How to tell if a moving company is a scam
These are warning signs, not proof. Check every company against the public FMCSA record before you decide.
Warning signs
- Won't give a USDOT number in writing, or the number on SAFER belongs to a different company name.
- Gives a price over the phone without an inventory of your goods.
- Says it's a mover, but SAFER lists it only as a broker.
- Asks for a large deposit, or for cash only.
- Raises the price after your goods are loaded.
What federal rules say
- A non-binding estimate must be in writing, and at delivery the mover cannot require more than 110% of it (49 CFR 375, App. A).
- If you pay 110% of a non-binding estimate or 100% of a binding estimate, plus any added services and limited impracticable-operation charges, the mover must deliver. Refusing is holding your shipment hostage in violation of federal law (App. A; § 375.217).
- Remaining charges are billed after delivery (App. A).
If it's already happening
Keep your written estimate and bill of lading. File a complaint in FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database and contact your state attorney general. Arizona's AG, for example, has warned consumers about unscrupulous movers.