Protect Yourself from Moving Scam

Posted byPaola Nadeau on Dec 2020 in Business | 0 comments

If you are looking at moving companies in Camden County, one of your biggest concerns is probably how to protect yourself from a scam. Moving scams first became an issue in 1980 with the passing of the Household Goods Transportation Act. This allowed moving companies to issue price quotes on moving across state lines. Because of this, companies began to compete, not over quality and services offered but over price. Fake companies began to pop up offering low cost moving, only to disappear somewhere along the road with all of a customer’s belongings in tow. To protect Americans from moving scam, the Department of Transportation has been enforcing interstate moving regulations since 1995, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration got involved in 1999. With increased regulation, fake companies are disappearing, and it is possible to find many fine moving companies in Camden County.

The threat of scam is not entirely gone, however, and it is important to know what to look for. Usually a scam starts out when a moving company gives an estimate by way of an online broker or over the phone. It is rare for a scam to occur with a company that does an in-home estimate. This estimate is usually very low to seduce potential customers into choosing that company. The fake movers will then come to your home, pack your belongings, and take them to a far off weighing facility. Only then will they tell you that they charge by weight, and yours went over the weight for which they originally estimated. They will then charge an exorbitant fee for the excess pounds – sometimes up to four or five times higher than the original quote. The owners are then forced to pay this fee because it is the only way to get the entirety of their household belongings back. A similar scenario occurs when an Internet moving broker gives an original, low price for moving, but then charges an excessive “completion fee” after the company already has all of the customer’s belongings in their possession.

The US Department of Transportation offers four tips to protect yourself from moving scam. The first is don’t pay a deposit. Most honest moving companies in Camden County will only take payment when they are at your new home, ready to unload the truck. There is an exception for intra-state movers, as they often require a 10% deposit. They should not charge extra for using a credit card. Second, don’t hire a moving company that only gives you an estimate online or over the phone. Make sure they come to your home! Third, make sure they give you a quote based on weight. This is standard in the moving industry. Fourth, once you have narrowed down your selection of moving companies in Camden County, check them out on the Better Business Bureau or Department of Transportation website.

Having said all this, moving fraud is rare, and there are many fine and honest moving companies in Camden County. It just never hurts to take precautions and get the most for your money.

Moving Companies Camden County – Superior Moving and Storage, Inc. is one of the honest, insured, and licensed moving companies in Camden County. With experience and professionalism, we handle all aspects of your residential or commercial move, whether local or cross-country, to make it as stress-free as possible. Our services include packing, loading and unloading, house cleanouts, and a storage facility. For more information or to get a moving quote, call us at Phone No or visit our website at Website URL.