Moving Companies: 5 Tips To Avoid Fraud
Jul 26, 2009 Real Estate Properties
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With the rise of foreclosure and people having to make a move to adapt to the new economic climate, relocation of one’s place of residence is becoming more and more a common avenue for a lot of people to survive.
Your entire life’s possessions are at stake. It is a stressful time having to uproot yourself, plus the thought of falling victims to these unscrupulous movers that would take more of your money at a time when you need to be the most judicious on how to spend it.
A typical scammy mover will omit visiting your place to eye-ball what is being moved and instead would give you a lower-than-market rates for your move over the telephone or the Internet just to lure you in as an unsuspecting consumer.
Here’s Some Tips To Help You Spot A Rogue Relocation Company.
The Hostage Relocation:
The rogue mover would simply wait until after all your property is hauled away to think of additional charges sometimes doubling or tripling the original quoted rate and unless you agree to pay this new price, the moving company would simply wait out until you agree to pay - sometimes this new rate even includes storage and maintenance fees incurred at their warehouse. There have been instances when possessions of certain people have been dumped in large warehouses and left to rot, until the customers have paid hefty amounts to regain their possessions.
Rates Disproportionate Compared To Other Movers:
The world of long distance moving is so competitive that prices also vary accordingly. On occasion, rates are ultimately reduced in an attempt to attract business. A red signal should go off if you notice that a particular mover is offering rates “out-of-this-world” good in relationship to the rest of the market. You must examine the price on the bases of estimates before agreeing to it.
Partial Payment At The Beginning Of The Move:
Don’t pay any deposit. A professional D.O.T. approved moving company would never ask for any fees up front. However, an unscrupulous moving company would require an up front fee as a sign of your moving commitment to their company which is totally an out-of-the-market practice.
Prevent Dealing With Moving Brokers:
Cut the middle man out of the equation and don’t deal with someone who has brokered your move to another company who in it of itself could be that one rogue mover you should avoid. Just because they present themselves like a moving company on the Internet doesn’t mean this company is the one who’d act on your move. Avoid at all cost dealing with any third moving parties if you really want to have a worry-free move.
The “Hook And Trolling” Tactic:
By law, interstate charges are based on the weight of your shipment which is usually done on a state-certified scale when the truck is empty and then when the truck is loaded with your property. The difference in weight is what you should be charged. A rogue mover would tell that the cubic feet of your good exceeds the original estimates to justify the inflated rate. Again either you pay this new price or your property is being held for ransom. Always ensure that your charges will be based on weight for any out of state move.
One Final Comment:
Keep in mind that from Memorial Day to Labor Day are the peak months when the movers are doing hundreds of moves nationwide. Most consumers prefers to move toward the end of the month so they can begin a new lease at the beginning of the following month.
Fraudulent movers are well aware of the season’s peak times and it is most likely you could run into these types of movers during these periods of time. Prices during these months usually run higher and to lure you in, a scammy movers would never want to reveal the actual price of the move. Proceed with caution, don’t get sucked in by lower-than-market rates when contracting a long distance moving company. They price you would pay for what seems to be a good bargain, might just jump up on you later once you’re totally committed to this type of mover.
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Tags: Home And Family, home improvement, long distance moving, Movers, moving, Moving Companies, Moving Quotes, Real Estate, Real Estate Properties, relocation, travel
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