Common Moving Scams

Moving scams and fraudulent behavior in the moving industry are more common than you might think. Before taking the cheapest offer you can find, take a step back, review credentials, and ensure the movers are legitimate. 

Are you worried about moving scams in Canada? We’ve compiled a list of common scams you might run into when searching for a moving company online. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What Is a Moving Scam?

A moving scam is a fraudulent scheme that movers or moving companies attempt to perpetrate to obtain more money or steal your belongings. Many types of moving company scams in Canada can occur at any moment. If you're in the midst of planning a move and looking for a reputable moving company, it's best to be aware of moving scam red flags, so you know which movers to avoid.

Common Types of Moving Scams

Moving scams in Canada are getting more sophisticated and complex. If you're gathering quotes from different moving companies, here's a quick overview of different types of moving scams that you might run into.

Over-the-Phone Estimates

Some moving companies may offer over-the-phone estimates because it's convenient and easy. They'll send you pricing, based on what you mentioned, and then increase the cost at the end of the move, if something doesn't align. 

To avoid this scam, request an in-home estimate so the movers can see all of the furniture, boxes, and bulky items you need help moving. This will ensure the moving company provides you with accurate pricing for your next move.

Lowball or “Bait‑and‑Switch” Pricing

Many moving companies might offer you a 'too good to be true' offer and then add in extra fees or unnecessary charges at the end of the move. The low offer is the bait that lures new customers in. At the end of the move, they'll switch up the pricing, demanding a higher rate for the services. To avoid this moving scam, read the contract and check for hidden fees before signing.

Remember: Cheapest does not always mean best. Though working with a mover who offers dirt-cheap rates seems like a good idea at first, it can end up costing you so much more in the end.

Upfront Deposits & Cash‑Only Pressure

Reputable moving companies don't require you to pay your expenses upfront. If a moving company is asking you to pay 25-75% of the moving service costs before the movers even arrive, you might be falling for a moving company scam. 

Most moving companies will ask you to pay a small deposit to reserve the moving date, and then require that you pay the total bill when your items have been unloaded and unpacked into your home. 

Thin or Incomplete Contracts

You'll want to avoid contracts that feel thin or incomplete. Moving companies that provide inadequate contracts may add hidden fees or unnecessary services to the final bill.

The contract you receive from a moving company should be detailed and comprehensive. It should contain all necessary information about the moving services, pricing, timeframe, and fees associated with the move. 

Delayed or Never Delivered Belongings

A moving company will pack your belongings into an unmarked truck and claim they are going to deliver the items to your new address. After a few hours, you notice the items never arrive. If your items are never delivered, it’s best to get the police involved so they can help you from there.

Unmarked Trucks & Lack of Credentials

Never trust a moving company that shows up in an unmarked van or truck or crews that are not in uniforms. Professional moving companies have branded trucks and are required to wear branded attire. 

Before you sign any contracts or agree to any terms, you'll also want to check that the moving company is licensed, insured, and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. You'll also want to see if the address they provide is legitimate.

Tips to Protect Yourself (Tried Practices)

Protect yourself from mover scams by following some simple steps. By heeding valuable advice, you can have a happy, hassle-free relocation. Here are some tips you can use to learn how to avoid moving scams:

• Don't Fall for a Front Company: Ensure the mover you choose has a valid address and is not some rogue mover or front company.
• Do Not Give a Deposit: Chances are, the mover can take this money and run, and you will never see it again, nor get your move underway.
• Do NOT Pay Cash: When you pay cash, there is no concrete evidence that a transaction occurred. This means the mover can take your money freely, and you have no proof that you ever paid them.
• Ensure the Truck is branded: A professional mover will have a branded truck. Don't trust a mover who pulls up to your house in an unmarked van or truck. Look for a legitimate company logo.
• Do Not Sign a Partial Contract: You would never sign a loan agreement or binding contract with blanks; the same rule applies to moving contracts. Ensure the contract is complete and all filled in before signing.
• Do Not Agree to a Skinny Contract: Don't sign a one or two-page document. Make sure your contract is complete, including your inventory list.
• Buy Extra Insurance: A professional mover will offer different types of valuation protection to ensure you are protected in the event of damage or loss. Buying extra insurance is the only way to completely protect yourself should your belongings get damaged or lost during transit.
• Ask About the Mover's Claims Policy: Ensure that, in the event of damage or loss, the mover has a claims policy in place. You want to make sure the claims process is convenient and easy, should you need to file.

You are entitled to a stress-free, successful relocation - all at a fair price. By utilizing our tips and advice, you can ensure that you choose a reputable mover and avoid being scammed or having an awful relocation experience.

How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company

Allied has 95+ years of experience as a professional mover, and we know the ins and outs of the industry. Since we have so much experience as a reputable mover, we can provide you with the tools to choose a professional mover. The following are some tried and true ways to choose a mover who will provide an enjoyable move experience for your next relocation:

• Start looking for the perfect mover 8 - 12 weeks before your move.Try to get the process started as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to conduct research and find reliable movers.
• Ask for references. Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, and family. Sometimes, the people you know can provide the best reference for a great mover.
• Make a list of the services you need. Consider all your moving needs before selecting a mover. Should you need specialized services for custom crating or piano moving, or require storage, you want to be sure you work with a company that can accommodate these requests.
• Research companies thoroughly. Do diligent research on various companies before selecting the mover that works best for your relocation.
• Get multiple in-home estimates. To ensure an enjoyable move, get three or more in-home moving estimates from different companies. All of the estimates should be relatively comparable to each other. If one mover's estimate is far below the others, beware.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you believe you've fallen victim to a moving broker scam, don't panic. Moving brokers act as a middleman between the moving company and the client. They pose as real moving companies online, but will instead take your money and offer your move to the lowest bidder. That means you never really know who is helping you with your move. Here's what you'll need to do if you fall for a moving broker scam:

• Gather all documentation
• Print out all communication you had with the broker and movers
• Identify the moving company the broker hired for the move
• File a complaint with the Canada Transportation Act (CTA)
• Avoid making any new payments
• Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)

Why Choose Allied?

Your move doesn’t need to be a hassle. At Allied, we want you to realize that you can have a professional mover perform your relocation while benefiting from a fair price. We offer transparent pricing and custom moving packages, so you only pay for what you absolutely need. With our movers and agents on your side, you can rest assured knowing your items are in good hands.

Contact Allied today, and allow yourself plenty of time to plan your move. Allied can help you get organized with the rest as your trusted mover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a moving scam?

A moving scam is a fraudulent scheme where movers or moving companies attempt to steal more money for services or even take your belongings. 

What are common red flags of a potential moving scam?

If the moving company doesn't offer you a copy of the Bill of Lading and your Rights and Responsibilities before the move, they might not be legitimate. 

How can I tell if a mover is legitimate?

The movers will be certified, insured, and have very few complaints with the Better Business Bureau. They'll also send you a copy of the Bill of Lading and your Rights and Responsibilities before the move.

Should I ever pay a deposit before moving day?

Some moving companies may request a small deposit to reserve your move-out day. This is standard practice in the industry. However, if the moving company requests 25-75% of the payment for services, they may be scamming.

What is a binding estimate, and why does it matter?

A binding estimate is a fixed-price agreement that is agreed upon before the move. With this type of estimate, the price for services can't be increased.