start loading your stuff, they could change the price to a much higher one.
Reputable movers such as Terry Moving and Storage will provide a realistic estimate of the size and distance of your move. If it looks too good to be true, then perhaps it is.
No Physical Address or Website
Reputable companies have a professional website and a clear physical address. When a moving firm is unable to provide you with a location or an internet address where you may confirm their address, it is a red flag. A moving company well established in the business, like Terry Moving and Storage will allow easy access of their business information.
Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance
Any reputable moving company should possess all the necessary licences and insurance coverage. Before employing any company, get them to show you evidence of their licensing and insurance. This cushions you in case of anything that goes wrong during the move. Terry Moving & Storage is a licensed and completely insured moving company and hence you can be assured of safety of your items.
Beware of Moving Brokers
What is a moving broker? A moving broker is a company that acts as a middleman between you and the actual moving company. They promise low prices, but once the movers arrive, they demand more money, or you may end up with a company that doesn’t deliver as promised.
Rebranding Trick
Many brokers shut down one name and pop back up under another, but the license trail doesn’t change. Don’t be fooled by fresh reviews and a shiny new brand, the USDOT/MC license number tells the real story.
Why Moving Brokers Can Be a Scam
- Price Hikes: Moving brokers usually give you a low price up front. However, once the move begins, the actual moving company demands more money.
- Unreliable Companies: Brokers may not adequately screen the moving company that will actually execute your move, and this may result in a bad experience.
- Hidden Fees: Obscure fees are also possible, whereby the broker will add extra hidden charges to their services, which makes your move more costly than anticipated.
How to Protect Yourself from Moving Broker Scams
- Research the Broker: Read the reviews about the broker, and review their reputation elsewhere.
- Get Everything in Writing: Make sure all terms, including the final price, are documented.
- Avoid Lowball Offers: When the broker offers a price that is too good, this is likely to be a red flag.
File with DOT, not Yelp. Reviews don’t move money; DOT complaints do.
How to Protect Yourself from Moving Broker Scams
Step by Step to Fight Back:
- Find the broker’s USDOT or MC license number (on your contract or the FMCSA website).
- File a complaint with the DOT against the broker’s license, not the moving crew.
- Email the broker and cite your DOT complaint number, demanding your deposit back.
Customers of Terry Moving have successfully recovered ~$5,000 after filing a DOT complaint and following up with the broker using the complaint number.
Tips for Choosing a Reliable Moving Company
Now that you know what to look at, the next step is how to select a moving company that you can trust:
Do Your Research
You can start by looking at the already established firms that have been in the business over the years. Terry Moving & Storage is an experienced Orange County-based company with more than 37 years of experience.
Ask for an In-Home Estimate
A reliable moving company should come and do a proper estimate of your home. By doing so, you will not be in any surprise once the movers arrive. A move estimate at home will also verify that you are charged a reasonable price that corresponds to the move size.
Why Choose Terry Moving & Storage?
If you’re looking for moving services in Orange County, Terry Moving & Storage is the best choice. Here’s why:
- Years of Experience
With over 37 years of experience, Terry Moving & Storage knows how to handle any move, big or small. Their team of professionals is dedicated to making your move as smooth as possible.
- Transparent Pricing
Unlike moving brokers and scam companies, Terry Moving & Storage offers fair, upfront pricing. There are no hidden fees, and you’ll always know what to expect.
- Full-Service Moving
Terry Moving & Storage is a full-service move company. It also implies that you do not need to coordinate with more than one company; everything is done in one location.
- Licensed and Insured
Terry Moving & Storage is also licensed and insured, which will put your mind at ease given that you know your moving possessions are always taken care of during the moving process.
Final Tips for a Scam-Free Move
These are a few pointers that can help make your move a safe one. Prior to hiring a moving company, it is important to ask these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Are in-home estimates obtainable?
- Do you have references or customer reviews?
Closing Notes
Selecting an excellent moving company is quite essential in ensuring that the move is smooth with minimal stress involved. By learning the tricks to help you avoid moving scams based on hidden moving costs, unqualified movers, and moving scam brokers, you will be able to avoid these tricks and have a stress-free moving process.
When a broker takes your money and disappears, don’t just leave a review, file with the DOT and use that complaint number to demand your deposit back.
To have a positive, scam-free move, call Terry Moving & Storage and get a free estimate now!
FAQs
1. What are the most common moving company scams to watch out for?
Some of the common moving company scam activities include adding unexpected fees or hidden charges where the company quotes low prices but adds more charges after the deal is closed. Another red flag is unlicensed movers because they do not have the right insurance. The other factor that is common with moving brokers is price increments which would be quoted at a low fee only to increase it on the actual moving day. Other scammers will even take or break belongings and be unwilling to pay compensation.
2. How can I verify if a moving company in Orange County is legitimate?
One of the ways to find out whether a moving company is valid is the presence of appropriate licenses and insurance. Before committing to the company, ask what their USDOT number is and check the number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Moreover, reviews on various websites and consultations with other people can be useful to check that the company is not a scam.
3. What should I do if a moving company screwed me with the bill of lading?
In the event that a moving company has bungled the bill of lading; the first step should be to address the company concerned with the view of rectifying the situation. In case you can not get a solution, complain to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). It is also possible to seek legal advice depending on the case.
4. How do I report a moving company scam in California?
Filing a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in California can help you report a moving company scam. More details about the company, situation, and any supporting documentation are provided to assist with the investigation.
5. What is the bill of lading, and why is it important when hiring a moving company?
A bill of lading is a legal document between you and the moving company that spells out the moving terms, including costs and the services being provided. It is important because it insures you in any event of disagreement, damage, or loss of your items during the move.
6. How to Choose a Reputable Mover?
Select a trusted mover by searching through an insured and licensed mover with good reviews. A trustworthy company, such as Terry Moving & Storage, should give you a faithful and precise price quote, usually by having an in-home evaluation. Never make use of companies with unusually low prices as it may be a red flag.
