Moving scams can turn an already stressful situation into a nightmare. Unfortunately, the Better Business Bureau receives some 6,000 complaints about moving companies every year. This rampant rise in moving fraud, causing a median loss of $350 per victim, has led the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to increase their anti-fraud crackdowns.
To help you avoid moving company scams and being taken advantage of, the experts at Wheaton World Wide have put together a list of common moving scams to look out for and their signs.
Interstate Moves and Scam Risk
Moving scams can happen anywhere, but interstate moves often carry more risk simply because of the distance and complexity involved. When your belongings are traveling across state lines, it can be harder to verify where they are, who is responsible, and when they will arrive. That added uncertainty can create opportunities for dishonest operators to commit moving fraud.
That said, local moves are not immune to common moving scams. The same warning signs can show up in any type of move. What matters most is choosing a mover who communicates clearly, provides written estimates, and stays accountable from start to finish. With the right partner, you can feel confident no matter how far you’re going.
Signs of a Moving Company Scam
Before you hire a moving company, perform your due diligence. Here’s how to tell if a moving company is legitimate or just out to steal your money:
1. Upfront Payment or Unusually Large Deposit
When booking with a high-quality moving company, you rarely need a deposit. Peak season—May through September—is the only time a deposit may make sense. Because this is such a busy time for the industry, movers may need to ensure they’re covered in case of cancellations. If a moving company asks for a large retainer, be wary. You may never see it or them again.
Get a written estimate before you book moving services. This estimate should outline the services included, how your shipment will be handled, and when payment is due. Be cautious of requests for full payment before any work has started. It’s also reasonable to ask when and how payments are collected so there are no surprises later.
At Wheaton, your move starts with clarity. You receive a written estimate that reflects your specific needs so you understand your costs before making a decision. If a deposit is required during peak season, it is communicated clearly and kept reasonable.
2. Cash Payments
Cash is a thing of the past for most businesses. If a moving company requires cash payments, don’t trust them. There is no reason for cash to be the only form of payment available so cash-only payments are a big red flag for moving company scams.
Legitimate moving companies offer secure, traceable payment options and clear billing processes. If a mover insists on large cash payments or doesn’t accept credit cards, it may be difficult to track your transaction or hold them accountable if something goes wrong.
Choose a moving company that provides multiple payment options and clearly explains when payments are due. When you move with Wheaton, you receive a written estimate and your payment schedule is clearly outlined before your move begins. And you always receive written confirmation of any payment you make.
3. No FMCSA License Record
It’s federal law that movers must have proper licensing with FMCSA to operate a truck. Before you sign on the dotted line with any mover, check the FMCSA database for their license. You can check by name or DOT number. As you search the database, double check that the license is up to date and not expired. If the moving company in question has no license at all, look elsewhere.
Another site to check for fraudulent movers is the Office of Inspector General. The OIG site shows pictures and names of individuals charged with transportation-related crimes who have fled jurisdiction rather than facing prosecution or serving their sentence.
Wheaton operates as a fully licensed interstate moving company, meeting all FMCSA requirements for long distance moving. Our network of experienced Wheaton agents follows strict standards for safety, documentation, and accountability. You’ll know exactly who is responsible for your move and have the confidence that comes with working with a company that does things the right way.
4. Poor Communication
Communication is key with any service provider. The better communication you have with the provider, the safer and more secure you’ll feel with the moving company. Before move day, you should be contacted by your mover several times to set expectations and answer questions. During the move, your move coordinator and/or driver should keep you updated on what’s going on and when you can expect them for delivery at your new location.
Most negative reviews movers get are due to miscommunication. To avoid this situation, set communication goals with your move coordinator before your move so you know what to expect before, during and after the movers pick up your items.
Communication is built into the process when you move with Wheaton. You’ll work with one dedicated move coordinator from start to finish; someone who knows your move, keeps you informed, and follows through on every detail. From your first estimate to final delivery, you’ll have clear updates, a reliable point of contact, and the confidence of always knowing what’s happening next.
5. Doesn’t Supply a Contract
Even if you feel comfortable with a mover, get everything in writing to help avoid common moving scams. Make sure that the terms you agree upon are carefully drafted in a moving contract that is signed by both parties. This will cover all your bases and help later if legal matters arise. If someone hands you a contract to sign, read it carefully and be aware of all the fine print.
Additionally, never sign blank documents. Rogue movers could fill in blank contracts later with excessive fees and conditions. A reputable company will make sure everything is filled out before it’s time for you to sign.
With Wheaton, your move is documented from the start. You’ll receive clear, written agreements that outline your services, timing, and responsibilities before anything is signed. Your dedicated move coordinator will walk you through each document, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way so nothing is left unclear or left to chance.
6. Lack of Insurance
If your movers claim your belongings are covered by insurance, they must show proof. A common scam is to claim your items are covered while there actually is no coverage or inadequate insurance coverage.
Keep in mind that the government mandates limited liability for your goods. This is not insurance, and it’s very low: $0.60 per pound per item. So, if your 5-pound laptop is damaged in the move, the government-mandated limited liability nets you just $3.00.
Reputable movers like Wheaton offer valuation coverage options, including partial or full replacement valuation protection, that allow you to protect your items. These options should be reviewed with you before your move so you know what’s covered and how the claims process works if something should happen.
7. Frequent Change of Company Name
Name changes are a sure sign of common moving scams. When a company switches names frequently, it may mean it has stolen from multiple victims and then reopened under a new banner. The Better Business Bureau warns against these types of moving company scams—the company can’t remove all the one-star reviews from its Google listing, so it just starts over. Legitimate moving companies don’t have to be sneaky like this.
Check the company’s physical address and information about licensing and insurance. Do they say the company’s full name when answering the phone? If so, this indicates consistency. If not, something might be going on you don’t want any part of.
Wheaton has built our reputation over decades under one name, with a network of long-standing Wheaton agents across the country. That consistency reflects a commitment to doing things the right way, not starting over when challenges arise.
When you work with Wheaton, you know exactly who you’re working with: an established, accountable interstate moving partner focused on earning your trust from beginning to end.
8. Suspiciously Low Estimate
Lowball estimates are one of the most common moving company scams to look out for from rogue operators. Unfortunately, some companies give low estimates to bait and switch customers. Then, on moving day they tack on additional fees and ask for more money when they know they have you between a rock and a hard place. They may hold household goods hostage until a customer pays additional fees.
Moving companies should give accurate estimates. A comprehensive moving estimate based on the size of your home and the weight involved lets you know upfront what your total costs will be. It also allows the driver to estimate how large of a truck they will need to bring on moving day.
Before choosing your mover, research companies’ reviews and reputation. Accurate estimates, even if higher than you’d like to see, give you a realistic idea of what you’ll spend with a professional moving company.
You’ll receive a written estimate from Wheaton that clearly outlines your services and expected costs before you book. Your dedicated move coordinator will walk you through the details, so you understand how your estimate was calculated and what to expect on moving day.
9. No On-Site Survey
Another variation of moving fraud involves operators giving estimates without even seeing the items they are moving. Then, once they have all your items loaded in their truck, they ask for more money.
To give accurate moving quotes, movers need to see how large your home is, how many items you need moved and how heavy everything is. They should also notice moving challenges like narrow staircases and specialty items like large furniture, so they can accurately estimate the time and effort needed to clear the home.
When you show the movers around, whether in person or virtually, make sure all the items you are moving are accounted for. Keep in mind that if you add items to go on the truck without having mentioned them during the visual survey, the cost of your move will go up, as that changes the scope of the move.
Wheaton takes the time to understand your move before providing an estimate. Your survey—whether in home or virtual—is thorough and captures every detail, so your pricing reflects your actual needs. From there, your dedicated move coordinator helps keep everything aligned, so what’s planned upfront matches what happens on moving day.
What to Do If You Experience a Moving Company Scam
Discovering that something isn’t right with your move can be overwhelming during an already stressful time. If you believe you’ve been the victim of a moving scam, taking a few clear steps can help you regain control and protect yourself moving forward.
Start by gathering all documentation related to your move, including estimates, contracts, emails, receipts, and inventory lists. Having everything in one place will make it easier to report the issue and support your case.
Next, file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the interstate moving industry. You can also report the issue to the Better Business Bureau and your state’s attorney general office. If your belongings are being held hostage at a storage facility or you feel threatened, contact local law enforcement right away.
Small claims court may be an option for local move disputes involving limited dollar amounts (the exact limit varies by state, often between $5,000 and $10,000).
If payment was made by credit card, reach out to your credit card company to dispute the charge. Acting quickly can improve your chances of recovering lost funds.
Avoid Moving Scams With a Reputable Moving Company
While common moving scams happen, they are avoidable with the right partner. Wheaton is committed to clear communication, proper documentation, and accountability from start to finish. You get the structure and support needed to move forward with confidence and avoid situations where you feel left without answers.
By using the list above, you can identify rogue movers and avoid falling victim to a moving scam. Make sure the moving process goes smoothly—choose Wheaton World Wide for your next move. We’ve spent decades building our reputation to be the moving company America trusts most.
