Avoiding Moving Scams
The moving process means packing up all of their belongings and transporting them to a new home. While moving can be exhilarating, it can also be stressful - especially if you're moving long-distance.
If you choose to make moving easier on yourself and hire a moving company, you have to be careful! There are a few moving companies out there that may not have your best interests in mind. This blog will discuss how to snuff out moving scams and what to do if you encounter one.
Look for Credible Information
When you start researching moving companies, there are a few key things to look for that will help you determine whether or not they’re legitimate. First, check to see if the company is licensed and insured. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations to prevent scams, and legitimate companies will have a registration number with the Department of Transportation. (Our federal DOT number is 2633811, and our New York DOT number is 12022.)
Check for any information you can find on the company. Check their website and see what services they provide and if it matches what you expect. When you call the office, ensure the employees can name the company they work for and that they have the required insurance and registration. Does their website list an address? Does that address lead to an actual warehouse with moving trucks or a random home/some other business?
Check Their References
One of the best ways to avoid a scam is to see what others’ experiences have been. See if they have any reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. You can also check the Better Business Bureau for complaints or FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database to see if other homeowners have had problems with the company.
Know Your Resources
Due to the prevalence of moving scams, there are numerous resources to fight it. The most reliable and effective resource would be to contact the Office of the Inspector General. For more serious issues, you may want to contact your local authorities to report an incident.
If you feel like you can’t trust someone, there’s probably a reason not to trust them. Therefore, always go with your gut and don’t go into business with someone you suspect may take advantage of you. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
Types of Scams to Be Aware Of
In addition to unlicensed, uninsured, and inexperienced movers who don’t offer the protection and care you deserve, there are additional moving scams to be aware of:
Phishing Scams
Phishing scammers use emails, phone calls, and texts cleverly disguised as from someone you can trust in an effort to take advantage of you. If you receive any correspondence that seems iffy, here’s what to do.
Rental Scams
Another scam to be aware of is rental scamming. This occurs when someone posing as a landlord or property manager attempts to rent out a property that does not exist or that they do not have access to. Here are a few signs to be aware of as you are searching for a rental property.
Buying Homes Sight-Unseen
In a market as hot as today’s, it can be tempting to act fast on purchasing a home you love. However, this comes with many risks. The home could have more issues than you were led to believe, including defects that might cost thousands of dollars or more in repairs. It is best to take proper precautions, see the home yourself, and have it properly inspected ahead of purchasing.
Trusted Movers for Over a Century
At Murphy Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves on being trustworthy and reliable residential movers. We're here to help you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to contact us at (866) 719-4209 if you need assistance with your upcoming move.
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