5 ways to protect yourself from fraudulent movers
Scammers rely on customers being too rushed or overwhelmed to ask questions. Don't give them that advantage. Here's how to stay one step ahead:
1. Check a mover’s license
Look up interstate movers in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) moving company database. Search by name, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number or Motor Carrier (MC) number.
2. Pay with a credit card
Credit cards offer built-in fraud protection that cash and checks don’t.
We’ve seen a new trend: Some companies ask for final payment in untraceable ways. For instance, Venmo or Zelle to personal accounts, postal money orders and refuse credit cards.
The mover will often say, “It’s company policy.” But this makes it hard to dispute charges later. For costly services like moving, always keep a paper trail.
3. Read contracts line by line
Before signing, make sure the contract includes specific pickup and delivery dates, a detailed cost breakdown and clear payment terms. Never sign a blank or incomplete contract.
Watch out for these red-flag phrases hidden in the fine print:
- “Estimate subject to change” means your quote will almost certainly increase.
- “Estimates are nonbinding” means the initial price was a lowball tactic.
- “Cash payment required at delivery” means you’ll have no recourse if problems arise.
4. Document everything with an inventory
Create a numbered list or write down all your belongings before the move. Take photos of items (especially valuables!) before they are loaded. This documentation becomes crucial evidence if anything is damaged, lost or held hostage.
5. Consider moving insurance
Did you know that standard moving insurance is inadequate for most situations?
Standard moving insurance is generally limited.
Basic coverage, which is included for free, only reimburses about 60 cents per pound per item. This frequently does not cover the actual value of damaged or lost belongings.
For more comprehensive protection, consider upgrading to full-value protection or purchasing third-party insurance. These options offer greater reimbursement, though they come at an additional cost.
Don’t rely on overly broad promises. Instead, choose a reputable company and purchase additional insurance for better protection.
Pro tip: Plan ahead
Start researching movers at least four to six weeks before your move date. Rushing your decision is exactly what scammers count on.
» EXPLORE: Moving prep resources
Advice from customers who got scammed by movers
- Jeffrey in Texas: “Read everything in a contract prior to scheduling a move. I got robbed of $6100 because I did not cancel trip 72 hours after booking. Doubled my cost right before move. I trusted Aiden, and it cost me.”
- Melba in Florida: “I will give you (consumers) yet another warning…I foolishly didn’t read the reviews for this move because a couple of months ago I saw a news report in my area where this company did a free move for a person that could not afford the move! I decided that I would use this company because of that good gesture. Huge, mistake!!!!”
Most common moving scams, according to recent moving company complaints
We analyzed over 800 recent 1- and 2-star moving company reviews to find out what the most common complaints are. According to our data, these are the most common complaints and how often they appeared in reviews over the last two years.
| Complaint category | Percentage of complaints |
|---|---|
| Broker ghosting | 78.4% |
| Bait-and-switch pricing | 74.8% |
| Damaged or missing items | 60.1% |
| Delivery delays | 47.1% |
| “Cubic feet” manipulation | 23.4% |
| Cash-only demands | 22.7% |
| Warehouse theft | 21.6% |
10 red flags of a moving scam
Even if nothing obvious stands out, trust your gut — if something feels off, it’s always better to walk away and find another company. These are some of the most common red flags to watch out for when hiring professional movers.
1. Missing company information
If a mover’s website lacks a physical address, registration or proof of insurance, consider it a red flag. If you call and hear a generic greeting like “movers” instead of a specific company name, that’s another warning sign.
2. The company only does phone estimates
If a company refuses to come to your home to make a final estimate, that’s a red flag. Some scammers make rough estimates over the phone, accept your deposit and vanish.
A legitimate company comes to your home (or uses video chat) to see your things and determine an accurate estimate. It’s also a red flag if a mover grudgingly agrees to inventory your items but only gives them a cursory glance.
3. The mover demands a large deposit
A small deposit (usually less than 20%) is normal. But scammers sometimes ask for large down payments, pocket them and disappear. Another common moving scam involves holding your items and demanding more money to return them. These scammers are called "rogue movers."
4. Suspiciously low bids
If one quote is much lower than the others, be suspicious of that bid. Scammers often lure customers with “too good to be true” prices. Avoid companies that won’t put quotes in writing or base their estimates on others’ pricing without seeing your belongings.
Binding vs. nonbinding moving quotes
With binding estimates, the amount you agree to upfront is exactly what you’ll pay, even if your belongings end up weighing more than expected. A nonbinding quote is just an estimate, and your final cost is determined by the actual weight of your items or extra services used.
If you prefer cost certainty, choose a binding quote; if you want flexibility, a nonbinding estimate may be fine.
5. The company doesn’t mention your rights and responsibilities
By law, licensed movers must provide their customers with a packet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” before an interstate move. This booklet is designed to help you understand the moving process and protect yourself against moving fraud. If they don’t provide it, that may be a sign the company doesn’t follow federal regulations.
6. Frequent name changes
If you can trace the company’s history through multiple recent name changes, that’s a bad sign. Companies with subpar customer reviews often do this to mislead prospective customers and get around negative coverage.
7. “Ironclad” quotes
While the quotes you receive shouldn’t be too far off the mark, if the company says your quote is set in stone and won’t change, be careful. Most quotes are subject to change if the weight of your household goods is more than expected.
Trust your gut. If something feels off about a moving company, don’t be afraid to walk away.
8. Unrealistic insurance claims
Beware of movers who promise their insurance covers everything. Standard moving coverage reimburses about 60 cents per pound per item, which means you are compensated based on the total weight of your belongings rather than their actual value.
Don’t rely on overly broad promises. Instead, choose a reputable moving company and purchase additional insurance for better protection.
9. Unmarked trucks
Legitimate companies usually have branded trucks with signage. If an unmarked truck shows up on moving day, it might be an illegitimate business.
This is not to say that a scammer won’t have signage, but if a moving truck shows up and it isn’t marked, you should be cautious; consider verifying the company's legitimacy before proceeding.
10. Charging by the cubic foot
Reputable companies charge based on weight, not by cubic feet. For interstate moves, it’s illegal to charge by volume unless the mover also provides a weight-based conversion.
» COMPARE: Best local moving companies
How to find a reputable moving company
The best way to avoid scams is to choose a mover with a proven track record. Start by comparing multiple moving estimates to identify the typical price range for your move. Be wary of outliers and prioritize companies with solid reputations.
- Get recommendations: Ask friends, family or real estate agents for trusted mover suggestions.
- Get several estimates: Beyond helping you compare costs, this also lets you establish a normal price range so you can spot outliers.
- Read reviews: Look for companies with long histories of positive reviews on independent websites. Avoid movers with no reviews or reviews that only appear on their own site.
- Verify registration: Confirm the company is registered with the USDOT.
- Avoid the lowest bid: It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, but drastically lower quotes often signal trouble. These are common tactics used by scammers.
» RELATED: How to hire movers
FAQ
How do moving scams work?
Moving scams work by using tactics like fake quotes, stealing deposits or holding items hostage for more money. Since moving is stressful, scammers advertise unrealistically low prices in the hopes of taking advantage of overwhelmed movers.
How do I know if a company is legitimate?
To confirm a moving company’s legitimacy, check its online presence, reviews, physical address, proof of insurance and USDOT registration. If any of this information is missing or unverifiable, move on to another company.
Is moving insurance worth it?
Yes, moving insurance can be worth it, especially if you're transporting high-value items or moving long distances. Basic coverage, however, only reimburses about 60 cents per pound per item. This rarely covers the actual value of damaged or lost belongings.
For more comprehensive protection, consider upgrading to full-value protection or purchasing third-party insurance. These options offer greater reimbursement, though they come at an additional cost.
Can you sue a moving company for theft?
Yes, you can sue a moving company for theft, but you’ll need solid evidence that the company’s employees were responsible. Start by filing a police report and consulting an attorney to understand your legal options. Depending on the value of the claim, you may pursue the case in small claims or a higher court.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Trade Commission, “Avoid scams when you hire a moving company.” Accessed Oct. 28, 2025.
