How to Report Moving Fraud

Moving scams can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Here’s how to protect yourself and take action if you’ve been a victim:

1. Spot Red Flags:
   • No USDOT number or physical address.
   • Large upfront cash deposits.
   • Incomplete contracts or lowball quotes.
2. Collect Evidence:
   • Save contracts, receipts, emails, and photos of damaged or missing items.
   • Keep a log of all communications with the moving company.
3. File Complaints:
   • Report to the FMCSA via their complaint portal.
   • Contact your state’s consumer protection office or Attorney General.
   • Submit a complaint to the BBB.
4. Seek Legal Help:
   • Consult a consumer lawyer or file in small claims court if necessary.
5. Prevent Future Scams:
   • Verify movers through FMCSA and BBB.
   • Get detailed written estimates and confirm insurance coverage.

Quick Tip: Always research moving companies thoroughly, compare estimates, and document everything to avoid falling victim to fraud.

Protect Yourself Against Moving Fraud: Protect Your Move

1. Spot Moving Fraud Warning Signs

Recognizing moving fraud early can save you from financial headaches and unnecessary stress. If you notice any of these red flags, act immediately.

Warning Signs

Here are some key indicators that may point to fraudulent moving companies:

Licensing and Documentation Problems

• Trucks or paperwork lack a USDOT number
• No proof of insurance is provided
• The business has no physical address
• Written estimates are incomplete or missing
• Contracts include blank sections or lack important details

Questionable Business Practices

• Large cash deposits are demanded upfront
• Movers refuse to perform in-home inspections for accurate quotes
• Unmarked or rented trucks are used instead of branded company vehicles
• Estimates are only given via phone or email without an in-person evaluation
• High-pressure tactics are used to push immediate signing of documents

Payment and Pricing Concerns

• Quotes are far lower than competitors' estimates
• Cash-only payments are required
• Movers refuse to provide detailed weight calculations
• Unexpected fees are added after loading belongings
• Prices are drastically increased from the initial quote

Common Moving Scams

Being aware of typical scams can help you avoid falling victim:

Hostage Load Scheme
In this scam, movers load your belongings but refuse to deliver them until you pay additional, often inflated, fees beyond the original estimate.

Weight Bumping Fraud
Some movers may claim your belongings weigh more than they actually do, inflating your final bill.

Warning Sign	Recommended Action
No USDOT Number	Check the company's registration on the FMCSA website.
Cash-Only Demands	Use traceable payment methods instead.
Blank Contracts	Never sign incomplete documents.
No Physical Address	Request an in-person business verification.
Extremely Low Bids	Compare at least three written estimates.

Keep records of all communications, screenshots of websites and ads, copies of estimates and contracts, and photos of unmarked trucks or suspicious behavior. If you suspect fraud, report it promptly and organize your evidence to back your claim.

2. Collect Evidence

Thorough documentation is key when filing complaints about a move.

Gather the Right Documents

Keep both digital and physical copies of all documents related to your move. Here’s what you’ll need:

Important Paperwork

• Original moving estimate or quote
• Bill of lading (your moving contract)
• Inventory list, including item conditions
• Weight tickets and calculations
• Payment receipts and bank statements
• Insurance paperwork
• Photos showing damage or missing items
• Screenshots of the company’s website and ads
• Business cards or promotional materials

Document Type	Purpose	Format to Save
Contracts & Estimates	Confirm agreed terms	PDF + Hard copy
Payment Records	Show financial details	Digital statements
Photos & Videos	Capture item conditions	Cloud storage
Communication Logs	Track interactions	Spreadsheet

Record All Communications

Keep a detailed log of every interaction with the moving company to strengthen your case.

What to Include in a Communication Log

• Date and time of each interaction
• Names and roles of company representatives
• Method of communication (phone, email, in-person)
• A summary of the discussion
• Promised follow-up actions
• Any suspicious or threatening statements

Tips for Digital Communication

• Save emails in dedicated folders
• Take screenshots of text messages
• Record calls if permitted by law
• Save voicemails
• Document social media interactions

Organize everything by date and category in cloud storage for quick access when filing your complaint.

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3. File Official Reports

If you've experienced moving fraud, report it promptly through the appropriate channels.

FMCSA Complaints

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees interstate moving companies. You can submit your complaint through their National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB).

Here’s how to file:

1. Go to the FMCSA Website
   Visit their official complaint portal at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. Make sure you have all necessary documents on hand, including the USDOT number.
2. Complete the Online Form
   Provide your contact information, details about the moving company, pickup and delivery dates, a description of the issue, and any supporting documents.
3. Track Your Complaint
   Save your complaint number to monitor its progress.

State Agency Reports

State agencies can also assist with fraud claims. Depending on your state, you may need to contact:

• The Consumer Protection Office for fraud investigations
• The Department of Transportation for intrastate mover regulations
• The Attorney General's Office for legal enforcement in criminal matters

When filing a report, include:

• A copy of your moving contract
• Proof of payment
• Documentation of damages or losses
• A detailed timeline of events
• Company registration information, if available

BBB Reports

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) keeps records of complaints and can help mediate disputes.

Steps to file a BBB complaint:

1. Create an account on BBB.org.
2. Search for the moving company.
3. Click “File a Complaint.”
4. Provide detailed information about your issue, the resolution you’re seeking, and attach any supporting documents.
5. Wait for the company’s response.

Tips for Filing Reports

• Submit complaints to multiple agencies for better coverage.
• Keep copies of all your submissions.
• Follow up regularly to ensure progress.
• Clearly state the resolution you’re seeking.

If you booked your move through MOD24, report the issue through their support channels for additional assistance.

Once your reports are submitted, you can explore legal options if necessary.

4. Get Legal Help

If official complaints don't lead to a resolution, you may need to consider legal action to recover your losses.

Find a Consumer Lawyer

If you've experienced significant losses due to moving fraud, consulting a consumer protection attorney could be a smart move. These legal professionals can:

• Review your evidence and evaluate your case
• Provide guidance on potential legal strategies and outcomes
• Handle communication with the moving company's legal representatives
• Represent you in court if necessary

Here’s how to find the right legal help:

• Contact your state’s Bar Association for lawyer referrals.
• Use the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) directory to locate specialists.
• Speak with multiple attorneys to compare their approach and experience.
• Discuss fee structures upfront - many lawyers in these cases work on a contingency basis.

If your claim involves a smaller amount or you prefer a quicker process, small claims court might be a better option.

Small Claims Court Options

Small claims court is designed for disputes involving smaller sums, typically under $10,000 (limits depend on your state). It offers several advantages:

• Lower filing fees, usually between $30 and $100
• No need to hire an attorney
• Faster case resolution, often within 30 to 60 days
• Simplified procedures that are easier for non-lawyers to navigate

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Prepare Your Case
   Gather and organize all your evidence (refer to Section 2 for tips). Ensure your documentation is clear and complete.
2. File Your Claim
   Visit your local courthouse to:
   • Complete the necessary forms
   • Pay the filing fee
   • Receive your court date
   • Get instructions on how to serve the papers to the moving company
3. Present Your Case
   On your court date, bring multiple copies of your evidence and prepare a concise, fact-based statement to present to the judge.

Even if you win your case, you’ll still need to take additional legal steps to collect the judgment.

If you booked your move through a verified platform like MOD24, check whether they offer dispute resolution services. These platforms often have additional protections in place that might resolve your issue without needing legal action.

Finally, be mindful of your state’s statute of limitations for filing a claim - most states require you to act within 2-3 years of the incident.

5. Protect Against Future Scams

Avoiding moving scams isn't just about catching them early - it's also about taking steps to prevent them altogether.

Verify Moving Companies

Before hiring a moving company, take these precautions to ensure you're dealing with a legitimate business:

• Check licensing: Use the FMCSA and BBB databases to confirm the company is properly licensed and see if there’s a history of complaints.
• Review insurance: Confirm the company has both liability and cargo insurance.
• Read customer reviews: Look for recent feedback from people who’ve used their services.
• Inspect complaint history: Again, the FMCSA and BBB websites are great resources for spotting red flags.

Platforms like MOD24 make this process easier by pre-screening movers to ensure they’re licensed, insured, and verified. Their live review system also provides up-to-date feedback from real customers.

It’s also important to get clear, detailed estimates to avoid unexpected costs later.

Compare Written Estimates

When gathering quotes, make sure they include the following:

• A detailed list of services and inventory
• Distance and timeline for the move
• Any extra fees or charges
• Payment terms and accepted methods

Be cautious of estimates that lack details or require large cash deposits upfront. Document everything - estimates, communications, changes, and final agreements - to protect yourself.

Once you have quotes, don’t overlook the importance of proper insurance to safeguard your belongings.

Understand Moving Insurance Options

Insurance is your safety net during a move. Here are the main types of coverage to consider:

Insurance Type	Coverage Level	Best For	Additional Cost
Released Value	$0.60 per pound	Basic protection	Included
Full Value	100% replacement value	High-value items	Yes - varies
Third Party	Custom coverage	Extra protection	Yes - varies

When selecting insurance:

• Know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.
• Take photos and document the condition of your belongings before the move.
• Request written proof of your chosen insurance policy.
• Keep receipts for high-value items.

MOD24 can connect you with verified partners offering additional protection and comprehensive coverage.

Taking these steps will help ensure your move is secure and your belongings are well-protected.

Conclusion

Moving fraud can deeply impact households, but taking quick and informed action can help protect your rights and prevent others from falling victim.

Key Steps to Take

If you're dealing with moving fraud, here's what you should do:

• Keep Records: Save all emails, contracts, receipts, and any photos related to the move.
• File Complaints: Report the issue to:
  • FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
  • Your state's consumer protection office
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Get Legal Help: Consult a consumer protection attorney or consider filing a claim in small claims court.

Using reliable tools and resources can help you navigate these steps effectively.

Helpful Resources

Resource	Purpose	Best Time to Use
FMCSA Hotline	Report cases of interstate moving fraud	As soon as fraud is identified
State Attorney General's Office	Submit complaints on a state level	Within 30 days of the incident
MOD24 Platform	Locate licensed and verified movers	Before booking your move

MOD24 simplifies the process of finding trustworthy movers by offering verified licenses, insurance checks, live reviews, and transparent pricing.