We’re vulnerable to moving scams as moving house is a stressful experience. While most reputable moving companies try to help make your move easy and stress free, there are people who take advantage of us during this difficult time. There’s also the temptation to save money by hiring someone who appears to be cheap, but if you don’t know who you’re dealing with, you could end up paying the price for your mistake. Here’s how to avoid moving scams.

1. Price scams

The first warning sign of a scam is a price that seems too good to be true. Read the fine print on the quote or agreement. There are probably additional costs based on contingencies, such as access, oversized items or some other reason. When those kick in, your golden deal will quickly turn into a rotten egg.

2. Indicators of possible scams

• Companies with no website

• Companies with only good reviews on their website

• No written agreement for the moving service

• No office manager or administrator who coordinates the move

• One man and a van operator

If you look at our website, we offer our customers the opportunity to post positive, neutral and negative reviews. This is because we care about being honest and transparent in all our dealings. For us, negative reviews are a chance to rectify the problem (if we haven’t already) or learn from our mistakes.

Remember, a moving company is going to handle everything you own. It pays to make the right decision about who you hire.

3. How to avoid a scam

We always say that people should plan early for a move. It applies to avoiding scams too. If you plan early, you have more choices available to you, which means you can find a company that provides you with good service, such as a fixed price quote with no contingency costs. If you get an odd feeling about the company you’re dealing with, you’ve got time to find another. 

You should insist on receiving some form of written agreement if the company doesn’t offer you one, as this is your first point of recourse if you have a complaint. If you still don’t receive one, walk away from dealing with that company.

If you take time to prepare for your move and look out for these indicators, you’ll easily spot a scammer and know how to avoid them.