There are numerous reasons why moving can be stressful. Because of this, fighting against fraudsters in the relocation industry is not the most important item on your to-do list. It is essential to ensure the moving firm you choose to hire is licensed and insured to protect your security and safety. If you do not conduct your research ahead of time, you run the possibility of hiring untrustworthy movers who use a myriad of techniques to swindle your money if you don’t do your research prior to the time.
Unfortunately, shady movers are still a problem. They are active between May and September when the most popular season for moving takes place. Professional and licensed movers are the most in-demand at this time of year due to reasons that seem evident. Below is compiled the list of possible red flags that should alert you to potential moving frauds to prevent you from having a negative moving experience that you wouldn’t enjoy.
There are major differences between scammers and trustworthy movers
When it comes time to move, you should avoid being a victim. It is essential to confirm the legitimacy of any moving company before you hire them. It shouldn’t take more than one hour to confirm if a company exists. This check will save you a lot of trouble down the road. These are the signs that your moving company might display.
A significant initial deposit
Most reliable and licensed movers want to pay a modest deposit when you make your reservation. Many moving companies don’t require an upfront payment. Instead, they will ask for payment in full once the work is completed. It is quite probable that the business that you’re dealing with could be a scam if they ask for a much larger first payment.
Amazingly low-interest rates
The large down payment and extremely low rates for moving cause alarm bells. It’s expensive to move. The company must pay its employees, in addition to paying for petrol, taxes, and car maintenance. Examine the estimates you receive from different moving companies to ensure you’re receiving a fair cost. Frauds can include increasing the cost at the last minute and betting that you won’t be able to quickly find another provider.
Time management issues
Be wary of the movers if they constantly try to change the time or date of your relocation. Another sign to tell if something is wrong is when the team arrives late or is unable to provide an estimate. It is normal for there to be some reschedules and late arrivals from the reliable mover. However, fraud can often be detected.
Cash is the only accepted payment method
You might get a better price by paying your movers in cash. On the other hand, there are red flags to be raised if the moving company insists on accepting only cash payments. If something goes wrong and credit card transactions are not recorded, they can be recorded and later disputed. Moving companies that have been certified will accept many payment options, including credit cards.
There are many negative reviews about moving companies
When selecting a company to move with It is crucial to always look at their reviews first. It is quite clear that the quality of their services isn’t up to par since there is a large number of negative reviews. Also, it is important to be alert for too many reviews that are too enthusiastic since this may also be a sign of fake reviews.
Learn what makes movers trustworthy and reliable
Understanding the requirements that must be met for a moving business to be considered legitimate is crucial. A legitimate moving company must be registered and licensed by the State Department of Transportation or the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration):
- Moving companies that operate across state borders. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires an official license from all long-distance certified movers that intend to make transfers across state lines. Every interstate mover receives a USDOT number as evidence of their registration carried out properly.
- Movers operating inside the state. Local businesses must get a state department of transport movers license to do business legally within the state. In contrast to out-of-state movers, in-state movers are not permitted to operate outside the geographic boundaries of their state of residence.
The government maintains a record of a mover’s safety history using the USDOT number, which includes the registration status, the evaluations of ratings, inspections, and investigations into accidents in addition to other aspects. As for a shipper of household items, you should check whether a moving company is licensed with a USDOT Number. This number is a sign that the company is legit and the most important factor. A USDOT number signifies that an interstate moving business is registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This indicates that the company complies with strict Federal regulations on safety and is adequately insured. They can be held accountable for any customer complaining or disputing the service.
Reliable movers can be the best choice for your next move
It is evident that any type of moving of any type is subject to a fair amount of regulation. And should you opt for one of the rights and licensed local moving services it won’t cause an excessive amount of stress for you. When you have finished your research, do not request a quote from only one moving provider. It is recommended to contact at least three firms to obtain an estimate for your home. Then, you can pick the one that is best suited to your requirements and budgetary limitations.
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