6 Moving Company Scams and How to Avoid Them

Some common moving scams include weight bumping, lowball estimates, holding household goods hostage, no-shows after deposit, credit card upcharges, extra fees, and stolen items.

Learn how to recognize and avoid six common moving scams, plus where to report a fraudulent mover and how to get your money back.

First, you get a non-binding estimate for the cost of your move. Then, on the day of the move, the movers tell you that your belongings weigh more than the company originally thought they did. They may charge you more per pound than the first estimate, sometimes as much as double the amount. If this happens after your belongings are loaded on the truck, the movers can effectively hold your things hostage until you pay the higher price.

While there’s no sure-fire way to know that your total move weight has been accurately estimated, using only reputable movers can help. You can also protect yourself from the bait-and-switch aspect of this scam by getting only binding moving estimates (signed by both parties) before you hire a mover. Many of NerdWallet’s top-rated moving companies offer binding estimates.

The mover provides a very low estimate, then refuses to release the customer’s belongings unless they pay additional fees or a higher price overall.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, get multiple estimates (preferably binding) from reputable movers, and be cautious of quotes that are much lower than the average price range. Always ask about potential fees and make sure that all communication with the company is in writing.

The move appears to be going according to plan, and all your belongings have been loaded onto the truck without incident. But then, the truck never arrives at its destination, and you can’t get in contact with customer service.

The company may also demand additional fees to release your stuff, or it might “lose track” of individual boxes or items.

To avoid this scam, only hire vetted, reputable movers, and keep a thorough, written inventory of all belongings being moved. You can also take pictures or videos of all of your things as they’re loaded onto the truck, so you can address any discrepancies quickly after the truck is unloaded.

The customer pays the mover a significant deposit, and then on the day of the move, the mover doesn’t show up.

To protect yourself from no-shows, be wary of movers who require deposits, especially large ones. Most of our top-rated movers don’t require an upfront deposit, and those that do charge a low flat rate or a 10-15% fee.

The mover provides the service but then charges the customer’s credit card a higher amount than the agreed-upon price. In the hectic frenzy of moving, customers may hand over a credit card at the end of the day, sign on the dotted line and be unaware they’ve been victimized by this scam until they receive their monthly credit card statement.

To avoid being scammed with an unexpected upcharge, use only reputable movers and try to get a binding estimate if possible. Keep an eye on your credit card statement during and after your move, and read the fine print before signing anything. Keep copies of contracts and estimates so you have evidence if you need to open a dispute with your credit card company.

Fraudulent movers may offer contracts that leave out important details, allowing them to add extra charges at the end of the move. Some may even ask you to sign a partially or fully blank document.

Read all contracts carefully. Make sure they include your moving quote, a detailed list of everything included in the move, and your pickup and delivery dates and times.

How to choose a moving company

Before selecting a mover, do the following:

• Review the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. You can see their average review with customers and check if any formal complaints have been filed against them.

• Search the FMCSA Mover database. This tool allows you to see a company’s location, contact information, registration status with the DOT, safety info and any complaints that have been lodged against it. You’ll also be able to find out if the company you’re considering is a full-service mover or a moving broker. Moving brokers contract third-party carriers and may have less consistent payment policies.

• Read online reviews from trusted sites like Google, BBB, Angi and TrustPilot. If you only see very recent, positive reviews, the company may be manipulating reviews.

• Ask friends and neighbors if they’ve used the mover, or ask the mover for references.

• Verify that the mover exists by driving by the mover’s listed address or using online satellite and street map tools to see if the company has a physical location.

• Document the moving process by getting everything in writing, saving all paperwork and taking inventory photos of everything you’re moving. 

A mover may not be reputable if it has any of the following issues:

• The website doesn’t display insurance information or an FMCSA registration (including the DOT number or other type of registration).

• When you call the business phone number, a customer service representative doesn’t answer with the company name.

• The email address doesn’t contain the company name or use a professional domain.

• They lack any online presence.

• They claim to have been in business for many years, but all online reviews are very recent.

• They won’t provide the exact address of their storage facility.

• The company keeps changing its name or address.

• They won’t answer your questions.

• They bombard you with unsolicited calls and emails.

• They don’t provide a careful inspection of your property and belongings, and instead offer a telephone or online quote sight-unseen.

• The quote you receive is much lower than average or than other estimates.

• They won’t provide you with a written quote (binding or non-binding) and want you to hire them with just a handshake. 

• They try to pressure you into hiring them by claiming they have a limited-time discount that needs to be locked in immediately.

• They don’t accept credit cards.

• They require cash or a large deposit before the move.

• The driver arrives in a rented truck instead of a professionally labeled moving van.

• The driver asks you to sign blank documents.

How to report a moving scam

If you’ve been scammed by your movers, report the crime to the police first. Here are other helpful places to report:

2. Report to your state moving agency. Each state has its own agency that regulates moving companies, so you’d need to contact that agency for instructions on filing a complaint.

3. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. You can also post a negative review there that will help warn others against using the mover.