Moving scams have been on the increase in the United States of late, with disreputable moving companies in North America breaking and stealing possessions belonging to their customers and insisting on extra money to complete the job they were hired to do. Five moving companies in Florida were shut down in November for holding the belongings of their customers’ hostage, while a convicted fraudster operating a moving company stole the possessions belonging to a couple in Calgary in British Columbia. One of the unfortunate downsides of the moving industry is that it can potentially be a place for con artists to operate due to the fact that everyone is looking for a good, cheap deal and many are unaware that cheap can often end up being very costly all around.
The good news is that there are a number of ways to make sure that you do not get scammed and successfully manage to hire a moving company that is professional, experienced and well respected in the industry. Research is a crucial factor in avoiding moving scams. Search for a moving company that has been in business for many years and make sure that you speak to a representative and look at the company’s websites before signing any contracts. Many fraudulent moving companies do not even have a real office, which is something that experts cite as a big red flag. It can also be a good idea to look for customer reviews of the moving company in question on social media, the American Moving & Storage Association, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
It is vital to get a contract, as this can help to protect you and your possessions should something go awry. Be very cautious indeed with cheap deals that undercut rival companies by a massive amount. The general rule is that if a deal offered by a moving company seems too good to be true, it usually is. Many people have learned to their cost that cheap movers can end up costing them a lot more money than if they had gone with a more expensive moving company in the first place; this is due to either hidden fees or damage being done to goods during the move. The best option is to choose a professional moving company that has an itemized cost list when it comes to packing, equipment, loading and unloading, and also has proof of insurance.
The season for moving in the United States is rapidly approaching, with the spring and summer seasons often being considered to be the best time for relocation due to factors such as school holidays and good weather. When you begin planning your move, take a moment to reflect on the advice given above and make sure that you hire an experienced, professional and reputable moving company. Do not let yourself and your beloved possessions fall into the hands of disreputable scam artists offering ridiculously cheap deals that they do not have a hope of being able to fulfill.
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