How to Spot and Avoid Moving Scams
Every year, thousands of Americans fall victim to moving scams — from “hostage” situations where movers demand more money after loading your belongings, to companies that simply disappear with your possessions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives thousands of complaints annually.
Here are the 10 biggest red flags to watch for when hiring a moving company:
1. No Physical Address or Office
Legitimate moving companies have a physical location. If a company only has a P.O. box or no address at all, that’s a major red flag.
2. No FMCSA Registration (DOT & MC Numbers)
For interstate moves, every legitimate mover must have an active U.S. DOT number and MC number registered with the FMCSA. Ask for these numbers and verify them at FMCSA’s website.
3. Unusually Low Estimates
If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scam movers often give lowball estimates to win the job, then demand significantly more money on moving day.
4. Large Upfront Deposits
Reputable movers rarely ask for more than a small deposit (if any). Be cautious of any company demanding 20–50% upfront before the move.
5. No Written Estimate
Always get your estimate in writing. A verbal “guess” over the phone is not legally binding. Legitimate movers provide written estimates — ideally binding or not-to-exceed quotes.
6. Unmarked Trucks
Professional moving companies use branded trucks with their company name, DOT number, and MC number displayed. Unmarked rental trucks are a red flag.
7. No Insurance Information
Every legitimate mover must offer basic liability coverage ($0.60 per pound per item). Ask for proof of insurance and consider purchasing Full Value Protection for valuable items.
8. Refusing an In-Home or Virtual Survey
A trustworthy mover will want to see your inventory before giving a final estimate — either in person or via video. Companies that quote without seeing your belongings are more likely to surprise you with extra charges.
9. No Online Reviews or Reputation
Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. A complete absence of reviews or a pattern of 1-star complaints should give you pause.
10. Pressuring You to Sign Immediately
Scammers create urgency. A legitimate company will give you time to review the contract, compare quotes, and make an informed decision.
Moving Broker vs. Specialized Platform — Know the Difference
Many consumers confuse moving brokers with specialized moving platforms, but the difference is critical. A moving broker acts as a middleman — they book your move, negotiate with carriers, take a commission, and often hand your belongings off to a company you never vetted. This is where many scams happen.
A specialized moving platform like Extra Help Moving is fundamentally different. We never touch your belongings, never negotiate your price, and never take a cut. Instead, we connect you directly with FMCSA-verified movers who contact you themselves. You choose your mover, agree on terms, and deal with them directly — no middleman, no hidden fees.
How Extra Help Moving Protects You
Every mover on our platform is FMCSA-verified — we validate their DOT and MC numbers in real-time against the federal database. Our AI-calculated moving quote gives you a benchmark to compare against, so you can spot lowball scam quotes instantly. And because we are a specialized platform — not a broker — movers contact you directly, so you always know exactly who is handling your move.
Submit a free service order and let verified professionals contact you directly.