Protect Yourself From Moving Scams

No U.S. DOT number. The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) requires all movers to have a U.S. DOT number and to have operating authority to carry out interstate moving services. You should see the U.S. DOT number on a mover’s website. For moves in-state, movers must follow state regulations, which vary by state. Most states require companies to have a U.S. DOT number, and many do their own licensing as well. Check with your state’s movers association for information and guides.

Estimate given over the phone. According to Bowley, giving you an over-the-phone final estimate differentiates a rogue mover from a legitimate mover. Companies should either come in person to see what will be moved, or do a video walk-through with you. A mover can’t give you a price without seeing what needs to be moved, says Bowley.

Rented trucks. Be wary if the movers show up in rental trucks rather than company-branded vehicles. Same goes for calls that are answered with a generic identification such as “movers” or “moving company,” rather than the company’s name, says McGovern.

Forms have blanks. Movers ask you to sign blank or incomplete forms, offering to fill them in later. Don’t sign anything not filled out and completed.

How to protect yourself from this scam

Once a dishonest mover has your goods on the truck, they have all the leverage, so your best defense is to take time and care in choosing the hauler.

Get referrals. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors who have moved recently. Real estate agents can be another good resource.

Research companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database shows an interstate moving company’s status and complaint history. ATA MSC’s ProMover directory lists certified professional moving companies by state. Look through BBB profiles to find BBB accredited businesses. “We encourage people to read the complaints and the resolution and the reviews on multiple sites, not just ours,” says McGovern.

Are they a moving company or a broker? Brokers are salespeople who subcontract jobs to moving companies. If you’re not talking to the company doing the move, “You don’t know if they were background checked or if they are licensed,” says McGovern. Or that someone will show up to move you. Evasive answers and pressure to sign agreements are red flags.

Get multiple in-home estimates. Experts recommend you get at least three estimates from different moving companies. If one is much lower than the others, be skeptical.

Do a walk-through. Accompany them on the walk-through of your house and ask how anything antique or delicate will be handled, says McGovern. Ask what the liability is if you pack fragile items yourself instead of them.

Estimates should be based on weight. Rogue movers use cubic feet to give a price because volume is less precise and easier to manipulate for later upcharges, says Bowley. Pricing should be based on how much your goods weigh.

Clarify anything you don’t understand. “Go through [your contract] with the moving company line by line to make sure that you understand it,” says McGovern. Some things to look for are liability for anything damaged or broken, how payment will be handled and that services are all documented. “Reputable companies will … explain all the charges, what they mean, how they’re calculated.” If the answers aren’t clear, consider a different mover.

Getting ready for the move

Know consumer rights and responsibilities. Your mover should have given you a copy of FMCSA’s booklet detailing how estimates, invoices, liability for loss or damage and other issues must be handled. “Spending 25 minutes or an hour reading through that and understanding it … is a very wise investment,” says Bowley.

Get everything in writing. This includes estimates, inventory, order of service [description of all services mover will perform] and the bill of lading [your contract for the move].

Print out documents or save electronic copies. You should have easy access to all documents pertaining to your move on moving day. “Print out and save electronic copies, because scammers can delete an estimate they provided,” says Bowley.

On moving day

Supervise the move-in person. “Plan to be available during loading and unloading,” says Bowley. If you can’t be at your house to answer questions, ensure everything is packed, caution movers about delicate items and have a trusted representative stand in for you to supervise.

Inventory your belongings. Make a list of items to be moved, and take time-stamped photos or videos, suggests McGovern. Your mover is making an inventory as they load and unload your goods, which you can compare against yours to ensure its accuracy. 

Get any revisions in writing. Make sure any changes in the moving plan are documented.

Use a credit card, never cash. Your card provides protection if there is a dispute or you suspect a scam, unlike gift cards and cash transfer apps .

If you’ve been a victim

FMCSA has a place to file a complaint online or on its hotline at 888-368-7238.

U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General takes reports online or via its hotline, 800-424-9071.

You can also report to the BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Notify your state’s attorney general or consumer protection office.

Moving resources

FMCSA’s Protect Your Move has advice on preparing for an interstate move, selecting a mover and avoiding fraud, along with moving checklists. ATA MSC’s consumer information center offers detailed moving tips, along with its ProMover directory. Movers listed on the directory have agreed to follow the association’s ethical guidelines.

The BBB has a hub advising readers on selecting the best type of moving service for your move.