Hiring reputable professionals is essential whenever you let someone into your home, and a moving company is no exception. There are some common scams that people use to take advantage of those who need movers. Know the most common scams so you can be smart about hiring someone and savvy enough to avoid being scammed.

Common Moving Company Scams & How to Avoid Them

1. Bait & Switch

A company may provide you with an estimate for your move, but when the time comes to pay your bill, they’ll tell you that the cubic feet or weight of your goods exceeded their estimate. They will say this justifies an inflated price and will hold onto your belongings until you agree to pay it. Avoid this by signing a contract that specifies precisely what they will move, when those items will be picked up and dropped off, where they will be picked up and dropped off, and what/when you will pay. The contract should specify that there will not be any additional charges added.

2. Disappearing Act

Someone claiming to be a professional mover will give you a desirable estimate for your move. They’ll show up in a truck and pick up your belongings, which you’ll never see again, and you cannot get in touch with them again. Research a company’s reputation thoroughly online before hiring them, and never put your furniture into a truck that’s not branded with the company name. Professionals will put their name on the truck; scammers might rent a vehicle or opt for one that has no identifying marks.

3. Fictional Charges

This scam is similar to the bait and switch scam. A company may give you an estimate and move your belongings for you. On moving day, or when they present you with the bill, there will be some additional clauses in the contract with fictional charges. They could claim that you didn’t prepare appropriately or that their original estimate didn’t include certain services. Avoid this by only signing a thorough, filled-in contract that outlines all charges and the scope of services.

Bell Moving & Storage is dedicated to taking as much stress and worry out of moving as possible. Their moving company is based in Fairfield, OH, and serves clients throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus regions. Their full-service options include packing services, storage, trustworthy professional moving and more to get you settled in your new home. Get a quote online or call (513) 942-7500 to schedule a free consultation.