How to Avoid Moving Fraudsters and Scams...

By doing just one search on the Internet you'll find hundreds of moving companies in your city. It's great that there is competition since it keeps the prices low, but how can you know which movers are reputable and which ones are scammers waiting to take advantage of you? We have lots of ideas that will help.

Here are our tips to help you avoid being scammed by a moving company:

• Ask your friends and associates for recommendations.
• Search for reviews online and ask the prospective moving company to provide you with a list of references. Be sure to verify them with a quick phone call.
• Ask to see the mover's truck and equipment. If they are in good shape then the chances are that the mover is responsible and legit.
• Ask if they sell boxes and supplies. The fly-by-night guys won't have any additional services available.
• Call the Better Business Bureau or check out their website: https://www.bbb.org/
• Ask your realtor and/or your lawyer for suggestions. They handle many moves and will know who's reputable.

• Compare prices and if the price is notably low, chance are they are not professional movers.
• Watch for fake moving companies that ask for a deposit to hold the reservation but never show up.
• Ask if the moving men and women are employees or if they are contracted. Contract employees may not show up for your move if they get a better gig the day of your move.
• Be sure to get a quote in writing that contains all of the details of your move.
• Ask for proof of insurance and ask if they are bonded.
• Don't be talked into a cash job. Professional movers will never put their reputation at risk by under-the-table work.
• A legitimate mover will never ask for payment before unpacking. Pay once the job is complete.
• Ask to watch them work on another customer's move. It will be obvious to you within a few minutes of watching them work if they are professional, safe and courteous.
• Don't ever hire a mover that you find on Kijiji. If you do, check them out so you don't get scammed.
• Quality movers have a decent website with lots of information and contact details. Many moving companies that you find online are just template websites where they gather your contact information and then sell the leads. Deal directly with the moving company - not a third party.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a mover is to ask questions. If the mover's representative is not being forth right then move on to the next.