Buyer Beware: 6 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Moving Scams
When you’re preparing for a move, one of the most important steps you can take is choosing a moving team that is dependable, thorough, and safe. Every year hundreds of Americans get taken advantage of in moving scams. To help you avoid the same unfortunate experience, we’ve compiled a list of steps you can take to protect yourself and your belongings.
1. Walk away if there’s no walk-through
If a company you’re considering doesn’t offer an in-person or virtual walk-through of your home – walk away. This is a crucial step in the move process to ensure your belongings are relocated safely and securely. Walk-throughs, also known as surveys, are used to assess your belongings, the general layout of your space, and estimate the number of resources needed to complete your move. Doing a walk-through is as much for the success of your move as it is for the safety of the crew you’ll be hiring. Additionally, be sure your move representative does a thorough inventory of every room and all your belongings to ensure you’ll be given a fair and accurate estimate.
2. Never pay before delivery day
Some common moving scams involve customers paying in advance, which gives them no control over keeping the moving company accountable for when and how their belongings will arrive. Any company that asks for a large down payment or cash before the day your goods are delivered should raise a red flag. To ensure you avoid this trap, never pay before delivery day and use a credit card to pay for move services. This enables you to report fraudulent activity in the instance of a move scam.
3. Watch out for name changes
It’s extremely common for companies with unreputable pasts to change their name to avoid being tied to past fraudulent activities and bad online reviews. Reputable moving companies often have a website with easy-to-access business information and Better Business Bureau reviews. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the company directly about possible previous names and for licensing information, if you can’t find it online. If they do not offer it freely, don’t move forward with them.
4. Read the fine print
Never sign a contract with a moving company without reading the terms and conditions, as well as any liability language that seems unclear. There is no such thing as having to sign a contract in a quickly and without questions being answered. If it makes you more comfortable to get a second opinion, a safe and dependable company will give you time to do so. Make sure all the agreed upon move dates and times are clearly stated, as well as any valuation coverage and disclaimers.
5. Do not accept blanket quotes
No two homes are the same, therefore no two move quotes should ever be the same. If a moving company gives you a quote without a survey or claims they offer the same quote to everyone, move right along. The cost of a move is based not only on mileage, but also the weight and size of your belongings. If you have multiple pieces of furniture that need to be taken apart and reassembled at your new home, your moving company should take that into account before offering a quote.
6. Ask about hidden fees
Ask lots of questions about hidden fees that may be attached to your move. Move scammers will often try to tack on these fees if you live in a building with multiple floors or have a difficult parking area that they claim was not in your agreement to navigate. Always seek a moving company that will be straightforward with any charges you may face and will provide adequate resources to adapt to any unique move scenario.
Moving may feel like a scary big step, but with the right team, a solid plan, and all the resources you need, it doesn’t have to be! Armstrong – San Antonio has a relocation team with decades of industry-leading experience. With 30 coast-to-coast agencies with both domestic and international servicing capabilities, you can rely on Armstrong to move you anywhere.
Armstrong – San Antonio comes highly recommended by both customers and the Better Business Bureau.
Give us a call at 210.225.6683 or visit us online if you’re ready to book your move with a team you can trust!
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