Moving Scams Are More Common Than You Think
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives over 4,000 complaints against moving companies every year. And those are just the ones that get reported — the actual number is estimated to be 5-10x higher.
Moving scams range from mild (hidden fees that inflate your bill by 30%) to severe (movers holding your belongings hostage until you pay thousands more than quoted). Here are the 7 biggest red flags to watch for.
Red Flag #1: No Physical Address or Office
Legitimate moving companies have a physical location — a warehouse, office, or at minimum a registered business address. If a mover only has a P.O. box, a cell phone number, and no physical presence, that's a major red flag.
What to do: Google their address. Look for it on Google Maps Street View. If it's a residential house or an empty lot, walk away.Red Flag #2: No USDOT Number or State License
For interstate moves, every legitimate mover must have a USDOT number registered with the FMCSA. For local moves, most states require a state-level license or registration.
What to do: Ask for their USDOT number and verify it at FMCSA.gov. For local moves, check your state's regulatory body.Red Flag #3: A Quote That's Way Too Low
If one mover quotes $800 and three others quote $1,500-$2,000 for the same move, that $800 quote is almost certainly a trap. They'll either add fees on moving day or provide terrible service.
The rule: If a quote is 30%+ below the average of other quotes, it's a red flag.Red Flag #4: Demanding a Large Cash Deposit
Reputable movers may require a small deposit (10-20%) to reserve your date. But if a mover demands a large cash deposit upfront — especially before doing an in-home estimate — that's a scam signal.
What to do: Never pay more than 20% upfront. Always pay with a credit card (not cash or wire transfer) for fraud protection.Red Flag #5: No Written Estimate
A legitimate mover will provide a detailed written estimate — either binding (fixed price) or non-binding (estimate that can change). If a mover only gives you a verbal quote over the phone without seeing your belongings, the final price will almost certainly be higher.
What to do: Insist on an in-home or video estimate and a written quote before booking.Red Flag #6: A Blank or Incomplete Contract
Before moving day, you should receive a detailed contract (Bill of Lading) that includes:
- Pickup and delivery dates
- Itemized list of services and fees
- Insurance/liability coverage
- Complaint resolution process
If the contract is vague, incomplete, or the mover pressures you to sign without reading it, walk away.
Red Flag #7: No Online Reviews (or Only Fake Ones)
A moving company with zero online reviews is suspicious. A company with only 5-star reviews that all sound generic ("Great service! Highly recommend!") posted within a short time frame is likely using fake reviews.
What to do: Look for companies with 50+ reviews, a mix of ratings (4.5+ average is great), and detailed, specific feedback from real customers.The Easiest Way to Avoid All These Red Flags
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