4 Warning Signs Your Movers Are Scamming You

The stress of a move is already huge. You’re picking up your entire way of living and transferring it to a new way of life. With this big change in mind, the last thing you want to be dealing with is a mover you don’t trust who ends up screwing you over, whether with your haul of stuff or a hefty down payment. You want your belongings to arrive safely to your new abode with a mover you trust to prevent future stressors.

This blog postwill walk you through some warning signs to be mindful of when selecting a mover for your big day:

1. They Insist On Big “Required” Cash-Only Down Payments

So, your mover wants a huge cash-only down payment, eh? This is a huge red flag! Legitimate companies should only ask you for less than 20% of the overall cost it will take you to move upfront. If your mover is asking for more, be weary. Don’t just assume this is the way it is. In addition to the max cost they’re asking for, if they’re asking you for a cash-only payment on top of everything, this is a huge sign of a scammer. Credible businesses will accept a variety of forms of payment, whether it be check or card. These financial implications should be a part of the original conversation as well, so if sudden fees come up, also be skeptical of those.

2. They Say They Have No Home Office

Do the movers you’re considering say they don’t have a headquarters or home office? That’s sketchy. They should at least have an office. Be mindful of those who say they run their business from home. Credible companies should have websites or even social media profiles that list their address. If you look it up, and they only have a P.O. Box or city listed, for example, be skeptical. You don’t have to cynical to watch out for your assets. This is you taking your life and things in the palm of your hand. Ask the tough questions.

3. They Don’t Make You Sign a Contract

Contracts can be scary, but they also prove a company’s credibility. If your movers insist they don’t need you to sign a contract, something is off. They will be dealing with a lot of your stuff. Within this contract, it should be outlined who is reliable for what during this move to avoid future legal implications. For example, if something breaks along the way, are they completely liable, or are you? Without a contract agreed upon by both parties, you will run into battles in a hurry. Don’t skip this step even if it feels tedious. It is, but it’s important to sign on the dotted line.

4. They Have a Lot of Bad Reviews or No Reviews

With your big day in mind, you will want to be assured your life is in the right hands. Yes, these are material objects we’re talking about, but you don’t want to have to buy all new stuff as a result of your things ending up sold on the dark Web or in an empty abandoned lot never to be seen again. Those are extreme cases, of course, but could happen without the right research and mindfulness. Look up the company you are in contact with online to be assured they have satisfied customers. Ask your neighbors or other preferred confidants for referrals.

Whatever moving situation you’re in, you never have to worry about these things with professional movers. A trustworthy moving company will move you, home and office, in a safe, affordable, and kind manner that proves they care about your things and change the way you do.