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Moving itself can cause anxiety; getting scammed during a move creates unthinkable stress. Below are a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam.
- Interview more than one mover. Just as you would for any other service, it's wise to interview more than one moving company. Three is the magic number.
- Give yourself enough time to conduct the interviews. It's in your best interest not to wait until the last minute when searching for a mover. Not only will planning reduce the possibilities of being scammed, it will also help eliminate stress.
- Don't automatically go for the lowest estimate. The lowest estimate may look appealing to your pocketbook, but beware. Less-than-reputable companies are not above low-balling an estimate to get your business and then padding the bill on the backend. A low estimate might also mean you will receive a less than professional crew or that the company will subcontract your move to another company.
- Ask the moving company for the estimated weight of your items. Use this information to compare with other companies. Ask for a copy of the survey showing the estimated weight.
- Require a written estimate. Find out, in writing, what the company believes the move will cost. You'll also want to know, in writing, what the estimate means to the company. Can they require additional payments after the delivery? Does the contract allow them to bill you for more later?
- When you select the moving company and place a deposit, make sure it is credited to your account.
- Get the schedule in writing. Ask the mover for the date or time period of pickup and delivery. If the mover fails to pickup and deliver on the dates entered on the bill and you have incurred direct out-of-pocket expenses, you may be able to recover those expenses through an inconvenience of "delay" claim.
- Pull the plug when the name on your moving van doesn't match the name of the company you hired. If this happens to you, chances are you've been subcontracted to another company. After all your research and checking references and licenses, you are now dealing with an unknown source. You'll want to take control fast and stop the move to reschedule.
- After the shipment is unloaded, do not sign the driver's copy of the inventory until you have assured yourself it is accurate and any information regarding missing or damaged items is included.
- Always remember to go with your gut. If your gut instinct tells you something isn't right, chances are something isn't right.
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