Tips from Professional Movers on How to Spot Moving Scams
Moving scams are not a new thing in the moving industry, but in recent years, they have been on the rise. Thanks to the internet, it has become much easier for you to get scammed, but we have put together some easy tips to help you identify spam companies.
Start with the Company’s Web Site
Most people start their search for a moving company online. There are a lot of different moving companies to choose from but knowing what to look for when choosing professional movers is key. Start your search by looking at their Google reviews. Looking at the quantity and quality of their reviews can give you and overall idea of their business.
Another item which we recommend is checking to see if they have their license and DOT numbers listed on their website. These license numbers can generally be found in the footer of a website or on the contact us page.
Some other items to keep an eye out for are logos. Logos shown on a company’s website can identify awards, certifications, and professional associations. Below we have listed some of the most important logos, which carry the most weight in identifying professional movers:
- AMSA – American Moving and Storage Association – Another indicator the company is highly reputable.
- IAM – International Association of Movers – Critical if you are planning to move to another country.
Make That Call
Now that you have narrowed down your list of possible professional movers, it’s time to make a few phone calls. Most moving companies will gather some information from you and setup an in-home walkthrough or video conference so they can give you a more accurate moving estimate. Professional movers will usually give you a ballpark price over the phone and then want to see the items or do a video survey to generate a more accurate moving quote for you.
If the company you contact wants to charge you for an estimate, this is another strike against them. As an Allied Van Lines agent, we never charge for estimates. When giving the estimator information about your move, be sure to provide them with as much information about both the pickup location and the destination. This will make it much easier for the person to give an accurate quote.
Keep in mind that adding to your belongings such as buying a new living room suite will impact the final cost. With professional movers, you never pay your bill until your belongings have been delivered. Scammers will ask you to pay upfront, something you should never do.
Contact Rose Moving & Storage
For more information or to begin planning your upcoming move with a group of professional movers, contact Rose Moving & Storage today.