When it comes to moving, it's important to choose a reliable and trustworthy moving company. After all, you're entrusting your precious belongings to strangers. To make sure you don't fall victim to a moving scam, there are several steps you can take to ensure that the company you choose is legitimate. First, do your research.
Look for mentions of the potential moving company online. If you can't find any information about them, it's best to steer clear. Additionally, if the sellers who visited your home didn't show any identification or weren't wearing uniforms, this is a warning sign. On the day of the move, make sure the truck displays logos or names of moving companies.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires moving companies to provide a free quote for the home transfer. It's always recommended to work with a certified moving company. To confirm the credentials of a moving company that claims to be certified, visit the DOT website and select “search for carriers”. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau and other online directories to make sure the company is accredited by the American Moving & Storage Association.
In the past, reputable moving companies never asked for payment in advance. However, due to modern consumer needs, this practice has become more common when moving within the same city or abroad. To set moving dates for customers, many companies will request a deposit before handling any of your belongings. If all else fails and you feel like you've been scammed by a moving company, you may consider taking them to small claims court.
Contact a trusted lawyer and explain the situation to him to see if he has a valid case. Suing the company is often a last resort, as it involves additional stress, legal fees, and a significant amount of time and effort. When choosing a moving company, make sure they have all the necessary licenses and insurance policies in place. Some companies may look legitimate online but are actually professional fraudsters who don't complete moves or steal belongings in the process. Additionally, they may overcharge for their services.
To avoid this, read your state's requirements and make sure your local moving company is legitimate. Finally, consider getting moving insurance. This will protect both you and the moving company from lawsuits and ensure that you can receive reimbursement for any merchandise that is accidentally damaged during the move. By following these steps, you can rest assured that you'll be working with a trustworthy and reliable moving company that will handle your belongings with care.
