So, you want some tips on how to avoid moving scams? Well, make sure a company is legit. Check its address, online reviews, and background. Next, pay attention to its estimate. It may seem reasonable at first. However, the quote might suddenly skyrocket. Needless to say, be aware of a company requiring money too early. Also, pay attention to insurance fraud. A half-empty contract is a trap.
How to avoid moving scams – scam alert
If all the essential information is left out, it is a red flag. Chances are you are dealing with a predatory company. It is of paramount importance not to sign it. Do not and I can not stress it enough, do not accept filling in the contract blanks later. In that case, refuse to give the benefit of a doubt. It might backfire. Here is a handful of tips on how to avoid moving scams.
How to avoid moving scams: check a moving company’ s credentials
How to avoid moving scams has to do with due diligence. Check a company’s background. Make sure you are not dealing with a fraudulent company. To do so, contact the Department of Transportation. It has a database of moving companies operating legally.
Investigating a company as a means of how to avoid moving scams
Furthermore, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Ask them to run a company through its database. They should confirm the company license number and its complaint history. Moreover, check the Better Business Bureau. Rumor has it a reliable company has a profile on BBB.org. A detailed analysis is a must. In order to undertake an inquiry, you should know what are the most important questions to ask. If everything checks out, you can hire a company. Once you learn how to avoid moving scams, you will never have to worry about it again.
Dive into the legal moving companies’ financial procedures
How to avoid moving scams is all about investigating. Thus check moving companies’ financial procedures. Conduct an online analysis. Ask people if they dealt with the company in question. Insist on details. Also, requiring a deposit or down payment in advance is fishy. Be suspicious of it. It is potentially a shady mover. A company must not ask for money before your items are loaded. In addition to this, do not pay cash. You need proof of the transaction.
A credit card receipt or a bank statement will back your case up. How to avoid moving scams? Well, the amount of money a company is asking from you is a good indicator. There are many reliable moving companies, and hiring the best one can be tricky. However, with an analytical approach, you can do it in no time.
Tips on how to avoid moving scams: insurance frauds
The most important tip on how to avoid moving scams is insurance-related. The predatory companies don’t have an insurance license. The moving coverage might be legit, though. On the other hand, it is irrelevant without a license. An insurance premium is a potential problem. You may fall prey to the scam. Buying fake extra insurance coverage is one of the ways to get double-crossed. To avoid this, perform your own due diligence.
How to avoid moving scams – fraud alert
Ask the company to provide you with their insurance license number. Insist on policy details. Ensure they got your premium. Have them confirm that in writing. The official letter or an e-mail confirmation will suffice. Nowadays there are a lot of different types of moving scams, so do not take anything for granted. Verify every single piece of information. Better safe than sorry, right?
Tips on how to avoid moving scams: red flag contracts
A rogue mover might ask you to sign a blank or incomplete contract. If it is full of empty keyspaces, do not sign it. It is an official document. Hence, it must be fraught with accurate and precise data. Plus, it must stick to the letter of law. Also, keep an eye for a short contract. Each item should be listed. A short contract is highly suspicious. It should contain important data such as
- your personal information
- a moving company information
- the unambiguous contract clauses
Should there be any ambiguous contract clauses, demand an explanation. Be wary of the potential hidden fees and charges. Every payment needs to be agreed on in advance. In addition to this, ask for a copy of your contract. This is the best way of tackling how to avoid moving scams. The contract should have a company’ s logo. Plus, there should be an owner or an official representative’s signature. Prior to signing any document, be closely acquainted with the legal side of an international move.
Alert! The moving company’s estimate is too high!
A moving company is estimating the items you want to relocate. For that reason, you should declutter first. You can benefit from hiring professional assistance. Thus schedule a free consultation. A reliable company will give you an estimate on the spot. It should be realistic and acceptable. Also, it is prudent to find out about other quotes as well. An estimate comparison is one of the ways of how to avoid moving scams. That’s why you need to compare and contrast quotes from at least 2 different companies. The more options you have, the more money you can save. Tighten a belt while moving internationally is a huge advantage.
Prices should be weight-related. That’s what proof of your items’ weight is for. Additionally, it should be free of charge. That’s not the case with cubic feet. It typically exceeds the estimate. If they trick you, sue them. Proof admissible in court will help. You are otherwise unlikely to get your money back. Moreover, if a company uses cubic feet, you need to be informed of it in advance.
In conclusion, take the moving scams very seriously
Call every instance you can think of to confirm a company does exist. Furthermore, do not pay for anything in advance, especially not cash. Moreover, be aware of insurance fraud as well as the cubic feet scam. Also, insist on an on-site estimate. Under no conditions can it be altered to your harm. Check and double check everything just in case. Moving scam artists are always on the lookout for their next victim. Do not let it be you. All things considered, it’s up to you to learn how to avoid moving scams. Do not get double-crossed.