Internet Moving Scams
Possibly you or someone you know has fallen victim to a moving scam from an online based moving company. Internet scams are becoming increasingly prevalent and can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars of hidden costs and fees. Call Premier Van Lines today to avoid devastating internet moving scams.
How moving scams work
Scam artists will have multiple websites professionally developed to establish credibility and ensure buyer confidence. Once you provide your information to one company you will also receive price quotes from the other fake companies. At first, it will appear as though you have found a great deal, then the scam begins.
1.Once the moving truck has arrived and your belongings have been loaded onto the truck, the movers will state that you have more than you claimed in the original estimate. Additional costs will be added to your bill. You can choose to pay the additional charges, pay an even larger unloading fee, or not pay at all and have your belongings withheld from you.
2. After agreeing to pay the increased costs, additional charges will then be incurred to cover costs for boxes and packaging.
3.Once your belongings finally arrive at your house, the movers won’t entirely unload your things into your residence. The delivery crew will explain that you only paid for the items to be delivered to your door. It will cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to have your belongings moved into your home.
How to prevent being scammed
Thoroughly research the moving company before agreeing to a contract. The following websites are useful in finding complaints made against moving companies:
http://www.movingscam.com/
http://www.ripoffreport.com/
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/gao_movers.html
http://www.protectyourmove.gov/
http://www.fmc.gov/
http://www.moverescue.com/
If any of the following situations or events occur prior to your belongings being loaded, do not let the moving crew load your goods:
-A deposit is required upfront before the move. No deposit is required with legitimate moving companies.
-A rental truck shows up the move your goods. Moving trucks are required to display the name of the company, the city where the company is based, and the company DOT number. Scam movers will use rental moving trucks to move your belongings.
-The moving crew does not have a copy of the contract or bill of lading on-hand. Legitimate moving companies will always have these forms with them.
-Do not sign any contract until you have been provided a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” This document is not required, but it does provide general information to help you choose a mover. We strongly recommend you request the document.
-In order for you to be able to verify the charges, make sure the shipment is done according to weight not cubic feet.
-Look for awkward wording in all contracts. Certain words and wording provide the company with opportunities to legally scam you.
-Be sure that everything is put into writing and clearly spelled out. For example, does the price include the cost of boxes and other packaging materials and are your belongings delivered into your home. Ask to view the weighing of the truck and have the amount put into writing.
-The contract should specify how your belongings will be shipped. Will it be loaded into a liftvan, its own steel container, or will it be mixed with the belongings of others?
Premier Van Lines helps you take all necessary precautions so you do not find yourself involved in an internet moving scam. It is important that you understand what can happen to you if you choose a moving company other than Premier Van Lines. Call us today with any questions or concerns and our moving coordinators will be glad to assist you.
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