The choice to use the services of a moving firm is an important one that includes a lot more than just financial considerations. It requires a lot of confidence to leave all your possessions in the care of a moving service provider with the hopes that they arrive at their destination undamaged and at the price that was originally agreed upon. But, that’s not always the case. Scam moving company frauds seem to be increasing along with the rise in the number of people who move long distances across states.
Watch out for scams
Although they appear authentic online, some moving companies are actually experienced fraudsters who take customer possessions, take their money and charge hefty charges. These are the most crucial warning signs and indications of fraud by movers that you should keep an eye out for:
There is no registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Asking you to make a large down payment for your relocation which isn’t during peak season.
Before the move, they request that customers should sign blank contracts and other documents.
Instead of agreeing to an in-person examination to determine an accurate estimate, the company offers immediate quotations to its customers.
The company does not accept credit cards and instead requires the payment to be in cash.
A high number of complaints from customers haven’t been addressed, or they have no reviews at all.
Scam movers in NYC may appear to be too busy to respond to the questions of customers or talk with them. However, the truth is that as the one who is paying for the service, you have an obligation to be aware of what’s happening. Consider it a serious warning sign if the moving company isn’t able to respond to your questions or if it’s difficult to contact them except when it’s time to pay. If you’re in regular and courteous conversations with your moving company about their services and the fees connected with those services, you’ll be able to stop many moving scams from occurring at all.
When is the most appropriate time to file a complaint about fraud?
If you feel your right as a customer has been violated, or you wish to inform other customers about a fraudulent moving business, then filing a complaint is the right step to take. These are some situations you should be cautious of that appear to be mover scams and may warrant filing an official complaint:
Overpays: The weight of your belongings as well as the distance to be covered between two places, and any other services that are required are all part of the total cost of any move. The cost increase must not exceed 10 percent of what was quoted.
Your belongings being taken in a hostage situation: To pressure you to pay an additional fee, fraudsters may take your belongings hostage.
While other instances like late delivery, damaged or defective goods and bad service do not meet the requirements to be considered legal actions, however, it’s still proper to file a complaint about them.
If you’re dealing with a reputable top-rated moving business the concerns you have should be treated with seriousness and the staff ought to try their best to resolve them.
To avoid fraud, pick a reputable moving company.
A personal screening process is a great way to steer clear of fraudulent moving firms. It helps you to spot the warning signs that are used by scammers. Do this when looking at other businesses and considering your options:
Review the customer reviews published on a variety of internet rating sites, you can try QQ moving for NYC.
Call a variety of reputable moving companies and investigate their credentials, including whether or not they are licensed and insured.
When you enter a moving company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website, you’ll be able to see the company’s details of registration.
You may check the company’s address using the street-view option on Google Maps.
If you’re in search of a moving company to hire, be sure to choose one that is willing to note everything down. Estimates and quotes made over the phone are not legally binding.
You should have a signed contract with your moving company that clearly defines the duties of each party.
It’s a good idea to get an estimate personally from your mover to avoid any unpleasant price increases or try Zeromax online moving estimate.
Keep in mind that you can always ask people you know, like your colleagues, neighbours, and relatives for suggestions on legitimate moving firms with whom they have worked previously. This will help you avoid dealing with companies that are likely to be fraudsters.