National Moving Month is a time to recognize America’s mobile roots and kick off the busiest months in the moving industry. This year, however, National Moving Month kicked off with consumer warnings about moving scams.
The American Moving & Storage Association joined US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Anne S. Ferro, and other public and private representatives in Houston for a news conference May 1 to warn consumers about con artists and unlicensed movers who “come out of the woodwork” to take advantage of people during this busy moving season. The officials urged consumers preparing to hire a mover to protect themselves by only hiring moving companies in full compliance with applicable laws. Consumers should also visit www.protectyourmove.gov for tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam.
Red Flag Warnings
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration outlines red flags to watch out for when hiring a mover. Those red flags include:
- Answering the phone with generic rather than company name. If you call a moving company and the person answering says “Movers” or “Moving Company” instead of a specific company name, hang up and look for another company.
- No local address on the website and no mention of license or insurance. Don’t hire a mover without verifiable license and insurance, or one without an office location you can visit. If you visit the office and it is in poor condition, look for another mover.
- Low estimates given over the internet or phone without an in-home inspection of household items. The mover should come to your home to provide an estimate. While you may accept an estimated cost if you trust your mover, you should only hire a moving company that offers a guaranteed, binding estimate with no hidden costs. Read more in Things You Should Know about Moving.
- False insurance claims. If the mover tells you the company’s insurance covers all of your household goods, look for another moving company. Professional movers will, however, offer insurance packages. Read about Loss and Damage Liability.
- Payment or large deposit required before the move.
- The mover does not provide you with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. If moving state to state, federal law requires the mover provide you a copy of the booklet.
- No company name on the moving truck/van. If your mover arrives in a rental truck or unmarked vehicle, you could be in trouble.
Hire a Mover You Can Trust
Planning a move takes time and careful consideration. Avoid falling victim to a moving scam. Hire a moving company you know you can trust.
In business since 1939, Chipman Relocations, a BBB Accredited Business, is the moving company you can rely on to provide the services agreed upon at a competitive price. Read testimonials about our safe and reliable movers and see verification of our ProMover certification on the AMSA website. Feel confident your move is in good hands with Chipman Relocations.
