Summer is considered the peak season for moving companies. With over half of all moves occurring between the months of April and September, the opportunity for security risks and moving scams is high. There are many potential risks involved with moving, whether you’re relocating a single employee or an entire corporate headquarters. From cybersecurity risks to the prominence of moving scams, to companies damaging or losing your or your employee’s belongings, it’s imperative for organizations to be aware of the potential threats associated with relocation.
Here’s a quick look at potential risks and tips for achieving a secure employee relocation.
Not every moving company you find online has your best interest at heart. Here are a few risks you'll need to consider to ensure you invest in secure relocation services for your team:
Moving scams are more common than you might think. On average, the Better Business Bureau receives 13,000 complaints about moving companies each year, and over 1,300 companies have an “F” rating from the bureau. Scammers often target individuals who are looking to move as cheaply as possible, the elderly and people who have no moving experience.
In this modern age of everything being digital, cybersecurity is more important than ever, even in a typically manual process like moving. The moving process often dictates that people provide a lot of information to many different outlets. Filing for a change of address or P.O. box, changing a phone number or searching for moving companies all require a person to share personal information. Sharing this volume of data can leave an individual vulnerable to cybersecurity issues. Bad actors can get their hands on this treasure trove of information through hacking or purchasing it from data brokers, who don’t always adequately review buyers.
Moving scams can take many forms. Scammers may request a deposit from movers, but either never show up to provide the service or request a higher price than initially quoted.In a possibly more nefarious scenario, a fraudulent moving company may pick up your items but refuse to deliver them unless they are paid a significant amount of money not disclosed in the initial quote. This has been termed a “hostage load,” and it’s a phenomenon that’s been gaining steam within the lucrative world of moving scams.
Having a relocation partner can help alleviate concerns about scams and security risks, ensuring that relocating employees are cared for by qualified professionals throughout the moving process. If your company doesn’t have a relocation partner, employees who are in the relocation process are much more vulnerable to falling prey to these risks.
Employing a reputable, pre-selected relocation partner can help minimize the amount of information your employees give out by providing them with a knowledgeable team that can guide them on when and where to share personal info. Additionally, having a trusted moving service completely negates the opportunity for employees to unintentionally fall for a moving scam.
Taking care of your employees’ safety and well-being, especially during a move, is a top priority for organizations. Partnering with a qualified, trustworthy relocation provider is an effective way to do just that while benefiting your organization as well.
Before you choose a relocation partner to help with your corporate move, there are a few necessary steps to take to ensure you achieve a secure relocation for all of your employees.
There are many risks associated with planning a secure employee relocation. The three most common risks include:
Organizations that may deal with private or sensitive information need to be hyper-aware of the risks a relocating employee faces during a move that may compromise their personal information, along with data belonging to their employer. Companies must ensure that they’re educating their employees on these risks and assisting them in avoiding these issues. If an organization regularly has employees moving, instituting policies and tools that protect this data is essential.
After the move is complete, you'll want to conduct a security check and audit to ensure all information is safe. Reviewing all business data to ensure systems are secure will provide peace of mind and ensure your employees can return to normal business operations.
Choosing Allied as your relocation partner will make the moving process easier, more secure, and stress-free for your company and employees. With over 95 years of experience and quality agents across the country, you can rest assured your employees will have a positive relocation experience. Learn more.
Want to know more about keeping your company and employees safe during a move? Here are some common questions about managing security risks and ensuring a smooth relocation.
When you work with a moving company to help relocate employees, you're required to share a lot of personal information. Sharing this information can lead to potential security threats and put your information at risk during data breaches.
The best way to avoid moving scams is to hire a reliable moving company to offer secure relocation services for all employees. When you outsource these services to a single company, it's easier to mitigate risk, control costs, and ensure your team is working with a reliable partner.
When working with a corporate relocation company, choose a knowledgeable team that prioritizes the safety and well-being of your employees. The moving company should work as a partner who is there to protect your employees' personal information and offer hands-on support throughout the relocation.
Hiring a reliable corporate relocation moving company to assist with the move is the safest way to mitigate risks and protect business assets. When you work with a single company, you don't need to worry about your employees finding their own partners and resources for the move.
Not every moving company has your best interest at heart. Before providing personal information or signing a contract, thoroughly read reviews and customer testimonials. Also, schedule a time to meet the moving company to ensure they are a reliable partner you can rely on.
