How to Avoid Moving Scams During Peak Season

June Scam of the Month

As peak moving season ramps up, reports of shady movers targeting unsuspecting customers are on the rise. These fraudsters lure people in with unbelievably low prices, only to reveal their true intentions once trust is gained—stealing money or belongings. They prey on desperate or inexperienced consumers, particularly those unfamiliar with typical moving costs or rushing through the process. Exploiting confusion, urgency, and hidden fees, scammers often spring surprise charges or vanish with your possessions altogether.

Common Warning Signs

  • No physical address, contact info, or proof of insurance on the company’s website

  • Estimates only given over the phone

  • Requesting a large downpayment before the move

  • Price is significantly lower than other quotes

  • Doesn’t provide a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet for an interstate move

  • Has changed its business name multiple times

  • Claims your quote is guaranteed not to change

  • Says “insurance covers everything” without specifics

  • Arrives with an unmarked moving truck

  • Moving company calls, emails or texts with urgent demands that you lock in your rate, or stating “the deal is only good for today”

How to Protect Yourself

  • Verify the movers are properly licensed (Even local movers often need a license)

  • Use a credit card for payment, it's traceable and provides protections

  • Read the contract thoroughly and never sign incomplete forms

  • Number your boxes and keep an inventory list

  • Drop an AirTag in one of your boxes to track the shipment

  • Check online reviews—if there are none, that’s a red flag

  • Ask friends and family for recommendations

  • Look up the address of the moving company using satellite maps to ensure it is a legitimate business address

  • Consider purchasing moving insurance for extra peace of mind

  • Document and get everything in writing—from estimates to contracts and receipts

Helpful Tip

Before hiring a moving company, do a quick background check. For interstate or international moves, verify the mover’s registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation using the FMCSA database (search by name, USDOT, or MC number). For in-state moves, check with your state’s consumer protection office for licensing requirements and mover guidelines. Always look for a local address, valid contact info, and proof of insurance on the company’s site.

Where to Report?

If you think you’ve been targeted by a moving scam, report it to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) or submitting an online complaint form. You can also report a scam with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Online or contact your local police department for assistance. The FMCSA website also provides state-specific enforcement contacts for additional support.

Scam of the MonthBrianna Glose