May is National Moving Month. Here are some moving scams you need to know about

Dennis Horton
·4 min read

For many people, the month of May often brings with it change, sometimes significant change.

Graduations from high school or college, a marriage, new job. May also marks the beginning of the busiest time in the country for moving. So much so that May is designated as National Moving Month.

First of all, if you’re planning a move, you should know that there are many great moving companies available. But you must do their homework, because for all the good ones there’s a bad one. Across the Better Business Bureau service area, that’s 19 counties in northern Illinois, there were 1,100 complaints filed last year against moving companies. Additionally, victims of moving scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker losing more than $730,000 to unscrupulous movers. That is a 216% increase in monetary losses as compared to 2020.

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In 2021, 42% of all business inquiries on BBB.org for moving companies occurred from May to August. With that amount of moving activity during summer, the potential of being a victim of a moving scam also increases.

Most people hire a mover only a few times during their lives, so finding the right one may be an unfamiliar process, that can make you a prime target for scammers.

So, what should you be looking out for?

  • Victims receive a quote and pay a deposit, but the movers never show up.

  • The moving company provides a quote based on the expected weight, and after loading the truck, they inform you that the load is over the expected weight and an additional fee will have to be paid. Most of the time, the additional fee is significantly more expensive per pound, sometimes as much as double the original estimate.

  • The movers provide an estimate, arrive on time and load your belongings on a truck. However, this is where the things can take a turn. When the truck fails to arrive at its destination, either your belongings are simply gone or the company requires you to pay an additional fee to have them delivered, holding your possessions hostage.

To avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam, here are some guidelines to follow:

  • Watch out for warning signs. When reviewing a company’s website, if there is no address or information about a mover’s registration or insurance, it is a sign that it may not possess the appropriate policies to protect a consumer’s belongings. Additionally, if the mover uses a rented truck or offers an estimate over the phone before conducting an on-site inspection, it may not be a legitimate business.

  • Be wary of unusual requests. If a mover asks for a large down payment or full payment in advance, that may indicate a fraudulent business. If an individual’s possessions are being held hostage for additional payment that was not agreed upon when the contract was signed, you can contact BBB for help.

  • Get everything in writing. Though most professional movers do give quotes over the phone, it’s still a good idea to get written documentation of all the services you are receiving. If an estimate seems too good to be true, it likely is. Get three written estimates from different movers based on visits to your home. Be sure the estimates are based on weight, not cubic feet, and opt for full-value replacement liability insurance. If at any point the services change, ensure that these changes are documented and understood by both parties.

  • When moving between states, check licensing with the U.S. Department of Transportation. An identification number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is required of all interstate moving companies, which can be verified at ProtectYourMove.org. When moving within the state, always check with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

  • Keep an inventory of your belongings. Having an inventory sheet is one of the best ways to keep track of your possessions. Label the boxes your belongings are packed in and what is in each box. Movers are not liable for lost or damaged contents in customer-packed boxes unless there is provable negligence on the mover's part. Taking photos of the contents before packing is a great way to prove if damages were incurred during the moving process.

  • Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. If the moving company either can’t or won’t answer your questions, look for another company. Trust matters when hiring a moving company.

Dennis Horton is director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau, which serves Winnebago, Boone and Stephenson counties among others in northern Illinois.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Plan on moving? Be cautious of these scams