How to Avoid Moving Scams

Determine whether you are dealing with the carrier that will transport the shipment or a broker arranging service. For interstate service, use FMCSA's official search and complaint information. Match the registered identity and contact information to the estimate and ask who will arrive at pickup.

• Search the USDOT number and legal business name
• Confirm whether the company is a carrier, broker, or both
• Compare address and phone details across official records and paperwork
• Review complaint information and recent patterns, not only star averages
• Ask for the expected pickup carrier in writing

Give each bidder the same inventory, access facts, dates, and requested services. Read whether the estimate is binding, non-binding, or another defined form, and understand what can change the price. Be cautious when a company avoids a meaningful survey for a complex shipment or sends paperwork with blank fields.

• List every room, storage area, bulky item, stair, elevator, and long carry
• Confirm packing, disassembly, storage, shuttle, and waiting services
• Read the estimate type and additional-charge rules
• Keep every revision and the reason for the change
• Do not sign blank or incomplete documents

FMCSA and the FTC warn about patterns such as unusually low estimates, large deposits, incomplete information, generic answers, and last-minute price increases. A single signal may have an explanation, but multiple unresolved signals justify stopping before belongings or money change hands.

• Question prices far below comparable written estimates
• Avoid large pre-move cash demands and unclear payment recipients
• Do not accept verbal promises that contradict the written contract
• Reject pressure to sign before reading or to ignore blank sections
• Pause if company names, phone numbers, addresses, or truck markings do not match

Compare the arriving crew, vehicle, and paperwork with what was promised. Review changes before the first item is loaded. If a different carrier appears, identify it and confirm its role. Photograph the vehicle identification and keep all documents with you.

• Verify the company name and USDOT number where applicable
• Reconcile the pickup inventory and condition notes
• Read any revised price or service document before signing
• Do not let the only copy of your records enter the truck
• Stop and seek help when identity or material terms cannot be resolved

Keep delivery instructions, payment terms, and the inventory accessible. Do not improvise a new payment method solely because someone demands it at the door. Inspect and count as delivery occurs, document exceptions, and follow the contract process for written notices.

• Confirm the delivery contact and expected payment before arrival
• Use a traceable payment method consistent with the agreement
• Record missing or visibly damaged items
• Keep signed delivery documents and payment proof
• Do not waive unresolved issues based only on a verbal assurance

Save estimates, contracts, messages, advertisements, payment records, photographs, vehicle details, and a dated event timeline. Interstate moving concerns can be reported through FMCSA's consumer channels; fraud can also be reported to the FTC. Local moves may involve state or local regulators.

• Write a factual timeline while details are fresh
• Keep screenshots and original document files
• Contact the payment provider promptly about suspected fraud
• Use official government reporting channels
• Preserve copies of every submission and response