How can you be sure you are working with a professional mover, especially with the instances of scams and frauds on the rise? The moving and storage industry is known for disreputable companies what are just out to take your money - and possibly your belongings. Do not be a victim. Learn how to avoid moving scams and choose an upstanding mover in your area with the help of North American Van Lines.
The following tips are from The Today Show feature on "How to Avoid Being Scammed by movers." The Today Show outlined the common moving scams and how consumer can avoid being conned by a mover.
The most popular mover scams include:
Now that you are aware of the scams and tips to avoid them, below are some things to NEVER do when moving. By following these tips, your move will be a worry-free, cost-effective experience.
You Can Have a Great Relocation - Scam Free!
As a consumer, you deserve an exceptional relocation at a respectable price. With the current economic situation and the need to be conservative with your money, you can't afford to be scammed by a mover. Utilize the information from The Today Show and our tips to make sure you avoid questionable movers and only work with a company who is professional and upstanding. Save yourself lost memories, money and many headaches by knowing the common moving scams and how to avoid them. One of the first steps to a smooth move is getting your ON-SITE ESTIMATE. Why not save your money and get a FREE MOVING ESTIMATE from North American Van Lines today! Get in touch with North American Van Lines today in regards to your moving needs. Or, use our quote form to request a FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE.
North American Van Lines - Your Choice of Mover for a Great Relocation
At North American Van Lines, your relocation is our number one priority. We provide customized moves at a fair price for our customers, making sure it is an enjoyable, stress-free experience. Put your move in the hands of North American Van Lines.
So, How Do I Choose a Reputable Mover?
Moving scams are on the rise during this economic downturn. People are searching for the best price, but are not paying enough attention to exactly who they are trusting their valuables to.
With over 75 years of experience in the moving business, North American Van Lines thoroughly understands the industry. Since we are a reputable moving company, we can tell you exactly how to pick a professional mover. We know you want a good relocation at a fair price. Here are some tips on how to find a mover who can provide you with just that:
Utilize this information for your upcoming move and pass on this info to those who may be moving. The more educated you are about moving scams, the better decision you will make when it comes to choosing a mover.
Avoid a relocation nightmare and have the move of your dreams by going with a professional, upstanding mover.
North American Van Lines - Your Mover of Choice
Get in touch with us today to arrange your free in-home moving estimate and get your move started off on the right foot.
The following tips are from The Today Show feature on "How to Avoid Being Scammed by movers." The Today Show outlined the common moving scams and how consumer can avoid being conned by a mover.
The most popular mover scams include:
- The Hostage
- Bait and Switch
- Trumped Up Delivery Charges
- Late (or Never) Delivery
- Reckless Abandonment
- The Hostage:
With The Hostage, your belongings are held hostage until you give the mover what they want. What they want is typically more money through tacking on fees that were not outlined in your in-home estimate. Since they already have your belongings, they know they have the upper hand when it comes to getting your money. Want your furniture back? You're going to have to pay them. - Bait and Switch:
A mover will "bait" you with an estimate, then "switch" the agreed price when it is too late to complain or resolve the situation. You will choose the mover based on the original pricing, but wind up paying much more money than you agreed to. - Trumped Up Delivery Charges:
Trumped up charges are the unnecessary extras a mover will add on to the cost of your move. - Late (or Never) Delivery:
A mover will load your belongings on their truck only to arrive late or never. - Reckless Abandonment:
This is a typical scam seen from rogue movers. A "mover: will come pick up your items and take your payment. The mover will then leave the truck somewhere, leave your items at an undisclosed storage facility or all but vanish, leaving you without your shipment or your money. You may find your items, but you will need to pay a lot of money to retrieve your items from storage.
How to Avoid the Scams from a Rogue Mover
There are reputable moving companies out there, you just need to know what the most common scams are and how to recognize them. Then, you need to educate yourself on the tips and tools you can use to avoid choosing a mover who may scam you. You can find a mover who will carefully, securely and professionally move your belongings. Read below for some helpful tips on choosing a mover and avoiding being scammed.- Demand an On-Site Estimate: get your estimate in-house, in writing. North American Van Lines provides FREE IN-HOME MOVING ESTIMATES.
- Check the Company's Address: Research the company online or in the phone book to locate their address. A real company has a real address.
- Ask for Recommendations from Friends, Family and Neighbors: Simple as that. Ask others for recommendations.
- Ask your Real Estate Agent: A real estate agent will have a great idea of what makes a good moving company.
- Get Three Competitive In-Home Estimates: Compare estimates, if one seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Choose a Mover who Base Price off Weight, Not Cubic Feet: Whichever way a mover provides your estimate, make sure you get it in writing.<
- Check the Mover's Complaint History: Check your Better Business Bureau (BBB). If the company has more than eight complaints or a less glowing rating, you may want to consider another option.
Now that you are aware of the scams and tips to avoid them, below are some things to NEVER do when moving. By following these tips, your move will be a worry-free, cost-effective experience.
- Don't Fall for a Front Company: Make sure the company has an actual address and location.
- Make Sure the Truck is Branded: Do not trust a truck that drives up without a logo or band on it.
- Do Not Sign a Partial Contract: Make sure the contract is complete and filled in before signing anything.
- Do Not Agree to a Skinny Contract: Sign a complete contract. It should be multiple pages with your goods listed on the papers.
- Buy Extra Insurance: There are usually two types of valuation insurance offered, basic and extra care protection. Extra care provides the best possible protection for your items in the even that anything is lost or damaged during a move.
- Ask About the Mover Claims Policy: In the event that there is loss or damage, you will need to file a claim.
You Can Have a Great Relocation - Scam Free!
As a consumer, you deserve an exceptional relocation at a respectable price. With the current economic situation and the need to be conservative with your money, you can't afford to be scammed by a mover. Utilize the information from The Today Show and our tips to make sure you avoid questionable movers and only work with a company who is professional and upstanding. Save yourself lost memories, money and many headaches by knowing the common moving scams and how to avoid them. One of the first steps to a smooth move is getting your ON-SITE ESTIMATE. Why not save your money and get a FREE MOVING ESTIMATE from North American Van Lines today! Get in touch with North American Van Lines today in regards to your moving needs. Or, use our quote form to request a FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE.
North American Van Lines - Your Choice of Mover for a Great Relocation
At North American Van Lines, your relocation is our number one priority. We provide customized moves at a fair price for our customers, making sure it is an enjoyable, stress-free experience. Put your move in the hands of North American Van Lines.
So, How Do I Choose a Reputable Mover?
Moving scams are on the rise during this economic downturn. People are searching for the best price, but are not paying enough attention to exactly who they are trusting their valuables to.
With over 75 years of experience in the moving business, North American Van Lines thoroughly understands the industry. Since we are a reputable moving company, we can tell you exactly how to pick a professional mover. We know you want a good relocation at a fair price. Here are some tips on how to find a mover who can provide you with just that:
- Begin the search for the perfect mover 8 weeks prior to your move. If you have longer, take longer. If the move is last minute, try to start planning as soon as you can.
- Ask for reference. Ask friends, family members, neighbors, real estate agents and anyone you know for recommendations.
- Make a list of the services you need. What are your exact moving needs? Make a list of all the services you will need so you can choose a company that will accommodate you.
- Research companies thoroughly. Do the research. Put time and effort into knowing who will be handling your belongings.
- Get multiple in-home estimates. Get your estimate in-house and in writing.
- The mover's credentials: Make sure the mover is licensed and insured, check it's standing with the Better Business Bureau and make sure the company has a physical address.
- A physical address: Visit their location or research the yellow pages, call offices or find on internet.
- Branded trucks and uniformed men: Your mover should send uniformed men and branded trucks. Don't trust movers in plain clothes and vans.
- Clean complaint history: Every mover is bound to have some complaints. However, too many complaints should be a red flag.
- Bill of Lading: A reputable mover will give you a Bill of Lading.
Utilize this information for your upcoming move and pass on this info to those who may be moving. The more educated you are about moving scams, the better decision you will make when it comes to choosing a mover.
Avoid a relocation nightmare and have the move of your dreams by going with a professional, upstanding mover.
North American Van Lines - Your Mover of Choice
Get in touch with us today to arrange your free in-home moving estimate and get your move started off on the right foot.
