How to Spot a Moving Scam Before You Book a Company

Most people do not regret moving. They regret trusting the wrong people to move them.

Most people try to reduce their moving stress by hiring movers quickly. That is exactly what scammers love. But the reality is you can spot a moving scam before it costs you money, time and peace of mind.

You just need to stay calm and know what to look for and what to verify before booking movers.

The Better Business Bureau has reported that it receives about 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about movers each year. And the FMCSA has publicly noted sharp increases in household goods complaints in its National Consumer Complaint Database.

Moving scams work because they hit you at a vulnerable time. A smooth-talking dispatcher promises “today-only pricing,” a website looks polished, and suddenly your deposit is gone, or your furniture is “stuck” until you pay more.

That is moving company fraud, and it is preventable. The FTC has even issued a consumer alert on how to avoid moving scams when hiring movers.

So, let’s discuss the signs of a moving scam and how to spot them before hiring a moving company.

Who Moving Scammers Target and Why It Works

Most people think fake movers randomly choose their victims. They do not. They look for specific situations where people are stressed, rushed, or unfamiliar with the process.

If you recognize yourself in any of the situations below, it means you need to stay more alert and know the moving company red flags early.

Here are the groups scammers commonly target:

People Moving for the First Time

If this is your first move, you are naturally unsure about pricing, contracts, and procedures. You may not know what a normal estimate looks like or what documents a legitimate company should provide.

Scammers take advantage of this uncertainty. They offer extremely low quotes or pressure you into quick decisions because they know you do not know how to choose a legit moving company. 

People Moving on Short Notice

Urgent moves create urgency in decision-making. Whether it is a job relocation, lease deadline, or family emergency, you feel forced to book quickly.

Scammers love deadlines. When you are in a hurry, you are less likely to verify a moving company, read contracts carefully, or compare multiple quotes. High-pressure offers like “book today or lose the price” are common tactics in moving company fraud because rushed decisions reduce caution.

Long-Distance and Interstate Movers

Long-distance moves involve more money and more logistics. Your belongings travel far away from you, which gives dishonest companies more control.

This is why interstate moves get serious moving scams, including situations where belongings are held hostage for extra payment or delivery dates keep changing.

Students and Young Professionals

Students and young professionals move frequently and usually look for affordable options. Scammers know this. They offer prices that sound “too good to miss,” knowing cost is a major deciding factor.

These offers hide extra fees or sudden price increases later. Many moving scam stories begin with a cheap estimate that is later doubled or tripled.

Seniors and Elderly Movers

Older adults are targeted because scammers assume they may trust service providers more easily or may not verify details online.

Fraudsters may use polite language, emotional persuasion, or authority-based tactics to gain trust. That’s why senior moving scams have been on the rise recently.

People Relocating to a New City or Country

When you are moving to an unfamiliar place, you cannot easily check the company’s physical location or reputation locally. You rely mostly on online information.

This makes it easier for scammers to create convincing websites, fake addresses, and fabricated reviews. Many victims only realize they hired fake movers after their belongings are already gone.

How to Spot a Moving Scam Before Hiring Movers

If you follow the steps below carefully, you can spot a moving scam early and protect yourself from most moving company scams before they even begin.

Step 1: Check the Company’s License and Registration

Before you look at prices or promises, confirm the company legally exists.

For interstate moves (moves between states), movers must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can verify this through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

You can check here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move

Use their database to check:

• USDOT number
• Motor Carrier (MC) number
• Company status (active or not)
• Complaint history
• Safety record

Example: A mover says, “We don’t deal with government registration because it slows down our service.” That is a major warning.

Step 2: Verify the Company’s Physical Presence

A real moving company has a real office, warehouse, and verifiable contact details. Fake movers operate with temporary setups.

Check these details carefully:

• Physical business address (not just a P.O. box)
• Company name consistency across the website and documents
• Google Maps location
• Business listings
• Office phone number that matches records

Search the address online. If multiple companies are registered at the same small location or the address looks residential with no business activity, discard that company.

Step 3: Study the Website Carefully

A professional website alone does not mean legitimacy. Many moving scams rely on polished websites.

Look closely for:

• No company history or background information
• No physical address listed
• Generic stock images everywhere
• No licensing details
• Poor grammar or vague service descriptions
• Multiple company names on the same website

Legitimate companies clearly explain who they are, what they do, and how to contact them.

If a website feels “too perfect but too empty,” trust that instinct.

Step 4: Check Reviews (Not Just Ratings)

Many people only look at star ratings. Scammers know this and create fake reviews.

Instead, check:

• Detailed negative reviews describing similar problems
• Sudden bursts of positive reviews
• Repeated complaints about price changes or hostage items
• Reviews mentioning different company names

Use multiple platforms:

• Google Reviews
• Better Business Bureau:
• Yelp
• Consumer forums

Step 5: Always Get a Written Estimate

A professional mover provides written estimates before booking.

There are three common estimate types:

• Non-binding estimate (price may change)
• Binding estimate (fixed price)
• Binding not-to-exceed estimate (price cannot increase)

Avoid companies that only give phone estimates without seeing your inventory.

Example: A company says, “We will tell you the final price after loading.” This is a classic tactic used in moving company fraud.

Step 6: Watch Out for Extremely Low Prices

Scammers attract customers with unusually cheap offers. The price looks irresistible, then hidden charges appear later.

Compare at least three quotes. If one price is dramatically lower, ask why.

Be cautious if:

• The quote is far below market rates
• Fees are not clearly explained
• Charges depend on delivery time or weight changes

Step 7: Understand Deposit and Payment Rules

Legitimate movers usually request small deposits or payment after delivery. Scammers demand large upfront payments.

Be careful if the company asks for:

• Large deposits before service
• Cash-only payments
• Wire transfers
• Cryptocurrency payments

Step 8: Read the Contract Line by Line

Most people skip this step, but scammers rely on that.

Check for:

• Extra fees hidden in small print
• Delivery window conditions
• Cancellation penalties
• Weight-based charges
• Storage fees
• Subcontracting clauses

Never sign incomplete documents or blank sections.

If something is unclear, ask directly: “What exactly does this charge cover?”

Step 9: Confirm Insurance and Liability Coverage

Professional movers explain how your belongings are protected.

There are typically two options:

• Released value protection (basic coverage)
• Full value protection (higher coverage)

If a company avoids explaining insurance or says “everything is fully covered” without documents, investigate further.

Step 10: Watch Their Communication Style

How a company communicates reveals a lot.

Be cautious if they:

• Pressure you to book immediately
• Avoid answering questions
• Change details frequently
• Use vague language
• Refuse written confirmation

Trustworthy movers communicate clearly and consistently.

Step 11: Ask Direct Questions Before Booking

You have the right to ask clear questions. Their answers help you spot a moving scam quickly.

Ask things like:

• “Do you use subcontractors?”
• “What happens if delivery is delayed?”
• “What fees can change the final price?”
• “How do you handle damage claims?”
• “Can I see your license and insurance?”

A Simple Pre-Booking Safety Checklist

Before hiring any mover, confirm:

If even one of these steps fails, reconsider the company.

What a Legitimate Moving Company Should Provide

When you hire professionals, certain things should come as standard. You should not have to chase them, request them repeatedly, or argue to receive them. A reliable mover offers these as part of normal service.

If a company cannot provide most of the items below, you may be dealing with fake movers.

Here is what a legitimate moving company typically provides:

• A valid license number and official registration details
• Proof of insurance and liability coverage documents
• A physical business address and verified contact information
• A professional website with clear company information
• A written estimate (binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed)
• An in-home survey or virtual inventory assessment before quoting
• Transparent pricing with clearly listed fees and charges
• A detailed contract with complete terms and conditions
• A clear pickup and delivery schedule or delivery window
• An inventory list of all items being moved
• Written policies for delays, cancellations, and refunds
• Damage and claims process documentation
• Clear payment terms and accepted payment methods

What to Check Before You Sign Anything

Signing a moving contract is not just a formality. It is the moment where your money, your belongings, and your rights become legally tied to the company. Many moving scams succeed because people sign documents without fully understanding what they agreed to.

Here is exactly what you should check before you sign anything.

Final Price and Pricing Structure

Do not assume the quoted price is the final price. Confirm how the cost is calculated and what could change it.

Look for:

• Whether the estimate is binding or non-binding
• Conditions that allow price increases
• Additional fees for stairs, long carry, packing materials, or heavy items
• Charges for delays or rescheduling
• Storage fees if delivery is postponed

If the pricing details are unclear, ask directly, “Will this amount change, and under what conditions?”

Complete List of Services Included

Your contract should clearly explain what services the company will provide.

Confirm whether it includes:

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Packing materials
• Storage services
• Special handling for fragile items

Inventory List of Your Belongings

Professional movers create a detailed inventory list of every item being transported. This document protects both you and the company.

Make sure the inventory includes:

• All items listed accurately
• Condition of items before moving
• Number of boxes and large furniture pieces
• Labels for fragile or high-value items

Never sign a blank or incomplete inventory sheet. It weakens your ability to claim damages later.

Delivery Dates and Time Windows

The contract must clearly state:

• Pickup date
• Delivery window
• Conditions for delays
• Compensation or policy if delivery is late

Vague language like “delivery depends on schedule” gives companies too much control.

Liability and Insurance Coverage

Your belongings should be protected, and the contract must explain how.

Verify:

• Type of liability coverage offered
• Compensation limits for damaged or lost items
• Additional coverage options
• Claims filing process and deadlines

Cancellation and Refund Policies

You should know your options if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Look for:

• Cancellation deadlines
• Deposit refund conditions
• Rescheduling fees
• Penalties for changes

Payment Terms and Methods

Understand exactly when and how you must pay.

Confirm:

• Deposit amount required
• Final payment timing
• Accepted payment methods
• Any additional charges at delivery

Blank Spaces or Missing Information

Never sign documents with incomplete sections.

Before signing:

• Ensure all fields are filled
• Cross out blank spaces
• Keep a signed copy for your records
• Confirm company details match official records

When to Say “No” to a Moving Company

Sometimes the safest decision is simply refusing to move forward. If you notice any of the situations below, stepping back can protect you from serious problems later.

You should say no if a company:

• Refuses to provide licensing or registration details when asked
• Cannot help you verify a moving company through official records
• Avoids written estimates or only offers verbal pricing
• Demands a large upfront deposit before service
• Requests cash-only, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency payments
• Pressures you to “book now” or claims offers will disappear immediately
• Provides unclear answers or changes information frequently
• Has inconsistent company details across documents or the website
• Has repeated complaints that match common moving company scams
• Asks you to sign incomplete paperwork or blank documents
• Avoids explaining insurance, liability, or damage policies
• Uses extremely low pricing that feels unrealistic
• Does not allow time to review contracts properly