How to Avoid Common Moving Scams

by Walsh Moving & Storage

March 12th, 2026

Moving to a new home should be exciting — but it’s also when many people become targets for moving scams. Every year, dishonest moving companies take advantage of busy homeowners with low-ball estimates, hostage loads, hidden fees, and stolen belongings.

A single moving scam can cost thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration.

Luckily, most scams are easy to avoid if you know the warning signs.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The most common moving scams used by rogue movers
Red flags that signal a dishonest moving company
How to verify a legitimate mover before you book

Follow these steps to protect your belongings, your money, and your move.

Red Flags of Rogue Movers

Dishonest moving companies often share the same bad habits. Spotting these warning signs early saves you time and money. Watch out for these red flags when you start contacting movers:

Extremely low estimates: If a price seems too good to be true, it is. Scammers use lowball offers to get your attention.
Large upfront deposits: Reputable movers usually ask for payment upon delivery. Scammers demand large cash deposits before they load your truck.
Cash-only policies: Legitimate businesses accept credit cards and checks. Cash-only demands are a major warning sign.
No local address or physical office: Scammers often operate using just a website and a burner phone.
Unprofessional phone etiquette: Rogue movers often answer the phone with generic phrases like “Movers” instead of a specific company name.
Blank documents: Never sign a blank contract. Scammers will fill in the details and prices later.
Refusal to do an on-site inspection: Professional movers need to see your home to give an accurate estimate. Scammers will try to give you an estimate over the phone without seeing your belongings.

Types of Common Moving Scams

Scammers use several predictable tactics to rip off homeowners.

The Hostage Load

This is the most notorious moving scam. The movers load everything you own onto their truck. Then, they suddenly increase the price. They refuse to deliver your belongings or unload the truck until you pay the new, higher fee in cash.

The Bait & Switch

A company gives you a surprisingly low quote to win your business. On moving day, they claim you have more items than discussed. They force you to sign a new contract with significantly higher rates before they start working.

Weight Bumping

Long-distance moves often base pricing on the total weight of your items. Dishonest movers will manipulate the truck’s weight. They might add extra heavy items, leave people in the cab during the weigh-in, or forge the weight tickets to charge you more.

The Name Change Scam

Some bad movers frequently change their company name. They do this to avoid bad reviews, poor ratings, and complaints to the Better Business Bureau. If a company lacks history or online reviews, it might be hiding its past.

How to Verify a Moving Company

You hold the power to verify any moving company before you hire them. Taking these simple steps ensures you work with legitimate professionals.

Check the FMCSA database: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates long-distance movers. Search their database to ensure the company has a valid US Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
Look up the company’s complaint history: The FMCSA website also lists registered complaints against movers. Review their track record.
Read online reviews: Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns in the reviews. A few bad reviews happen, but consistent complaints about delayed deliveries or sudden price hikes indicate a scam.
Ask for proof of insurance: Legitimate movers carry both liability and cargo insurance. Ask to see their insurance certificates.
Get three written estimates: Compare prices and services from at least three different companies. This gives you a clear baseline for the move’s cost.

Steps to Take Before Moving Day

Preparation is your best defense against moving fraud.

Create a Detailed Inventory

Document everything you plan to move. Go room by room and list your furniture and boxes.

Take clear photos of your valuable items.
Record the serial numbers on your electronics.
Keep a copy of this inventory with you during the move.

Understand Your Estimate

Moving estimates fall into two main categories. Knowing the difference protects your budget.

Binding estimate: This guarantees the total cost of the move based on the estimated weight and services. The price won’t change unless you add extra items later.
Non-binding estimate: An educated guess. The final cost depends on the actual weight of your shipment. However, by law, movers cannot charge you more than 110% of the original non-binding estimate at the time of delivery.

Purchase Adequate Valuation Coverage

Movers offer basic liability coverage for free, but it pays only 60 cents per pound per item. That won’t cover the cost of a broken television. Purchase Full Value Protection, which requires the mover to repair or replace any damaged or lost items, or pay their full current market value.

What to Do If You Get Scammed

If you find yourself caught in a moving scam, take immediate action. Don’t panic, and follow these steps to resolve the situation.

Call the local police: If movers hold your belongings hostage, call law enforcement. The police can help mediate the situation and document the incident.
File a complaint with the FMCSA: If it is an interstate move, report the company to the FMCSA. They can investigate rogue movers and revoke their operating authority.
Contact the Better Business Bureau: File a detailed complaint to warn other homeowners.
Notify your state attorney general: Your state attorney general’s office handles consumer protection issues and can investigate local moving fraud.
Dispute the charges: If you paid with a credit card, contact your bank immediately to dispute the fraudulent charges.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself from moving scams requires vigilance and research.

Watch for lowball estimates, large cash demands, and unprofessional behavior. Always verify a moving company’s DOT number, read online reviews, and get everything in writing.

By taking these straightforward steps, you can hire a reputable team and enjoy a smooth transition to your new home.

FAQs About Moving Scams

What’s the most common moving scam?

The hostage load is the most common and damaging moving scam. The company loads your belongings onto their truck and refuses to deliver them until you pay a massive, unexpected fee.

How do I check if a moving company is legitimate?

You can verify a company’s legitimacy by checking its US DOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Also, check their standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Should I pay a mover before they do the work?

No, you should never pay the full amount for a move up front. Legitimate movers generally request payment upon delivery. A small deposit to hold your date is normal, but large cash deposits are a major red flag.

Do moving companies require cash payments?

Professional moving companies accept multiple forms of payment, including major credit cards and checks. If a company demands cash only, cancel the service immediately.

What is a binding estimate?

A binding estimate is a written agreement guaranteeing the total cost of the move based on your initial inventory. The mover cannot charge you more than this agreed-upon price unless you request additional services or add more items.

What happens if movers break my belongings?

If you selected Full Value Protection, the mover must repair, replace, or compensate you for the full market value of the broken item. If you chose basic liability, they’ll only pay 60 cents per pound for the damaged item.

How much should a moving deposit be?

A standard moving deposit usually ranges from $100 to $500, or a small percentage of the total estimated cost. Anything exceeding 20% of the total cost is suspicious.

Who regulates long-distance moving companies?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency within the US Department of Transportation, regulates all companies that perform state-to-state moves.