How can I avoid being scammed in motion?
1. Do your research. Before using any type of paid service, it is good to use the internet to research companies that are available in your area. Want to watch those in your price range, as well as those that seem to be the most used. You can also ask friends, family or co-workers for suggestions of service they have used in the past in motion. Once you have a list of company names that you want, search individually. Make sure the company has a website address and license local information and if you can also look at the BBB page for the service (be sure to match the address on the BBB with that given on the service website) and its opinion on Yelp.
2. Dig deeper. Unfortunately, you can not always trust the first Google results are presented. Many rogue companies have taken on the fact that people conduct online research to determine whether the use of their services or not, and they often put fake reviews to boost their perceived reputation. You might find several Web pages from a moving company that the cream of the crop, but attention to the language used in comments. Many are in poor English, which is a telltale sign that the reviews are fake. If something does not seem to add, follow your instincts and ask for the service as many questions as you can.
3. Learn your rights. The Motor Federal Security Administration carrier has set up a website - Protect Your Move - that provides information on your rights and responsibilities as a client in motion, with a database of movers who are registered with the FMCSA. It is important to note, however, that only interstate movers are listed - so if you plan to make a move in your state, you can not have much luck here. Regardless, this site is a good resource for you to use before, during and after your move. The site also has good information about the different types of liability your mover may or may not have to your property.
4. Get a prior estimate. One of the biggest ways people getting ripped off when it comes to travel is offered suspiciously low rate and then charged an exorbitant amount once the companies have taken possession of their property. Every moving company that refuses to make an estimate on the spot, in writing, must be collected with suspicion. The best way to have a clear idea of what your move will cost is for the mobile company to see what you have - if she refuses to do so, you run the risk of having additional costs on after your assets are charged and additional truck (or worse, taken hostage in a warehouse somewhere).
5. Beware of paying a large deposit or cash. Another common scam involves the movers requiring a large deposit or cash advance. Let the movers do not show once the deposit has been delivered, or they disappear from your property after you gave them money on moving day. Since you paid cash, you have no way to prove how much they took. Your deposit and your payment must be made by check or credit card, giving you a way to track what you paid. Note that the credit card is the safest choice, you will have more protection in case of fraud, according to the FTC. Any company that refuses payment by credit card must be removed from the list.
6. Make a personal visit. For many scams movement are operated on someone's house or office hastily set up, one of the best things you can do to make sure that you are dealing with a real reputable company is insisting on coming to them. If a company does not have an official office location where customers can stop that should be considered highly suspicious. It is also an opportunity for you to ask the person if there is additional cost and learn about the company's insurance policies. Finally, check their vans or trucks -. If they are not labeled, it's not a great sign since most legitimate companies want to promote themselves on their vehicles
Moving scams are easy to fall because the stress of movement makes people that would normally be thorough and careful want to cut corners in order to get the process completed quickly. You might think you're lucky to be getting a great deal, but the low estimate is promised you could be using a crook to draw you and take your business hostage until you pay for thousands of dollars. Take time to do your research and monitor the red flags will save you the headache and heartache down the road. Learn more about the spots and avoid scams of all kinds by following our blog.