Whether it’s across the street, across town, or across state lines, moving takes planning and packing. Sometimes a few problems might come up. In fact, BBB received more than 1.9 million moving-related inquiries and 8,900 reportable complaints last year against these companies.
Somewhere in all of the moving-related chaos, stress levels are increased and carefully laid plans are suddenly sent into turmoil when a scam is discovered. This happens when a moving company lures customers into a deal with low rates and then hold the items hostage in exchange for a ransom that’s two to three times higher than the original estimate.
Another scheme is when a deposit is put down and a moving date is agreed upon but the moving company never shows up on the appointed date. Or if they do show up, a completely different name is on the truck.
Some red flags to look for are movers who don’t agree to make an on-site inspection of your goods for an accurate estimate. They may also demand a large deposit in cash. Another indication the company might be less than reputable is a website that doesn’t include a physical address or details about the company itself.
Consumers and businesses have rights and responsibilities before the first box is packed to the time the front door is opened to the new home or business location.
• It starts with the estimate. Have the company tell you exactly how much the move will cost and get it in writing. Read all of the fine print to know what services are included and if a service is not included, ask.
• There are three types of estimates:
◦ Nonbinding – the final cost of the move may exceed or be less than the amount contained in the estimate.
◦ Binding – the final cost must be the amount on the estimate.
◦ Guaranteed not-to-exceed means the final cost must be at or lower than the amount contained in the estimate.
• Insurance is important. The moving company is liable for the value of the goods you ask them to transport. There are different levels of liability and the level determines the type and amount of reimbursement you will receive if an item is lost or damaged.
◦ Basic protection only provides replacement values of $.60/lb. Be aware of the various types of protection available and the charges for each option.
• Verify licensing. All interstate movers must be licensed by the federal government and assigned a motor carrier number. Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to get the carrier number.
• Confirm you know who you are working with. Moving brokers are the middlemen between the person who is moving and the moving company. Check out the business on bbb.org.
Sandra Guile is the Community Outreach Specialist for BBB. She promotes BBB’s message of marketplace ethics through public speaking engagements, presentations, media relations, press releases, web content, and other written materials.
Tune in Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. with Scott Sloan on 700WLW for The Scam of the Week and every third Thursday with Brian Thomas on 55KRC. Contact Sandra at (513) 639-9126 or sguile@cincinnati.bbb.org. Your BBB is located at 1 East 4th Street Suite 600 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 – to reach the office, call (513) 421-3015.