Rogue movers usually represent themselves like this: They will never visit your home and give you an on- site estimate. They will ask you to furnish a list of items to be moved, so they can give you a “low-ball estimate”, based on your list of items to be shipped. Once your goods are on the truck, they will say “you added items to your original list”, and then demand more money before they will deliver your goods to your new home. They hold your goods hostage until you pay the full bill. Many times it is much more than was estimated on the phone or internet. If you refuse to pay the inflated amount, the rouge mover will take your goods to a warehouse somewhere, and add storage charges to your already inflated bill. But, if you want your goods, this is your only way out, pay the increased amount.
To become aware of the rogue movers, here are some red flags.
- No inspection – The mover never comes out to the house to physically look at what you have to move. The mover gives you a price over the phone. These estimates often sound to good-to-be true and they usually are. Federal requirements compel the mover to do an on-site Estimate if the mover is within 50 miles of your residence.
- The mover doesn’t provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When you Move.” This booklet is a requirement by the Federal regulations to be given to the customer at the time of the estimate.
- The Mover’s company web site has no local address. Sometimes there is an address, but when you physically go to look for the office/warehouse it doesn’t exist. Their website doesn’t provide any information about licensing or insurance.
- When you call the moving company, the telephone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving Company”, rather than a company’s name.
- On moving Day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company owned and properly marked fleet truck.