The Top Moving Scams by Illegal Moving Companies
According to the US department of transportation, more than 40 million moves happen in a year. A few moves happen with complaints against the companies involved. It’s good to find the ways through which disreputable moving companies can scam you.
The biggest weapon against moving scams is being a well-informed client for Movers in Queens, NY. Moving is arduous, and it doesn’t mean that the process for you is safe when someone does. There are vital data aspects that you can’t give to anyone. It makes it essential to handle the process independently. Check out the following red alerts.
Phoning it in
A good moving company must do an on-site inspection of your property. Inspection should happen before giving any estimates. It’s common for clients to have more belongings than they think. An on-site assessment will help in providing accurate estimates. It avoids disagreements during payment times.
Moving company prices will base on mileage and weight. The space occupied by your belongings in the truck also affects pricing. A good moving company will tell these price estimates before the actual move.
Any company discussing the nature of your property through phone is a red alert. If a company doesn’t send an estimator on the ground to assess your property is risky to consider.
Cursory glance
Don’t trust an estimator who goes through your property faster without deeper analysis. An estimator has to inspect everything, including inside cabinets, to see what’s there. In case of foodstuffs in your house, the company representative should ask questions. Will you move with them or dispose them off before moving?
Many clients are victims of unprofessional company staff who give wrong estimates. They then hold the customer property hostage until they pay higher than the agreed price. Such incidences arise when an estimator fails to put everything into consideration. Sign a payment agreement form with the approved estimates. You will avoid fracas on that material day.
Up payments (deposits)
A legit moving company will not demand massive deposits before the moving day. Most genuine companies will need you to pay upon delivery of your belongings. Paying upfront denies you the ability to get your property moved as per your plans. When paying for the service, either full payment or some deposits, make sure you use a credit card. Credit cards help to fight fraudulent activities.
Name change
Scam companies will keep on changing names in the BBB (Better business bureau). Make sure you know the company’s information about insurance and licensing. Know about the local address of the company and the physical location of the offices.
For safety purposes, ask about three references from your local area. They should have used the company’s services before. Link with them and ask about the experience they had with the company.
Get the correct names of the company. Call the government consumer complaints hotline to ask about the company’s complaint history.
Packing expenses
If you pack your property on your own, the company will not be liable for any damages. If the company packs on your behalf, be sure to pay for the services. Boxes, packing materials, labor, and time are the factors that will determine this cost.
Blank contract
You should never sign a blank contract no matter how much you trust the company. Everything should be in writing, including the:
- Price estimates
- Extra fees on anything
- The pickup and delivery days
Read and understand the contract from top to bottom before you sign it.
Conclusion
Use the above tips to help you safeguard yourself from moving companies scams.
