How to Avoid Moving Scams Before They Happen to You
The moving industry has more scams than almost any other home service. Here is exactly what to watch out for.
Why Moving Scams Are So Common
The FMCSA receives thousands of moving fraud complaints every year. Most victims say the same thing — they did not know what to look for.
Moving scams work because customers are stressed, rushed, and trusting — especially when planning a long distance move. You are handing over your entire life to strangers. Scammers know this and they exploit it.
The good news is that most moving scams follow the same patterns. Once you know what to look for they are easy to spot.
MoveSafe Relocation has been arranging safe moves since 1998. Licensed broker. Vetted carriers. Binding quotes. Dedicated coordinator. Looking for a SafeShip alternative? We can help.
7 Moving Scam Red Flags to Watch For
If you see any of these warning signs, proceed with extreme caution or find another company.
1. The Price Is Suspiciously Low
If a quote is dramatically lower than every other company you contacted that is not a deal. That is bait. Scammers quote low to win your business then raise the price when your belongings are on their truck. Get at least 3 quotes and be suspicious of any that are far below the others.
2. They Ask for a Large Cash Deposit
Legitimate moving companies do not require large cash deposits upfront. If a company asks for more than 20 percent of the total cost as a deposit before your move — especially in cash — walk away. This is one of the most common scam patterns reported to the FMCSA.
3. They Cannot Show You Their FMCSA Registration
Every legitimate mover or broker operating interstate must be registered with the FMCSA. Ask for their USDOT number and look them up at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before you pay anything. If they cannot provide a USDOT number do not book with them.
4. The Quote Is Not in Writing
A verbal quote is worthless. Legitimate companies provide written binding quotes before your move. If a company will not put the price in writing that price will change on moving day. Always get everything in writing before you pay a deposit.
5. They Show Up with a Rental Truck
If a moving company shows up on your move day with a rented truck instead of their own branded vehicle that is a serious warning sign. Professional moving companies operate branded trucks with their company name and USDOT number visible on the side.
6. They Hold Your Belongings Hostage
This is called a hostage load. The movers take your belongings, drive away, then call you with a new price before they will deliver. This is illegal but it happens regularly. Avoid it by using vetted companies with binding quotes and by never paying the full amount until delivery is complete.
7. No Physical Address or Online Presence
Search the company name online. Look for reviews, a real website, a real address, and a real history. If a company has no reviews, no address, and no online presence beyond a phone number they are almost certainly not legitimate.
The Hostage Load Scam — How It Works and How to Avoid It
The hostage load is the most serious moving scam and it is more common than most people realize.
Here is how it works.
You get a quote. It seems reasonable. You pay a deposit. The movers show up, load your belongings, and drive away. Then they call you.
The price has changed. Dramatically. They claim your inventory was heavier than estimated. Or they add fees for stairs, long carry, or fuel. The new price is sometimes double or triple the original quote.
You have to pay or you do not get your stuff back.
Here is how to protect yourself.
- Only book companies that provide binding quotes in writing. A binding quote means the price cannot change regardless of weight or time.
- Verify the company on FMCSA before booking. Check their complaint history.
- Never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit is normal. Full payment before delivery is not.
If this happens to you file a complaint immediately at fmcsa.dot.gov and contact your state attorney general.
How to Verify Any Moving Company in 5 Minutes
Follow these four steps before you book any moving company.
Look Up Their USDOT Number
Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search for the company. You will see their registration status, operating authority, insurance status, and complaint history. Do this before you book anyone. MoveSafe is USDOT #4021844.
Check Their Reviews
Search the company name plus the word reviews, complaints, and scam. Check Google, BBB, ConsumerAffairs, and Yelp. Look specifically for patterns of price changes, delivery delays, and deposit issues.
Get Everything in Writing
Before you pay anything get a written binding quote that specifies the exact price, pickup date, delivery window, and what is included. Do not accept verbal quotes.
Ask the Right Questions
Ask: Is your quote binding? Who will actually handle my move? What is your USDOT number? What happens if something is damaged? A legitimate company will answer all of these clearly.
Moving Brokers vs Carriers — What You Need to Know
Many moving scams involve brokers who work with unvetted carriers. Understanding the difference protects you.
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs movers. They handle your move directly. A moving broker arranges your move through a carrier in their network.
Both brokers and carriers can be legitimate. Both can also be scams. The key questions are the same for both — are they FMCSA registered, do they provide binding quotes, and what is their track record?
When working with a broker ask specifically how they vet their carriers. A good broker like MoveSafe verifies FMCSA registration, insurance, and customer history for every carrier in their network. A bad broker sends your move to whoever bids lowest with no vetting at all.
How MoveSafe Protects You From Scams
MoveSafe has been a licensed moving broker since 1998. Here is exactly what we do to make sure your move is safe.
- Every carrier in our network is FMCSA licensed and insured. We verify this before we work with them and monitor it ongoing. You can verify MoveSafe on FMCSA yourself.
- Every quote we provide is binding. Your price will not change on moving day regardless of weight or time. We put it in writing before you pay anything.
- Your dedicated coordinator stays with you from booking to delivery. If anything goes wrong you call us directly. We handle it with the carrier on your behalf.
- We offer full packing services and storage services through the same vetted carrier network, so your belongings stay protected at every step.
- We have been doing this since 1998 and our reputation depends on every single move going right. That is a strong incentive to work only with carriers we trust.
What to Do If You Have Already Been Scammed
If you are currently in a hostage load situation or have been scammed by a moving company here are the steps to take immediately.
- 1Call the FMCSA at 1-888-368-7238. They have a complaint hotline specifically for moving fraud.
- 2File a complaint online at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
- 3Contact your state attorney general. Most states have consumer protection divisions that handle moving fraud.
- 4If your belongings are being held contact local law enforcement. A hostage load is theft under most state laws.
- 5Document everything — keep all written quotes, contracts, emails, and text messages. You will need these for any complaint or legal action.
- 6Dispute the charge with your credit card company if you paid by card. Many victims have successfully recovered deposits this way.
Moving Scam Questions
Move Safely With a Broker You Can Trust
MoveSafe Relocation has been arranging safe moves since 1998. Licensed broker. Vetted carriers. Binding quotes. Dedicated coordinator. Looking for a SafeShip alternative? We can help.