Scammers can get you while you are moving

Scammers can get you while you are moving
                        

Many consumers may be moving in the near future, either as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons. Careful research before hiring a moving company is necessary to avoid falling victim to a moving scam.

Scammers can turn relocating into an expensive nightmare. These scams run the gamut from missing items and massive price hikes to goods being held hostage for additional payment.

There are several versions of moving scams. The simplest is getting a quote and leaving a deposit, but the “movers” never show. In another variation the moving company quotes a price based on weight. After loading, they say your belongings went over the weight estimate and the additional weight will be a lot more per pound (sometimes double).

With the most egregious scheme, everything seems to be fine. The movers quote a price, arrive on time and load your belongings on a truck. But when the truck doesn’t show up at your new home, either your belongings are simply gone forever or are held “hostage” and you have to pay another fee before scammers will deliver them.

Watch for signs of a fly-by-night company. Look out for company websites that have no address and no information about a mover’s registration or insurance. Another warning is if telephone calls are answered with a generic “movers” rather than a company name or the mover uses rented trucks. Another tip-off is the moving company that doesn’t make an on-site inspection but does estimates over the phone.

Be wary of unusual requests. If a mover asks for a large down payment or full payment in advance, that may be a warning sign. And if a company says it won’t return your items to you without more money than you agreed to pay, contact BBB or local law enforcement for help.

Get everything in writing. Check licensing with the authorities, confirm insurance coverage and get a written contract. Carefully read the terms and conditions of the contract, as well as the limits of liability and any disclaimers. Make sure pickup and delivery dates are spelled out and understand how the rate is being calculated. Don’t pay cash and don’t prepay or make a large deposit. Understand the terms of the insurance coverage and consider purchasing full-value protection.

Keep an inventory of your belongings. Make a detailed inventory of your property and number the boxes they are packed in for tracking. Know that a mover is not liable for loss or damage of contents in customer-packed boxes, unless there is provable negligence on the part of the mover.

Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. If the moving company can’t or won’t answer your questions, you might want to look for another mover.

The American Moving and Storage Association has provided guidance for consumers moving during the coronavirus outbreak. Among their tips are to follow CDC guidelines, ask how the movers will mitigate health risks of COVID-19, and provide cleaning products and/or hand sanitizer for your movers.

If you’ve spotted a moving scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to www.BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

BBB’S shred and e-cycle event

BBB is holding a free community event for consumers and businesses to safely dispose of personal documents and unwanted electronics on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Catholic High School parking lot, 4824 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton.More information is available at www.bit.ly/2020shredevent or by calling 330-454-9401.

Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow on social media and more.


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