Each year, millions of Americans move to new homes, and unfortunately, not all experiences go as planned. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 35 million people move annually in the U.S., and more than 7,000 complaints were filed in the past year alone. Many involve scams, hidden fees, or even lost belongings. These issues don’t just drain your bank account. They also cause serious stress during what’s already a demanding time. Families report feeling overwhelmed, misled, and powerless when things go wrong. In this guide, you’ll learn how to avoid moving scams, check a mover’s credibility, and take steps to protect your money, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Read Reviews and Research Moving Companies
If you don’t want to get scammed, a successful move starts with finding out the movers in Michigan you are going to hire.
Check multiple review sites and search for consistent complaints or red flags. Don’t rely on just one platform. Look into the company’s history, licensing, and years in business to make sure they’re legitimate. Sites like Forbes Advisor rate top moving companies in the U.S. based on customer feedback, pricing transparency, and availability. Use that as a reference, but dig deeper.
A review alone will not necessarily prevent you from getting scammed by a moving company, but it’s the first step to a successful move.
Understand What a Moving Broker Is
Before you book your move, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with. Not every company that gives you a quote is an actual mover. Some are moving brokers—they don’t own trucks or employ movers. Instead, they connect you with a third-party company that handles the job.
Brokers are middlemen. The brokers are salespeople who book your move and sell it to companies. The broker does not assume responsibility for your move. The problem? You may not know which company is moving your things until the last minute. And that company might not meet your standards—or even be licensed.
Using a broker can lead to serious problems. Some work with unreliable or low-rated carriers. Others give low quotes that don’t reflect the real cost. Once your belongings are on the truck, you may be hit with fees you never agreed to.
- To avoid moving scams, ask clear questions before signing anything:
- Will you be the company handling my move?
- What’s the name of the actual carrier?
- Can I speak directly to the moving company you plan to use?
- Is the mover licensed, insured, and listed with the FMCSA?
Most Common Moving Scams
Of the 4,780 complaints the FMCSA received in 2019, 57% of them involved overcharging. But it is believed that only 10% of these fraud claims are even reported. From January 2020 to May 2024, overall HHG complaints have decreased, with a downward trend in both “hostage” and other complaint types. Scammers use a few predictable tricks—but if you know what to watch for, you can steer clear. Here are some of the most common moving scams and how they work:
- Holding your belongings hostage. After loading the truck, the mover demands extra money before delivering your items. They refuse to unload until you pay more, often hundreds or thousands above the quote.
- Bait-and-switch pricing: The company gives you a very low estimate to secure the job. Once everything is on the truck, the price suddenly jumps due to “unexpected” charges.
- Fake companies with no real contact info: Some websites look professional but list no business address or working phone number. These aren’t real movers. They collect deposits and disappear.
- Demanding large cash deposits upfront: Reputable movers usually ask for a small deposit or none at all. Scammers often ask for large amounts of cash before doing any work.
- Unmarked trucks or rented vehicles: If a crew arrives in a rental truck or with no company branding, it’s a red flag. Legitimate movers use their marked cars.
Spotting Fake or Misleading Quotes
Movers who don’t insist on an on-site inspection of your home for an estimate should be the first clue that something is not right. A phone call alone is never enough. If they won’t offer an in-home or virtual survey, be cautious.
Most people don’t estimate how many things they truly have that need to be moved, and getting a real quote is the first step. Moving prices are not only based on mileage, but also on the size and weight of the items. Without seeing what you have, the estimate is just a guess—and often a trap.
The moving industry is plagued by scammers who advertise their company heavily on the Internet to get good placement. They can have professional-looking websites and fake reviews. And the Better Business Bureau reports that, in some cases, the license of the mover has already been revoked, but the company keeps taking bookings.
Watch out for suspicious quotes. A vague item list, an extremely low price, or refusal to provide a written estimate are all red flags. These are signs the mover might not be honest.
Another trick to know is “weight bumping.” This happens when a company quotes a low price based on a fake weight estimate. After loading your items, they claim the weight was much higher and demand more money. You’re left with no choice but to pay up.
If you want to avoid moving scams, use the FMCSA database to find licensed movers. A real company will explain its pricing, inspect your items, and offer a clear, written quote with no surprises.
Understand Packing Fees, Deposits, and Add-ons
If you pack your items, a mover often isn’t responsible for any damage that will occur. But if you have them pack the items, they might throw things in boxes quickly and charge much more for packing materials. Always ask for a full breakdown of packing services in Detroit before you agree to anything. Packing supplies like boxes, tape, and padding usually cost extra, and shady movers use this to drive up the final bill.
Reputable movers do not demand cash. Most movers will let you pay upon delivery. When you do pay, use a credit card to fight fraudulent movers. Anyone asking for payment before delivery is attempting a moving scam.
A small deposit may be requested to reserve your date, but it should never be a large upfront payment. If someone insists on hundreds in advance—especially in cash—that’s a red flag. Keep your payments secure, get everything in writing, and always question extra fees that weren’t clearly explained.
Review the Moving Contract Thoroughly
Get EVERYTHING in writing. This is the most important step. Do not sign anything that the moving company will fill out later. The moving scam often is to get your items moving and charge you a ton of money to get them back.
Read everything in the contract and don’t skip anything because of the small print. Look closely at the terms, services, payment schedule, and what happens in case of delays or damages. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy, the delivery window, and any potential extra fees.
Make sure everything is on an inventory list before it leaves your current home. Every item should be accounted for, with clear notes on condition. This protects you if something goes missing or arrives damaged.
Insurance and Liability Options
In general, your mover is legally liable for damage to items that occurs during transportation. There are two levels to look at.
- Full Value Protection: This is the most expensive option to pick, but it will increase the cost of your move. If something is lost or damaged, the mover must either repair the item, replace it, or offer a cash settlement.
- Waiver of Full Replacement: This is the cheapest route to go, as there is some protection of your items, but there is no cost to you. With this, the mover takes responsibility for 60 cents per pound of the items.
You may also look at a third-party insurance plan. This option can help cover the full value of higher-end or fragile items not protected under standard coverage.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
You have the responsibility both to your mover and yourself, according to the FMCSA. Here is a look at what you should know:
- Read all moving documents issued by the mover.
- Be available at the time of pickup and delivery of your items.
- Notify your mover if something has changed.
- Make payment in the amount agreed upon.
- Promptly file claims of damage, loss, or delays of items with the movers.
- Review and sign the inventory list before and after the move.
Your mover’s responsibilities include:
- Provide a clear written estimate before the move begins.
- Stick to agreed-upon timelines and delivery windows.
- Deliver your items in the condition they were picked up.
- Respond to claims in a fair and timely manner.
- Give you a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet.
Final Checklist to Avoid Moving Scams
Before you commit to any moving company, run through this quick checklist to protect your move and your wallet:
- Get multiple written estimates — Don’t rely on a single quote, especially if it seems too low.
- Verify the mover’s credentials — Check their USDOT number and licensing through the FMCSA database.
- Never pay a large deposit upfront — Reputable movers, such as local movers in Michigan, typically request payment at delivery, not before.
- Document everything — Keep copies of contracts, estimates, inventory lists, and receipts.
- Avoid companies with no physical address — Be cautious of movers who only operate by phone or avoid giving full contact details.
The Best Way to Avoid Scams: Choose a Trusted Mover
The best way to avoid moving scams is to work with a company you can trust. Reputable, established movers have experienced crews, transparent pricing, and a commitment to following all federal regulations. Take your time when choosing who to hire. Rushed decisions often lead to problems. A reliable company will answer your questions, provide clear contracts, and explain your rights up front. All Around Moving and Storage is a reputable, professional moving company and can help you move with confidence. Get your free moving quote online. Because we are an agent of National Van Lines, you can bet we abide by all FMSCA Policies, and we do everything we can to protect your rights when you move with us!
