Moving scams are unfortunately common, especially with long-distance moves. Protecting yourself mostly comes down to verifying the company, controlling the contract, and documenting everything. Here are the most effective tips. 📦🚚

1. Check that the mover is licensed

For interstate moves (between states), movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA).

What to do:

  • Ask for the company’s USDOT number

  • Look it up in the official FMCSA database

  • Check complaints and safety records

Red flags đźš©

  • No USDOT number

  • The number belongs to a different company

  • Recently created company with many complaints

2. Look up independent reviews

Search the company name plus words like “scam” or “complaint.”

Good places to check:

  • Better Business Bureau

  • Yelp

  • Google Reviews

  • Reddit discussions about moving companies

Red flags:

  • Many reports of price doubling after pickup

  • Hostage load complaints (they refuse delivery until you pay more)

  • Fake or identical reviews

3. Avoid large deposits

Legitimate movers usually:

  • Require little or no deposit

  • Accept payment after delivery

Red flags đźš©

  • Large upfront deposit (especially cash, Zelle, or wire)

  • Pressure to pay immediately to “lock the price”

4. Get a written in-home or video estimate

Reliable companies typically inspect your items before pricing.

Watch for:

  • Binding estimate (price guaranteed unless inventory changes)

  • Non-binding estimate (final price can increase)

Scam pattern:

  • Very low quote → massive price increase on moving day.

5. Read the contract carefully

Never sign blank or incomplete paperwork.

Look for:

  • Pickup and delivery dates

  • Total estimated weight

  • Extra fees (stairs, long carry, storage)

  • Insurance coverage

Also make sure you receive a Bill of Lading — the official moving contract.

6. Watch for broker scams

Some “moving companies” are actually brokers that sell your job to unknown movers.

Ask directly:

  • “Are you a carrier or a broker?”

Carriers own the trucks. Brokers just arrange moves.

7. Document everything

Before movers take your items:

  • Take photos/videos of all furniture

  • Photograph the inventory list

  • Save emails, texts, and quotes

  • Record the truck license plate and company name

This helps if you need to file a complaint.

8. Know the classic moving scam signs

Common warning signs:

  • Quote far cheaper than others

  • Company changes names often

  • Website created recently

  • No physical address

  • Refuses in-person estimates

  • Demands cash only

9. If you get scammed

You can file complaints with:

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

  • Federal Trade Commission

  • Better Business Bureau

  • Your state Attorney General

If they hold your belongings hostage, that can also become a federal transportation complaint.