How to Spot and Avoid Moving Scams

Moving scams have a pattern. Learn the pattern and you can spot a scam quote in five minutes.

The Hostage-Loading Template

1. Mover gives a suspiciously low quote over the phone with no in-home or video estimate
2. They show up on move day with a truck
3. After everything is loaded, they "reweigh" and demand 2-3x the quoted amount
4. They refuse to unload until paid in full in cash

This is a documented FMCSA complaint pattern. The prevention is simple: never hire a mover who won't do an in-home or video estimate.

Deposit and Payment Red Flags

• Large deposits demanded upfront - reputable interstate movers don't require this
• Cash or wire transfer only - listed by FMCSA as a consumer red flag
• Full prepayment before pickup - against standard practice
• Refusal to use a written contract - a Bill of Lading is required by law on interstate moves

What Legitimate Movers Do

• Offer an in-home or video estimate before quoting
• Display USDOT and MC numbers on website, trucks, and estimates
• Provide the FMCSA "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet
• Give you a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing
• Accept credit cards (not just cash or wire)
• Let you check references from recent jobs

If You've Been Scammed

File a complaint with the FMCSA at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov, and with your state attorney general's consumer protection division. Leave a detailed Google and Yelp review while the facts are fresh.