It’s no secret that moving is expensive. But sometimes, the cost of moving can be even more than you bargained for. This is because some unscrupulous moving companies will try to scam customers by charging hidden fees or engaging in other deceptive practices. If you’re planning on hiring a moving company, it’s important to be aware of these scams to protect yourself from being taken advantage of. In this blog post, we will discuss how moving companies may try to scam you – and how to avoid them!
The Hidden cost scam
One of the most widely used scamming practices across the United States is for moving companies to quote a low price, then surprise customers with additional fees once the move is underway. Be sure to ask about any possible additional costs before hiring a mover, and ensure that all items on the final bill are accurate and agreed upon beforehand.
While there can be a debate if this is a scam or a smart business practice, understanding the hidden costs and ensuring that you have everything in writing is crucial. The best way to deal with this is to get everything in writing while signing the contract.
The services breakdown scam
Another scam involves movers refusing to provide an itemized list of services – or charging extra. This ensures that customers don’t have clear information about what they’re paying for and allows movers to add hidden charges without detection. To avoid this scam, always demand an itemized list of services you will receive so that you know exactly what you’re paying for. When going through the services list, ensure you understand everything and check for any unexpected costs.
The bait-and-switch scam
Moving companies may also try to use a bait-and-switch tactic, where they lure customers in with an attractive low quote but then switch the quoted services after the move is underway. To protect yourself from this scam, always ask for quotes in writing before signing a contract, and make sure that all of the listed services are included in the price.
Not the company you wanted scam
You are scrolling through your social media feed, and you find this amazing company that will move your stuff for an incredible rate. But does the company even exist? Many websites use fake companies to try and attract customers, only to scam them out of their money. To protect yourself from this scam, always read up on reviews and search the BBB database before deciding on a moving company.
The insurance trap scam
Moving companies may also try to offer insurance at a very low price to get more money out of you. Make sure you understand exactly what kind of coverage is being offered – and make sure it’s enough to cover any potential damages or losses incurred during your move. If there’s something you don’t understand or agree with, ask questions until everything is clear!
The delivery date scam
Moving companies may also promise a fast delivery or an unrealistic timeframe for the move. In this case, it’s important to ensure that the mover has enough time to complete the job properly – and that you’re not being taken advantage of. To avoid this scam, set realistic expectations and ensure both parties (you and the mover) agree on what is achievable before signing any contracts.
The broken items scam
Movers may also try to claim that certain items were already damaged when they arrived at your new home – even if that wasn’t the case. To protect yourself from this, always take pictures of all items before they are packed up to prove their condition. Additionally, if you are hiring professional movers, always make sure that there is an inventory list of all items before the move begins.
The storage scam
Moving companies may also try to lure customers in with cheap storage options, only to charge high additional fees when items must be retrieved from their facility. To protect yourself from this scam, always read through your contract carefully and understand exactly what kind of service you’re getting – and how much it’s going to cost!
The upsell scam
Moving companies may also try to get customers to buy additional services, such as packing supplies or special equipment. To avoid this scam, always ask for an itemized list of all services included in the quote – and ensure you understand what each service entails before signing any contracts.
Now that you know about the different ways movers may try to scam their customers, here are some tips on how to protect yourself:
– Get everything in writing, including the services you will be receiving and the cost
– Always research reviews and search the BBB database before hiring a moving company
– Make sure you understand exactly what kind of coverage is being offered in terms of insurance
– Take pictures of all items before they are packed up to prove the condition
– Read your contract carefully and understand exactly what kind of service you’re getting – and how much it will cost!
These are just a few ways moving companies might try to scam you. When choosing a mover, always be aware of possible scams and take the necessary precautions to ensure everything goes smoothly.
