When you hire a moving company, you book a date and they reserve their workers and time to help you. It's not uncommon for moving companies to request some type of deposit in advance, even from established, reputable, and honest companies. Most moving companies will accept cash upon delivery, but they should never require payment in cash, especially if you have already agreed on another payment method. The required deposit scam involves asking for cash for moving services before performing any work. If the moving company you choose is an accredited company, they probably won't ask for a deposit before your move.
In most cases, you'll be required to pay your relocation bill once all your belongings have been safely delivered to your new home. Paying in advance gives the would-be scammer or moving company full control of your relocation. Withholding payment until the move is complete will help ensure that your belongings are delivered in a safe and timely manner. Sometimes you can get a better deal if you pay the moving company in cash. However, if moving companies only accept cash, it can be a scam.
Credit card payments leave a trail and the possibility of challenging a charge. A legitimate moving company will accept multiple forms of payment, including credit payments. A good way to find out if your moving company is legitimate is to check if it is a certified Promotor of the American Trucking Association. Alternatively, you can negotiate the advance payment of allowances that reasonably cover the transportation costs that moving companies may have to face. This loss of revenue and the costs of idle equipment affect companies dearly, and some require deposits prior to the move to cover their bets. It's a common myth that moving companies get paid after they deliver household items to you in long-distance moves from one state to another.
That's why Promoter status clearly separates moving professionals from dishonest operators posing as legitimate carriers. Receiving a budget for your home will give you a more accurate idea of how much you will have to pay for your next move. Because of this, unreliable moving companies often offer customers a quote over the phone and, after the move, increase the price quoted above. If you've thoroughly researched your moving companies and hired a reputable and experienced company, a 10% deposit may be reasonable. Any amount that exceeds 10% of the total upfront cost of a move is almost certainly a scam or, at least, shady. With the bait and the change, a moving company will offer you what seems to be a good budget for your move. Carrying a lot of cash is dangerous, and most credit card companies have programs designed to help customers who are victims of fraud.
