Which moving company scams appear most and how to avoid each one

Part of our guide on saving money on your move

Identify exact moving company scams by their tactics and avoid costly surprises with step-by-step verification methods.

What you need before hiring a moving company

Prepare a few simple tools and supplies to protect yourself from moving company scams. Key items include a notebook to record details and communications, a smartphone to verify license and reviews online, and a printable checklist for quotes and estimates.

You should also have your inventory of belongings ready to facilitate an accurate in-person or video survey. This inventory helps avoid underestimations that lead to bait-and-switch tactics.

A reliable smartphone or computer access is vital to check the mover's DOT or FMCSA registration number and reviews from multiple sources.

• Notebook: record company names, numbers, and promises
• Smartphone: check licenses and read reviews online
• Inventory list: enable accurate moving estimates
• Checklist: compare quotes and documented offers

What are common moving company scams

Lowball quotes appear when a company offers a very low initial price, usually 30-50% below typical market rates, to secure your business. They count on charging heavy extra fees later to cover their costs. It helps to understand how to prepare for movers who are packing for you before going further.

Hostage tactics occur when movers refuse to release your belongings until you pay inflated fees often 20-50% above the original estimate.

Broker scams involve a middleman who sells your job to unlicensed or unreliable subcontractors. These brokers often provide false licenses and disappear with deposits, leaving you with no recourse.

Phantom fees come as surprise charges on moving day for services not discussed or authorized, such as additional labor, long carry charges, or fuel surcharges. For the detail, see our notes on full value protection moving insurance.

• Lowball quotes: lure customer with unrealistically low price
• Hostage tactic: hold goods until extra payment made
• Broker scam: middleman sells job to unlicensed movers
• Phantom fees: surprise charges on moving day

How to identify a moving company scam early

Verify the mover’s USDOT or FMCSA number through the official government website to confirm registration and insurance status. Legitimate movers always provide this number upon request.

Watch out for companies that refuse an in-person or video survey before quoting. Estimates based solely on a phone call or email are often inaccurate.

Be cautious if the company demands a large upfront deposit greater than 20% of the total estimate, especially if asked to pay in cash or wire transfer. It helps to understand understanding moving estimate types before going further.

Check online reviews carefully. Multiple complaints about similar behaviors such as hidden fees or refusal to release goods are strong red flags.

• Require USDOT/FMCSA number and verify it online
• Insist on in-person or video survey for a quote
• Avoid movers requiring large upfront deposits (>20%)
• Research multiple review platforms for complaints

What steps prevent falling for hidden moving company scams

Demand a written estimate that clearly states all expected charges. This estimate should be based on your inventory and the survey of your belongings.

Read all contracts carefully before signing. Check for vague terms that allow the mover to add fees without notice.

Never pay the full amount upfront. A deposit of 10-20% is normal, but most payment should occur after delivery and inspection.

Confirm the company’s physical address and phone number. Beware of companies that only have a P.O. box or frequently change locations.

• Get detailed written estimates including all fees
• Review contract for vague or open-ended clauses
• Limit upfront deposit to 10-20% of total cost
• Verify physical business address and reliable phone

How to verify moving company legitimacy

Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to confirm the mover’s USDOT number, insurance, and safety compliance records.

Legitimate movers must have a physical office and permanent phone number. Check that these details match what the company provides.

Confirm the mover is registered for interstate moving if your move crosses state lines. Intrastate moves are regulated differently and require separate verification.

Ask for references from recent customers and follow up to confirm their experience.

• Check FMCSA database for USDOT number and insurance
• Confirm physical office and permanent contact info
• Verify registration for interstate or intrastate moves
• Request and check customer references

Which moving company behaviors signal broker or phone scams

Brokers often refuse to provide a USDOT number or give fake ones that don’t match official records. If the company is reluctant to share this, consider it a red flag.

Phone scams rely on providing cheap quotes without seeing your belongings. These estimates are usually incomplete and designed to trap you with surprise charges later.

Companies that pressure you to sign a contract immediately or demand payment before the move without a full survey raise suspicion.

Unsolicited calls offering unusually low prices or claiming to be “authorized” by well-known moving companies are likely scams.

• Refusal to share or invalid USDOT number
• Cheap quotes without in-person or video survey
• Pressure tactics for immediate contract or payment
• Unsolicited calls offering too-good rates

Common mistakes when hiring movers and what to do instead

Agreeing to a moving estimate without a physical or video survey often leads to underestimations and unexpected fees. Always insist on a proper survey.

Paying the entire cost upfront removes leverage and increases risk if the mover fails or scams you. Limit your deposit and pay the rest after delivery.

Ignoring license and insurance verification can result in hiring unregulated companies with no accountability. Always confirm these credentials.

Not reading the contract or being unclear about fees allows scammers to add surprise charges. Read every clause carefully and ask questions.

• Mistake: accepting quote without survey -> Do: demand in-person/video survey
• Mistake: paying full upfront -> Do: limit deposit to 10-20%
• Mistake: skipping license check -> Do: verify USDOT and insurance
• Mistake: ignoring contract details -> Do: review and clarify fees

Questions people still ask

Having dealt with movers myself, I emphasize verifying licenses and written estimates above all else to avoid scams.