Mover
How Can You Avoid Being Scammed by a Mover?
How do you pick the right mover, especially when the industry is known for discreditable
companies looking to scam their next customer? Avoid being the next victim of a
disreputable mover by learning the tricks of these fraudulent companies and educating
yourself on the smart way to choose a reputable mover in your area.
The Today Show recently featured a segment on "How to Avoid Being Scammed by
movers." In order to avoid these scams, it's critical that you know how to
spot them. Get to know the top scams that can be attempted by a mover as identified
by The Today Show:
- The Hostage
- Bait and Switch
- Trumped Up Delivery Charges
- Late (or Never) Delivery
- Reckless Abandonment
Now that you are familiar with the nicknames of common moving scams, let's go into
detail about what each of these terms mean. The Today Show segment explained the
way a disreputable mover gets away with these popular scams as follows:
The Hostage:
A mover provides you with an estimate, only to add extras on once they have your
belongings in their possession. Basically, their estimate is not valid, and they
can tack on as many additional costs as they'd like - doubling or tripling the
cost of your move. If you want your furniture back, you have to conceded
and pay the additional cost.
Bait and Switch:
A mover will provide you with an estimate for the cost of your move, and then switch
this arranged deal at the last minute. They sell you on a low price, but in the
end, the cost of your move ends up being nothing close to what you agreed to.
Trumped
Up Delivery Charges:
A mover will tack on additional charges based on unfounded reasons. Say the mover
gave you an estimate based on weight. After your valuables are on their truck, they
then charge you extra claiming the cubic feet have exceeded the weight estimate
of your goods. Since this is impossible to calculate, you're stuck paying the
fees or forsaking your goods.
Other common trumped up charges include saying packing was not included in your
estimate, charging more because your goods weren't totally packed and ready for
the move and so on.
Late (or Never)
Delivery:
This scam may be the worst of the bunch. A mover will come and pack, load and promise
to deliver your belongings "on-time." Then, they call saying your goods
are in the back of a truck behind two other peoples' belongings, so you can't receive
your furniture until theirs is delivered first.
Or, if the mover has a licensing violation and their truck is impounded in transit
by the Department of Transportation, all your valuables are stuck on board until
the truck is released. Either of these situations result in your goods being
delivered weeks late...or not at all.
Reckless Abandonment:
This happens often with a rogue mover. A fly by the night mover will take your money,
load your belongings, then close up shop and flee, abandoning your shipment either
on the truck or in a private storage facility. This scam allows the mover to take
off with your money and your belongings. If you are lucky enough to find where
your belongings ended up, expect to pay exorbitant amounts of money to retrieve
them from the storage locale.
Don't Fall Into the Traps Set by a Disreputable Mover!
So, now that you know the common rip-offs and scams executed by a shady mover, how
can you avoid these common pitfalls many individuals and families fall into when
moving? Do not despair; not all movers are despicable. Having a successful, affordable
relocation performed by a professional mover does not have to be a pipe dream. Below
are some tips for choosing a mover for a happy, successful relocation:
-
Demand an On-Site Estimate: Allied Van Lines provides FREE
on-site moving estimates.
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Check the Company's Address: A REAL mover will have a REAL address.
Once you get the address, make sure you Google it or drive to the location to verify
its legitimacy.
-
Ask for Recommendations from Friends, Family and Neighbors: One
of the best ways to find a great mover? Word of mouth from people they have moved
before.
-
Ask your Real Estate Agent: Real estate agents help people move
all the time. They are a great source for a reputable mover.
-
Get Three Competitive In-Home Estimates: Get three estimates from
three different moving companies. If there is a significant disparity, this will
help you to easily identify a fraud.
-
Choose a mover who Bases Price off Weight, Not Cubic Feet: This
will help guarantee and lock in the estimate they provide you initially.
-
Check the mover's Complaint History: If a mover has more than eight
complaints on a given complaint website (Better Business Bureau, etc.), then you
might want to rethink electing them as your mover.
How to Protect Yourself from a Mover's Scams
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent falling into scams with a mover,
and certain things you should never do when moving. Heed this advice,
and benefit from a happier (and cheaper) move:
- Don't Fall for a Front Company: Double check that the mover has
a real address, and is not just some rogue mover representing its website as an
actual business.
- Do Not Give a Deposit: A mover that demands a deposit upfront likely
has an agenda other than securely moving your belongings - like taking your money
and running. If a mover demands a deposit, move on to a different company.
- Do NOT Pay Cash: Paying cash is asking for trouble. When you pay
cash, there is no evidence of a transaction. Therefore, if your things aren't moved,
or even worse, you don't get them back, you have no evidence of ever having paid
for service.
- Make Sure the Truck is Branded: Real moving companies have real
moving trucks, complete with branding and logos. To make sure crooks do not drive
off with your valuables, check the truck for a company logo.
- Do Not Sign a Partial Contract: You would never sign a loan agreement,
pre-nup or binding contract of other sorts with blanks; the same rule applies for
moving contracts. Make sure the contract is complete and all filled in before signing
anything.
- Do Not Agree to a Skinny Contract: Make sure you sign a complete
moving contract, or one that is more than two pages. All of your goods should be
listed on the contract.
- Buy Extra Insurance: A reputable mover will offer additional types
of moving insurance to ensure you can have the highest protection should something
happen to your valuables during the move. Allied Van Lines offers Full Valuation
Coverage that totally protects your shipment should damage or loss occur.
- Ask About the Mover's Claims Policy:
Find out more about how the company processes claims in the event you should need
to file one. Should you file a claim, you want to make sure it is handled quickly
and properly.
You Deserve a Great Relocation Experience with a Professional Mover
Everyone should be entitled to a secure, sound relocation at a fair price. By knowing
the common scams carried out by a mover, using the tips to selecting a reputable
mover and avoiding the things NOT to do during your move, you too, can enjoy a hassle-free,
economic move experience. Use these three checklists and the valuable information
provided by contributors on The Today Show to avoid common moving scams, saving
you money and headaches.
One of the first steps to a successful move is getting your ON-SITE ESTIMATE.
Why not save money and get your FREE MOVING ESTIMATE from
Allied Van Lines today! Contact Allied Van Lines today regarding
your moving needs. Or, use our quote form to request your FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE
right now!
Allied Van Lines - Your Choice for a Reputable, Professional Mover
Allied wants you to know that moving does not have to be overwhelming. Now, more
than ever, we believe people should be able to have a professional mover handle
their relocation while still receiving a fair price. Begin by allowing yourself
plenty of time to move, and Allied can help you get organized regarding the rest.
Choosing a Reputable Mover: How To
Today's economic climate is anything but certain. Foreclosures are upwards of 30%,
and people are being smarter, and more conscious, about where their money is going.
People who are not relishing in this economic downturn are the most likely to become
victims of moving scams. They search for the mover with the best price, not knowing
that these "too good to be true" movers often are.
With more than 75 years of experience in the moving business, Allied Van Lines knows
the ins and outs of the industry. And, since we are a reputable moving
company, we can tell you exactly how to choose a professional mover. We know you
want a great move at a fair price. Here are some tips on how to choose a mover
who can provide you with just that:
Begin the search for the perfect mover 8 weeks prior to your move.
If you aren't lucky enough to have that much time, start as soon as possible.
Ask for references. Check with others around you who have recently
moved for their recommendations on a great mover.
Make a list of the services you need. Be sure to consider everything,
from temporary storage to shipping your car to ensure you get the most accurate
price, and more importantly, choose a mover who can accommodate your needs.
Research companies thoroughly. Look for companies in your area
that can provide the specific services you need. Eliminate those companies that
do not meet your requirements.
Get multiple in-home estimates. Make sure the estimate is done
at your home, and have multiple companies perform them to compare costs.
Use these helpful tips to help find the best mover. Just Remember: Cheapest
is not always best. What may seem like a great deal upfront can actually
end up costing you MUCH more in the end.
Now that you know how to start the search for a superior mover, here are some
tips on what to look for in a reputable mover:
-
The mover's credentials: Make sure the mover is licensed, insured
and bonded; registered with the Department of Transportation; check its standing
with the Better Business Bureau; check to make sure its address is legitimate.
-
A physical address: Visit the company's location or double-check
that their address is valid on the internet.
-
Branded trucks and uniformed men: If a plain, rental looking truck
shows up at your door, be wary.
-
Clean complaint history: Asking for a spotless complaint history
may be excessive, but make sure there is not too much negative press about the company.
-
Bill of Lading and Rights and Responsibilities: A reputable mover
will give you a Bill of Lading and your Rights and Responsibilities. You are entitled
to these documents and a copy of your contract during your move. If your mover is
professional, you will receive copies of these documents.
Finding a Mover is Easy When You Know What to Look For... and What to Avoid
Now, you're educated about moving scams thanks to The Today Show's segment "How
to Avoid Being Scammed by movers," and you have nearly fail-proof tips to choosing
the right mover and being protected during the move.
Arm yourself with these tips to avoid being scammed by a mover! Don't make a relocation
nightmare become your reality by unknowingly choosing a rogue or disreputable mover.
Now, more than ever, watching where every penny goes is of the utmost importance.
Help protect your bank account - and your personal belongings - by working with
a professional mover whose first priority is your successful relocation.
Allied Van Lines - Your Mover of Choice
At Allied Van Lines, we are committed to providing stress-free relocations at fair
prices. We realize how you need a secure move, but you also need an affordable price.
Contact us today to arrange your FREE IN-HOME MOVING ESTIMATE,
and get your move started off on the right foot. We look forward to handling all
your moving needs as your mover of choice.
