How to Hire Movers Without Getting Scammed

Every year, thousands of people fall victim to moving scams — from bait-and-switch pricing to outright hostage situations where movers demand extra payment before releasing your belongings. Here's how to protect yourself and hire a mover you can trust.

🚨 Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Moving Scam

No in-person or video survey

Reputable movers insist on seeing your home (in person or via video call) before giving a binding estimate. If a company provides a quote over the phone without seeing your belongings, it's likely a lowball that will increase on moving day.

Large upfront deposit required

Legitimate movers typically ask for payment on delivery, not upfront. A deposit over 20% or full payment before the move is a major red flag. Credit card payments offer fraud protection — never pay cash or wire transfer for interstate moves.

Company has no physical address or USDOT number

Every interstate mover must register with FMCSA and display a USDOT number. Verify at protectyourmove.gov. If you can't find an address, license, or insurance info, walk away.

Name changes or "doing business as" confusion

Scam companies frequently change names to avoid bad reviews. If the company answers the phone with a generic "Moving company" or uses multiple business names, it's a red flag.

Extremely low estimate

If a quote is 30-50% below other estimates, it's too good to be true. Lowball estimates are a common bait-and-switch tactic — the price jumps after your belongings are loaded.

✅ Green Flags: Signs of a Reputable Mover

Conducts a thorough survey

They'll walk through every room (or do a detailed video call), ask about special items, and note access issues before providing an estimate. This shows they're calculating based on reality, not guessing.

Provides a written, binding estimate

A binding estimate guarantees the maximum price. A "binding not-to-exceed" estimate is even better — you pay the lesser of the estimate or actual weight. Both protect you from surprise charges.

Clear licensing and insurance

They proudly display their USDOT and MC numbers, are transparent about their insurance coverage, and have a long history (check FMCSA records for complaints and safety ratings).

Positive reviews across multiple platforms

Check Google, Yelp, BBB, and the FMCSA complaint database. Look for consistency — a few bad reviews are normal; a pattern of the same complaint (bait-and-switch, damaged goods) is a problem.

Member of professional associations

American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) membership or ProMover certification indicates the company follows industry standards and ethics guidelines.

Understanding Moving Estimates

There are three types of estimates, and knowing the difference can save you thousands:

Non-binding estimate: The company's best guess based on your description. The final price can be higher — sometimes much higher — based on actual weight and services. Not recommended for long-distance moves.
Binding estimate: A guaranteed maximum price based on the mover's survey of your goods. You pay this amount or less, regardless of actual weight. Cannot increase unless you add services.
Binding not-to-exceed: The best option. You pay the lower of the binding estimate or actual weight. If your shipment weighs less than estimated, you pay less. If it weighs more, you pay the estimate.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

"Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?"
"What is your USDOT number?" (Verify it yourself at protectyourmove.gov)
"Do you subcontract to other companies?" (Brokers resell your job; direct carriers are preferable)
"What valuation coverage is included and what does it actually cover?" (Basic coverage is $0.60/lb — almost worthless)
"What additional fees might apply?" (Stairs, long carry, shuttle, packing materials, fuel surcharge)
"How do you handle claims for damaged items?"
"What's your cancellation and refund policy?"
"Will my items be on a dedicated truck or consolidated with other shipments?"

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Refuse to pay inflated charges: If movers demand a price significantly above the estimate, you have the right to pay 100% of the binding estimate (or 110% of a non-binding estimate) to receive your goods. For interstate moves, federal law requires the mover to deliver once you pay this amount — the balance becomes a dispute to resolve afterward.
Document everything: Take photos of damage immediately, keep all paperwork, and note dates/times of all communications.
File complaints: FMCSA (for interstate), state AG office, BBB, and leave honest reviews to warn others.
File an insurance claim: You typically have 9 months to file a claim. Movers have 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve.

Ready to budget for your move? Use our Moving Cost Calculator to get an estimate before requesting quotes from reputable companies.