Did you know that scammers exist in the moving world? It is true and unfortunately, if you are not paying attention, you could be scammed as well. Below, we will go over some tips to help you avoid some of the most common moving scams.
- Check Charges to Avoid Charges OVER the Estimated Amount
One of the most common moving scams is the moving company will quote you a cheap amount and then once the move is over, you will be billed a much larger amount that includes hidden fees. It is important that you get everything in writing and completely understand the company’s additional charges. Some companies have even been known to hold customers’ items hostage until the bill is paid in full. Oh boy!
- Watch Out for High Priced Deposits
If the company you plan to work with asks you to provide a high priced deposit, don’t do it. This is a common moving scam that occurs and once the company receives your deposit, you never hear from them again. Most moving companies do not ask for any type of deposit or if they do, it is a small amount to reserve the date and is applied to your cost.
- Investigate the Company You Plan to Use
You should always investigate the moving company that you plan to use. If you do not, you may run into a company that is known for its fraudulent activities. To investigate a moving company, you should talk to them and ask for proof of their business licenses and insurance. In addition, check the company’s ratings online and read reviews from others who have used the business.
- Get In-Home Estimates
You should never simply accept an over the phone estimate as the estimate for your move because the company cannot see how many items you have or estimate the difficulty of the move. When you call to get a quote from a company, make sure they come out to your home to look at your items. They will then be able to give you an accurate estimate based on what you have in your home.
- Check Their Credentials
If a moving company tells you that they are qualified to move your safe or pool table, verify this information. After all, you are trusting them with moving an item that contains valuables or is worth a lot of money. You can verify their ability to do what they say by talking to other people who have used their service as well.
If you want your move to go smoothly, you need to have a moving company on your side that will remain on your side and keep your best interests in mind. If you have any doubt about a company, move to the next one and trust your gut instinct. Remember, if you think something sounds too good to be true, it likely is, so protect yourself at all times.