What to do if you have been scammed by a moving company?

What to do if you have been scammed by a moving company?

Report Fraud Consumers seeking to file a complaint against a household goods moving company, broker or other carrier may contact FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database online or toll-free at: 1-888-368-7238.

Do moving companies steal items?

Although it doesn’t happen often, movers can steal. Use our tips for packing and interacting with moving company professionals to prevent possible theft.

Can a moving company hold your stuff hostage?

A moving company can hold your things for up to 21 days. Legally, that is the amount of time a mover has to deliver your things without owing you anything. However, a reputable mover may still offer compensation for delayed delivery if they must deliver outside of the promised time frame on your estimate.

Can I dispute a charge from a moving company?

If a problem arises with your household goods carrier (mover), you should first attempt to work out an agreement to resolve the dispute. But if you and the mover are not able to agree, you have two options: Seek an arbitration hearing; or. Initiate legal action against your mover.

How do moving companies rip you off?

If You Hire a Shady Company, the Final Cost of the Move Can Be High. Disreputable companies have a method that works for them – they tell the customer one price at the beginning of the move that sounds great, and the customer agrees to sign the contract.

How do I get my stuff back from a moving company?

File a report Contact the FMCSA and file a report against the moving company. Because it’s a federal agency, the FMCSA can open an investigation to get your stuff back and even some of your initial payment. If there’s a strong enough case against the company, it could lose its license to operate as a business.

Should I trust movers?

There are a few poorly-run moving companies that give the rest of us a bad name. But overwhelmingly, if you go with a well-known company, you can trust in the following: They will perform thorough employee screenings. They will have strict policies governing the behavior of their employees.

Should you follow your movers?

During the move, just let the movers do things their way. You don’t have to keep following them around as they move each box. This is why it’s important that you properly label all the boxes to make it easier for the movers and to ensure that fragile things are handled well.

What happens if a moving company loses your stuff?

Under full protection, the company will compensate you for the full value of a lost or damaged item, replace it with a comparable item, or pay for repairs. Check with your existing insurance policies to see if they will protect you during a move.

What do you do when someone is holding your hostage?

File a Report with the FMCSA As soon as possible, report to the FMCSA that the moving company is holding your stuff hostage. File a formal complaint by calling their hotline at 1-888-DOT-SAFT or use their online complaint tool.

How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Florida?

You may file a complaint against a mover or moving company with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services online at www.800helpfla.com or by phone at 1-800-HELP-FLA.

How do you trust a moving company?

Top 10 Tips on How to Find a Mover You Can Trust

1. Ask Family & Friends for Recommendations. …
2. Confirm They’re a Mover, NOT a Broker. …
3. Research the Moving Company (Who Are They?) …
4. Consult Federal & State Resources. …
5. Verify the Mover is Licensed and Insured. …
6. Reviews Matter – Check Them Out. …
7. Visit Their Office to Meet Them in Person.

Why do movers ask for cash?

But, it is not uncommon for moving companies to ask for a deposit of some kind. Even established, reputable, and honest companies will sometimes ask for deposits up front. This is because when you hire a moving company, you reserve a date, and they are setting aside their workers and their time to help you out.

How can I make sure a moving company is legit?

Certified moving companies must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. It’s always recommended to work with a certified moving company. To confirm the credentials of a mover who claims to be certified, visit this DOT site and choose “carrier search”.

What is the most reputable moving company?

Our Best Moving Companies Rating

• #1 International Van Lines.
• #2 United Van Lines.
• #3 Colonial Van Lines.
• #4 North American Moving Services.
• #4 U-Pack.
• #6 PODS.
• #6 U-Haul.
• #6 American Van Lines. #9 Mayflower.