Moving Scam- currently going through one
So I made an error and hired a sham company. I feel like a damn fool! Here are some quick and dirty tips I have learned in this process to keep yourself from becoming me.
I will name the company in a separate post once my stuff arrives.
First off- online reviews! These appear to be very easy to fake now. All the online reviews were superb! Looking at it now, every single positive google review were from "people" using stock images and who have only left ONE review. If all reviews on google match that criteria RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!
Secondly - non-binding estimate (here is when I should have ran away). The estimate wasn't binding like some of the others I received. Meaning, I am charged for volume used in the truck no matter what. Reputable companies use a binding estimate.
Thirdly- our pickup was delayed by 5-6 hours. This meant the movers showed up at 6pm to our house. At that point, all offices are closed and well it gets dark. At the end of the move (11:30pm) is when the shit show began. And the scam become apparent.
Fourthly- We believe the movers packed EMPTY boxes in order to fill out the space on the truck. So that no matter what pictures or video were taken- it would show a fuller truck. the movers actually had enough space for DOUBLE our estimate as well. We just figured we were first on the truck - nope. that was the scam
Since it was so late, honestly, we got caught off guard and then figured out that MAYBE the company just hired a scam driver. Made an error- and that was that.
The driver/foreman stated that we A) used double the space allotted and B) used over $1,000 of moving materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap etc), C) some of our items were extra bulky or different than the estimate (extra $500 or so in charges) and D) that if we paid him cash now for half the increased he would keep a lot of this off the paperwork to help us out.
At that point- in hindsight- I should have called the police. Again, just thought it was some bad driver and we would get it all resolved in the morning with the movers (not true- they appear to be completely in on it) HOORAY.
So now we are stuck paying double what was estimated in order to get our stuff here. I have some plans for after receiving our stuff but will keep that private until my stuff is on site.
Keep away from scammers. There are some websites out there that tell you the best companies to use. I suggest using one of the big 4 no matter the cost for an interstate move. There are better local movers depending on the city. Again, go with a larger reputable company. Sadly, these types of folks make the local guys look bad. Get an accurate over estimation. And do not use any smaller "local" guys for interstate moves OR companies with apparent fake reviews.
I was scammed due to a few missteps. This is actually my third interstate move - so I should have known better. (I know many of you think so) but I wanted to put this out there during peak move season so people can be smart.
tl;dr - in the midst of a scam move. Few notes on what NEW tricks to look for. Be smart. Move with the bigger companies.
Edit: I did receive my stuff. I am going to pursue legal action as there are 2 major things I see easy to prove in court. If it doesn't work out, I'll name the company and post some shit. Oh and over 50% of my stuff is now damaged.
Posted Jul 20, 2019, 2:02 PM UTC · edited
My last move, I developed a full blown RFP with photos, mileage, measurements, documented stair cases and difficult passage ways. In it, I wrote language that said I had provided more than adequate detail to accurately quote the move prior to award and any additional fees would not be paid.
When I submitted it to multiple moving companies, I figured I would get bids back. Only 2 responses out of 10 submissions.
First one said: “Uhh, we still need to send someone out to assess...” No, I gave you an accurate count of boxes, documented pieces of large furniture, etc.
Second one said: “holy cow, we’ve never seen someone so organized with their move. We will do it for $x”. They were hired, that’s what I paid, and every worker made an extra $50 in tip. Smoothest move ever.
Next time- for real. Great idea.
Can you tell me what company you used?
It was a local firm I hired, but I submitted it to all the movers I found that claimed to service my area, including the big name movers.
TheSpatulaOfLove---Best moving advice ever!! My two moves were during times that were very disorganized and crappy, your post makes me understand that it's best to be over-organized with zero vulnerabilities. It's best to over-plan. Great lesson you provided great perspective. I needed that!!!
After moving across the country a couple times, you learn to minimize the stuff you keep. Granted, that’s hard when you’re rooted for awhile, but it’s soul-cleansing to go through everything in your storage once every four to six months and ask yourself ‘Have I missed using/looking at this item in the past few months?’ If you haven’t touched it, be rid of it. It also helps keep things organized. Bring a label gun, turn on some tunes, pour some wine (or bev of choice) and just go through things.
Another cleansing experience is a flood, but that’s another story...