Moving companies are usually legit and they try not to cheat their customers. However like in any business, there are people who are willing to go over the sense of chivalry and fair competition just to get quick financial gain. The best way to defend against moving scams is a well informed and educated customer. In this article, we want to inform you of the ways in which “moving companies” can scam you. Those “moving companies” are not really moving companies. They are moving scams that destroy the reputation of reputable moving companies. They mire the names of professionals who want to make money in an honest way. So, what are the top 5 moving scams, how can you notice them, and how can you avoid them? Let’s see.
Just a quick glance
Estimators are people who work with moving companies and whose job is to estimate the weight of the customer’s cargo. The way in which the move is calculated is by the weight and by the distance. An honest and professional estimator will check customer’s possessions thoroughly, of course without invading the private. You should know that something is not right if the estimator just glances over your stuff without properly estimating the weight of your stuff. This is why we recommend checking out moving reviews.
Deposit
Do not pay your movers in advance. Reputable moving companies will not take the deposit. Paying is usually done after the relocation. If the moving company says that you need to pay in advance, get away from them. Paying in advance means that nobody but your ‘movers’ know when your stuff will arrive at your chosen destination. So, if you want to avoid unpleasant events when moving, never pay in advance!
The name change
This is a red flag. Companies that are not legit will try to circumnavigate the norms by changing their registered name. If you find out that your moving company of choice changed more than once its name in a short period of time – stay away from it! It is most likely a moving scam.
Packing scam
The point is that if you are packing on your own, movers are generally not fully responsible for the damages. This can be problematic for a couple of reasons. The moving company that is reputable will charge the packing in a normal price range. However, scammers will overcharge the packing and packing materials. Also, this doesn’t mean that they are going to pack your stuff like pros. Usually, they will just crumble the stuff in a box, overcharge you, and call it a day.
Signing blank documents
This should be a no-brainer. Don’t ever sign blank documents! Also, be sure to read everything carefully when you are signing a moving contract. Fake movers will often act impatiently to make you something that you haven’t had time to read, counting on your etiquette.