Moving and Relocation Industry News
When it comes to employee relocations, the choice of moving provider can make or break the experience. Unfortunately, rogue movers and fraudulent brokers are on the rise, often impersonating trusted brands and leaving employees and employers facing inflated costs, lost belongings, or failed relocations.
As a mobility manager, being able to identify the warning signs is critical to safeguarding your program, protecting employees, and ensuring smooth transitions. Below are the most common scams to watch for and how to prevent them from impacting your workforce.
- Over-the-Phone Estimates
Rogue movers often avoid in-home or virtual surveys, instead offering quick phone-only estimates. These “sight unseen” quotes almost always lead to price hikes once goods are loaded.
Tip for mobility programs: Require employees to work only with movers who provide a written, itemized estimate based on an in-home or virtual survey.
- Bait and Switch
Employees may be lured in by an unrealistically low quote (the bait), only to face hidden fees, inflated costs, or even ransom demands once their belongings are in transit (the switch).
Tip: Ensure your relocation partners are transparent, with clear, itemized estimates and a track record of fair pricing.
- Large Upfront Deposits
Reputable movers collect payment after services are rendered, not before. Rogue operators, however, often demand large deposits (sometimes in cash) and may disappear once paid.
Tip: Establish policy guidelines for employees. Never approve movers who request large upfront deposits or cash-only payments.
- Vague or Incomplete Contracts
Thin contracts lacking delivery dates, itemized services, valuation coverage, or dispute resolution terms leave employees vulnerable to hidden fees and delays.
Tip: Incorporate contract reviews into your relocation process. Make sure movers provide comprehensive, written contracts before a move is approved.
- Late—or Never—Delivery
One of the most damaging scams: belongings are picked up but delivered weeks late, or not at all. In some cases, rogue movers abandon shipments entirely or hold them hostage for additional payments.
Tip: Partner only with licensed, insured movers who have verifiable credentials (DOT and MC numbers) and a proven track record of on-time delivery.
Why This Matters for Mobility Programs
A fraudulent move isn’t just an employee problem; it’s a business problem. Delays, hidden costs, and abandoned shipments can lead to:
- Disrupted onboarding schedules
- Reduced productivity
- Emergency housing or replacement costs
- Stress and dissatisfaction for employees and their families
The impact reaches beyond the relocation itself by damaging morale, retention, and even your company’s reputation as an employer of choice.
How to Protect Your Employees
By guiding employees toward trusted, professional providers, you can mitigate risks and protect both your people and your program. Here are safeguards to include in your mobility policy:
- Require in-home or virtual surveys before estimates are approved
- Mandate written contracts with detailed terms
- Disallow large upfront deposits or cash-only payments
- Verify licensing credentials (USDOT 076235, MC 15735) through FMCSA
- Choose providers with established reputations, consistent branding, and global reach
Allied Van Lines: A Trusted Partner in Workforce Mobility
For over 95 years, Allied Van Lines has protected corporations, employees, and families worldwide from fraudulent moving practices. Trusted by Fortune 500 firms and the U.S. Military, we deliver:
- Licensed and insured operations
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Payment after delivery—not before
- Clear, detailed contracts
- A global network of reliable professionals
Your employees deserve more than just a mover; they deserve a partner who protects their well-being and your relocation program’s success.
Contact us today to explore how Allied Van Lines can support your workforce mobility strategy.