Moving Scam or Just Bad Service?
Moving Scam or Snafu? 5 Ways to Tell If It's Fraud or Just Bad Service
Moving Company Ripoff
Moving scams happen every day across America. These scams can turn what should be an exciting new chapter into a total nightmare.
Are you worried about falling victim to moving fraud?
You're smart to be concerned!
Moving scam or snafu - knowing how to tell the difference between honest mistakes and deliberate fraud can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.
In this complete guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to protect yourself and your belongings from the crooks who give honest movers like us at Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving a bad name.
The moving industry has its share of bad apples.
The Better Business Bureau gets more than 13,000 complaints about moving companies each year!
But here's the good news - with a trusted local mover like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, you'll never have to worry about becoming another sad moving scam statistic.
Your Movers Are Screwing You Over But Is It Legal?
Let's get right to it.
Sometimes it feels like your movers are taking advantage of you - but is what they're doing actually illegal, or just poor service?
The difference matters a lot.
Bad service is annoying.
A scam can empty your wallet and leave you stranded without your stuff.
Here's what you need to know about moving scams: They happen when a company deliberately tricks you to make more money.
They might give you a super low price at first.
Then once they have your stuff loaded on their truck, they demand way more money. Or they might take your deposit and never show up at all!
Moving fraud isn't just "oops, we scratched your table" or "sorry we're running late."
Those things are bad service.
Moving fraud is when movers plan to rip you off from the start.
When Jae Burnham founded Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at the beginning of 2024, he made one promise - we would NEVER use these dirty tricks.
That's why we've already earned 88+ five-star reviews in just a few months.
Let me paint a picture for you.
Imagine this: It's moving day. The movers you hired show up three hours late. You're stressed. Your closing is in a few hours. Then they look at your stuff and say, "This is way more than we thought. It's going to cost $3,000 more than our estimate."
Your stomach drops. Your heart races. You feel trapped.
Sound familiar?
Or maybe you've heard this horror story from a friend?
This happens to thousands of people every year.
But here's the thing - you can easily avoid this nightmare by knowing what to look for before you hire a moving company.
They Took Your Stuff Hostage: Spotting Moving Criminals From Clumsy Amateurs
One of the scariest moving scams is when movers literally hold your belongings hostage.
They load up your furniture, clothes, and priceless family photos.
Then they demand more money before they'll unload or deliver it.
This is called a "hostage load" situation.
This is NOT the same as movers who accidentally break something or show up late.
Those are examples of bad service.
Frustrating? Yes.
Criminal? No.
Here's how to tell the difference:
Signs of a Moving Scam:
They give you a super low estimate without seeing your stuff
They demand a large cash deposit upfront
They won't give you a written contract
They show up in a rented truck with no company logo
They change the price dramatically after loading your stuff
They won't give you straight answers about their business
They have no real physical address, just a P.O. box
Signs of Just Bad Service:
They're running late on moving day
They seem disorganized
A minor item gets damaged during the move
Their customer service is slow to respond
They forget some supplies they promised to bring
See the difference?
One is a planned scheme to steal your money.
The other is just a company that needs to step up their game.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we train all our movers not just in handling furniture safely, but in customer communication too.
Because we know that keeping you informed makes all the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one.
One of our recent customers, Melissa from Lansing, told us: "I was so scared to hire movers after my cousin got scammed. But Mr. BigStuff was completely transparent from start to finish. The price they quoted was the price I paid - not a penny more."
You deserve that same peace of mind.
Dumpster Fire Or Daylight Robbery? Decode Your Moving Nightmare
Is your moving experience a total dumpster fire of mistakes or an actual daylight robbery?
Let's break it down so you can tell exactly what you're dealing with.
Moving scam companies operate by following a clear pattern.
First, they hook you with prices that seem too good to be true (spoiler alert: they are). Then, once they have control of your belongings, they spring the trap.
Consider this real scenario we heard from a customer before they found us: They hired a company that quoted them $1,200 for their 2-bedroom apartment move.
On moving day, after everything was on the truck, the foreman handed them a new bill for $3,800!
When they protested, the mover said their stuff wouldn't be delivered until they paid.
That's not an accident.
That's a calculated scam.
Moving fraud happens in several common ways:
The Lowball Estimate - They quote an impossibly low price to get your business, knowing they'll charge much more later.
The Cubic Foot Scam - They charge by volume instead of weight (which is illegal for interstate moves) and then claim your stuff takes up more space than it actually does.
The Deposit and Disappear - They take a large deposit and simply never show up on moving day.
The Mystery Fees - They hit you with a bunch of extra fees that were never mentioned in your estimate (like "long carry fees" or "stair fees" that suddenly appear).
The Hostage Situation - They load your belongings and refuse to deliver until you pay much more than the agreed price.
Here's what separates these scams from just bad service: INTENT.
Bad service happens when movers try to do a good job but fail.
Scams happen when they PLAN to cheat you from the beginning.
When Jae Burnham started Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, he did it because he saw too many people getting ripped off. "Moving is stressful enough without worrying if your mover is honest," he often says.
That's why we provide detailed, binding estimates that don't change unless YOU change what's being moved.
Imagine how good it will feel to work with a moving company where what you see is what you get.
Where the price we quote is the price you pay.
Where your move is handled by professionals who respect you AND your belongings.
That peace of mind is just a phone call away: (517) 948-0894.
Moving Day Robbery Without A Mask: Separating Thieves From Fools
Moving day shouldn't feel like a robbery in progress.
Yet for many people, that's exactly what happens when they hire the wrong company.
Let's help you separate the thieves from the fools in the moving industry.
Here's a shocking fact: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration receives thousands of moving fraud complaints every year.
Many of these scams follow the same playbook.
The thieves are easy to spot if you know what to look for:
They operate without proper licensing.
They avoid putting things in writing.
They pressure you to sign blank contracts.
They demand cash.
These aren't accidents - these are calculated schemes.
The fools, on the other hand, are just bad at their jobs:
They might drop things.
They might underestimate how long your move will take.
They might forget to bring enough furniture pads.
Annoying? Absolutely.
Criminal? No.
Let me tell you about a call we received last month.
Sarah from East Lansing had hired another company that gave her a $2,000 estimate. When they showed up, they claimed her furniture was "heavier than expected" and demanded $4,500!
They wouldn't unload until she paid. Sarah was in tears when she called us after finding Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving online.
"I felt like I was being robbed in broad daylight," she told us.
While we couldn't undo what happened to her, we did help her report the company to the proper authorities. And we've now helped her with two smaller moves, charging exactly what we quoted each time.
This kind of story makes our blood boil.
At Mr. BigStuff, we provide a detailed inventory list and a binding estimate before your move.
The price we quote is the price you pay - period.
No surprises, no hidden fees, no games.
When you're getting moving quotes, watch for these red flags that you might be dealing with thieves, not just fools:
They give you an estimate without seeing your belongings (in person or via video chat)
They have no physical address, just a P.O. box
They won't provide their DOT number
They have multiple business names that they use
They demand a large deposit (more than 20% is suspicious)
They don't have a website or have a very basic one with no details
They have no reviews or only have reviews from the last few months
Remember: reputable movers like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving are happy to answer all your questions and provide proper documentation.
We're proud of our work and our reputation.
Scammers want to keep things vague and rush you into a decision.
Don't become a victim.
Call us at (517) 948-0894 for a honest, transparent quote from a company with 88+ five-star reviews.
Getting Shafted On Moving Day: How To Know When To Call The Cops
It happens all too often.
Moving day arrives, and suddenly you feel like you're being taken advantage of.
But when does a moving mishap cross the line into criminal territory?
When should you actually call the police?
This is important: Not all bad moving experiences are crimes.
Sometimes, it's just poor service from an incompetent company.
Knowing the difference can save you time and help you take the right action.
Here's when you should consider calling the police during a move:
When movers refuse to deliver your belongings unless you pay a price significantly higher than your written estimate - This is extortion, and it's illegal. If you have a binding estimate and they demand more money to release your goods, that's a hostage freight situation.
When movers disappear with your belongings - If the movers have loaded your items and then simply vanished or are refusing to tell you where your things are, that's theft.
When movers threaten you physically - Any threat of violence is a police matter, full stop.
When you discover items have been stolen - If you notice valuable items missing after the move, file a police report.
On the other hand, here are situations that are frustrating but NOT police matters:
Movers showing up late
Minor damage to furniture
Sloppy packing or unpacking
Rude behavior (as long as it's not threatening)
Taking longer than estimated (if the price was based on hourly rate)
If you're dealing with one of these issues, you need to file complaints with:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (for interstate moves)
Your state's Department of Transportation or Public Utilities Commission
Online review sites to warn others
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we believe in making things right.
If something goes wrong during your move with us (which is rare with our 88+ five-star reviews!), we have a clear resolution process.
We don't disappear, and we don't make excuses.
Our founder, Jae Burnham, built this company on transparency and accountability.
That's why you'll always have direct contact information for your moving team AND management during your move.
Here's a simple test: If your moving company seems reluctant to provide clear contact information or avoids putting promises in writing, that's a huge red flag.
Legitimate movers have nothing to hide.
Before your next move, call us at (517) 948-0894 for a detailed quote from Lansing's most trusted moving team.
We put everything in writing because we stand behind our word.
Incompetent Or Evil? Why Your Moving Company Deserves Prison Time
Let's get real for a minute.
Some moving companies out there aren't just bad at their jobs - they're running criminal enterprises designed to steal your money.
Understanding the difference between incompetence and malice can save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches.
The moving industry has been plagued by scammers ever since deregulation in 1980 when the Household Goods Transportation Act allowed for more competition.
While this created more options for consumers, it also opened the door for less-than-honest operators.
Let's break down the difference:
Incompetent Movers:
Underestimate how long the job will take
Accidentally damage items due to poor training
Show up late or on the wrong day
Forget to bring enough supplies
Hire inexperienced labor who don't know how to properly handle furniture
Evil, Fraudulent Movers:
Deliberately give lowball estimates they never intend to honor
Hold your belongings hostage for additional payments
Charge by cubic feet instead of weight (illegal for interstate moves)
Demand cash payments to avoid paper trails
Operate under multiple company names to escape bad reviews
Disappear with deposits before moving day
The difference comes down to intent.
Incompetent movers are trying to do the job, just badly.
Fraudulent movers are planning to scam you from the very beginning.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving is neither of these things.
We provide thorough training to our moving teams.
We show up when promised.
We handle your belongings with care.
And most importantly, the price we quote is the price you pay.
One customer, Michael from Lansing, told us: "After getting burned by a moving scam last year, I was skeptical of all moving companies. But Mr. BigStuff restored my faith. They were upfront about everything, on time, and exactly on budget."
So how do you protect yourself from the truly evil moving companies that deserve prison time?
Verify their identity - Make sure they have a physical address (not just a P.O. box), a DOT number for interstate moves, and appropriate licensing for your state.
Get everything in writing - Legitimate movers provide detailed written estimates and contracts. Scammers avoid paper trails.
Never pay a large deposit - Most reputable movers only require a small deposit or no deposit at all.
Beware of moving brokers - Many scams involve brokers who take your money and then hand your job off to the lowest bidder.
Check multiple review sources - Don't just look at testimonials on their website. Check Google, Yelp, the BBB, and movingscam.com.
Remember, a truly great moving experience isn't just about avoiding scams - it's about working with professionals who value your business and treat your belongings with respect.
That's exactly what you'll get with Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.
Give us a call today at (517) 948-0894 and experience the difference that honesty and professionalism make.
Moving Hell Explained: The Thin Line Between Idiots And Scammers
We've all heard moving horror stories.
But what's the real difference between a move gone wrong because of incompetence versus one derailed by actual criminals?
Let's explore the thin line between idiots and scammers in the moving industry.
First, let's acknowledge that moving is complicated.
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong.
A professional moving company knows this and plans accordingly.
Scammers, on the other hand, create problems intentionally to extract more money from you.
Here's a real-world example: Last summer, we had a customer come to us after a terrible experience. They hired a company that quoted them $1,800 for their move. On moving day, the crew arrived late and immediately started complaining about how much stuff there was - even though nothing had changed since the estimate. By the end of the day, they were demanding $4,200 and wouldn't unload until payment was made in full.
Was this just poor planning and bad customer service? No.
This was a calculated moving scam called "hostage freight" - one of the most common moving frauds.
The company never intended to honor their original quote.
So how do you spot the difference?
Amateur Hour (Idiots):
They make honest mistakes in their time estimates
Their packing isn't very efficient
They bring the wrong size truck by accident
They forget some equipment they need
Communication is disorganized but they're trying
Criminal Enterprise (Scammers):
They refuse to do an in-home or video estimate
Their estimate is dramatically lower than other quotes
They demand cash payments only
They ask you to sign blank or incomplete documents
They suddenly "discover" your items weigh more after loading them
They charge by cubic feet rather than weight for interstate moves
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives thousands of moving fraud complaints each year.
Many consumers don't realize they're being scammed until it's too late.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we believe in radical transparency.
Before your move, we provide:
A detailed written estimate after thoroughly assessing your belongings
Clear explanation of any possible additional charges
Names and contact information for your moving team
All required documentation and insurance information
A guaranteed delivery window
As our founder Jae Burnham likes to say, "We treat your belongings like they're our own, and we treat you the way we'd want our families to be treated."
That philosophy has earned us 88+ five-star reviews since we opened our doors on January 1, 2024.
Our customers know they can trust us because we deliver on our promises.
Imagine how much better your moving day could be when you're working with professionals who value honesty as much as efficiency.
No surprise charges.
No disappearing acts.
No hostage situations.
Just reliable, professional service at a fair price.
That's the Mr. BigStuff difference.
Call us today at (517) 948-0894 to experience it for yourself.
Those Bastards Stole Your Couch: A Guide To Moving Company Crimes
When your moving company fails to deliver as promised, it feels personal.
Like they've stolen not just your money, but pieces of your life.
And sometimes, that's exactly what's happening.
Let's talk about the actual crimes that dishonest moving companies commit - and how to make sure you never fall victim to them.
Moving scams aren't just annoying - they're often actual criminal enterprises.
Here are the most common moving company crimes:
Theft By Deception - When movers deliberately give you a false estimate with the intention of charging much more later.
Extortion - When they hold your belongings hostage until you pay additional fees that weren't in your contract.
Actual Theft - When valuable items mysteriously "disappear" during your move.
False Advertising - When a company claims services, qualifications, or insurance they don't actually have.
Operating Without Proper Licensing - When a company does interstate moves without FMCSA registration.
These aren't just ethical violations - they're crimes that can be prosecuted.
But unfortunately, many fly-by-night moving operations disappear or change names before authorities can catch up.
One customer told us about hiring a moving company that seemed legitimate.
They had a website, uniforms, and seemed professional during the estimate.
But on moving day, things quickly went wrong.
The movers loaded everything, then claimed the truck was "too full" and demanded an additional $2,000.
When the customer refused, the movers left with their belongings.
It took months of legal battles to recover their stuff - and some items were never found.
This isn't just bad service. This is criminal behavior.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we operate completely above board.
Our licenses are current.
Our insurance is comprehensive.
Our estimates are binding unless YOU change what's being moved.
And we will NEVER hold your belongings hostage or surprise you with hidden fees.
Our founder, Jae Burnham, built this company on a foundation of integrity.
As a YouTube influencer and published author, he understands that reputation is everything.
That's why we go the extra mile to ensure every customer has a positive experience.
"We've seen too many people get taken advantage of by dishonest movers," Jae says. "We started Mr. BigStuff to show that moving doesn't have to be a nightmare. It can actually be a smooth, stress-free experience when you work with honest professionals."
Here's how to protect yourself from moving company crimes:
Verify the company's credentials - Check their DOT number at the FMCSA website.
Get at least three estimates - If one is significantly lower, that's a red flag.
Get a binding estimate in writing - Verbal promises mean nothing when your furniture is on their truck.
Take inventory of valuable items - Document them with photos before the move.
Never pay in full upfront - Legitimate movers typically collect payment upon delivery.
Trust your instincts - If something feels off during the estimate, listen to that feeling.
Remember, a legitimate moving company wants to build a relationship with you and earn your referrals.
Scammers just want a quick payday.
Ready to work with Lansing's most trusted moving team?
Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving today at (517) 948-0894 for a transparent, honest estimate.
Moving Company Extortion Tactics Normal People Fall For Every Day
It happens to smart, careful people all the time.
Moving company extortion is a real problem, and scammers have perfected their tactics to seem legitimate - until it's too late.
Let's expose these tricks so you don't become their next victim.
Moving scams work because they target people during one of the most stressful times in their lives.
When you're juggling closing dates, new jobs, and school transfers, it's easy to miss the warning signs.
Here are the most common extortion tactics that normal people fall for:
1. The Suspiciously Low Estimate
This is the most common bait. The company offers a price significantly lower than competitors. They know you're looking to save money, so you bite. But they have no intention of honoring that price. Once your belongings are on their truck, they'll demand much more - and you'll be in no position to refuse.
How to avoid it: Get multiple estimates. If one is much lower than the others, that's a huge red flag.
2. The Blank Contract Trick
The movers ask you to sign an incomplete contract, claiming they'll "fill in the details later." They might rush you, saying they need to get to another job. Once you sign, they can add whatever charges they want.
How to avoid it: Never sign incomplete documents. Read everything before signing, and get copies of all paperwork.
3. The Cubic Foot Con
For interstate moves, legitimate companies charge by weight. Scammers often charge by volume (cubic feet) instead. Then they claim your items take up more space than estimated, sometimes doubling or tripling the price.
How to avoid it: Be wary of any interstate mover charging by cubic feet rather than weight. It's often illegal.
4. The Deposit and Disappear
Some fraudulent movers take substantial deposits and simply never show up on moving day, leaving you stranded with a house full of packed boxes and no truck.
How to avoid it: Legitimate movers rarely require large deposits. Be suspicious of any company asking for more than 10-20% upfront.
5. The "Additional Services" Ambush
Just when everything is loaded, the movers suddenly inform you that stairs, elevators, long carries, or packing services will cost extra - fees that were never mentioned in your estimate.
How to avoid it: Get all potential additional charges in writing before moving day. Ask specifically about stairs, elevators, and distance from truck to door.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we've heard countless horror stories from customers who experienced these tactics with other companies before finding us.
That's why we're committed to total transparency in our pricing and policies.
Our founder, Jae Burnham, insists that every estimate includes all potential charges, clearly explained.
"Moving is stressful enough without wondering if your mover is being honest with you," he often says.
When you choose Mr. BigStuff, here's what you'll get:
A detailed, binding estimate after a thorough assessment
A clear contract with all terms spelled out
No surprise fees or charges on moving day
A professional team that respects your time and property
Peace of mind knowing your belongings are in good hands
Don't become another victim of moving company extortion.
Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving today at (517) 948-0894 and experience the difference that honesty and integrity make.
Highway Robbery Or Just Highway Movers? Your Wallet Already Knows
Your wallet can feel the difference between genuine pricing and highway robbery.
But sometimes, telling the difference between legitimate moving costs and outright scams isn't so obvious until it's too late.
Let's help you protect your wallet before your next move.
Moving costs money - that's just a fact.
Professional movers invest in proper equipment, trained staff, insurance, and reliable trucks.
All of this costs real money, which is reflected in their rates.
But there's a huge difference between fair pricing and predatory practices.
Here's how to tell if you're dealing with highway robbery or just highway movers:
Legitimate Cost Factors That Affect Moving Prices:
Distance of the move
Weight or volume of your belongings
Specialty items requiring special handling (pianos, artwork, etc.)
Access issues (stairs, elevators, long carries)
Seasonal demand (summer is more expensive)
Additional services requested (packing, unpacking, storage)
Red Flags That Suggest Highway Robbery:
Dramatic price increases after your goods are loaded
Refusal to put estimates in writing
Charging by cubic feet for interstate moves
Demands for cash-only payment
Large deposits required upfront
Vague or confusing contracts
No clear explanation of how prices are calculated
One customer shared their experience with us after switching to Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.
They had received a quote from another company for $2,500.
On moving day, after everything was loaded, the foreman handed them a bill for $6,700!
When they protested, the mover claimed they had "more items than estimated" - even though they had done an in-home survey.
They had to pay or risk losing their belongings.
This isn't just bad business - it's predatory and often illegal.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we believe in straightforward, honest pricing.
Here's our approach:
We provide detailed, binding estimates after thoroughly assessing your belongings.
We clearly explain how our pricing works and what might cause changes.
We don't demand large deposits.
We accept multiple payment methods, not just cash.
We put everything in writing.
Our 88+ five-star reviews since our founding on January 1, 2024, speak to our commitment to transparent pricing.
Our customers know exactly what they're paying before we load a single box.
As Jae Burnham, our founder, puts it: "We're building a business for the long term. That means treating customers fairly and honestly. We'd rather lose a job by being upfront about costs than get it by being deceptive."
When you're comparing moving companies, remember that the lowest estimate isn't always the best deal.
Sometimes it's just the first step in a moving scam.
Choose a company with a proven track record of honesty.
Ready for a moving estimate you can actually trust? Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving today at (517) 948-0894. Your wallet will thank you.
Protect Yourself From Moving Scams: The Mr. BigStuff Promise
After learning about all these moving scams and horror stories, you might be feeling anxious about your upcoming move.
That's completely understandable.
But there's good news: not all moving companies are out to get you.
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we've built our reputation on being the exact opposite of those scammers.
Here's our promise to you:
Transparent Pricing - The estimate we give you is the price you'll pay, unless YOU change what's being moved. No surprises, no hidden fees, no games.
Detailed Written Estimates - We provide comprehensive, binding estimates after thoroughly assessing your belongings, either in person or via video call.
Proper Licensing and Insurance - We're fully licensed and insured. You can verify our credentials anytime.
Professional, Trained Movers - Our team members are employees, not day laborers. They're trained, background-checked, and take pride in their work.
No Large Deposits - We don't require big upfront payments to "hold your date." We earn your money by doing the job right.
Clear Communication - You'll have direct contact with your moving team and management throughout the process.
Respectful Service - We treat you and your belongings with the utmost care and respect. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Since founding Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving on January 1, 2024, Jae Burnham has been dedicated to changing the moving industry's reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
Our 88+ five-star reviews show that we're well on our way.
Don't take unnecessary risks with your move.
Choose a company that values honesty and transparency as much as efficiency and careful handling.
Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.
Ready to experience the difference? Call us today at (517) 948-0894 for a free, no-obligation estimate. Let us show you what a stress-free move really feels like.
Remember, your peace of mind is just as important as safely transporting your belongings. With Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, you get both - guaranteed.
FAQ: Everything You Need To Know About Moving Scams
How can I tell if a moving company is legitimate or a scam?
Look for these signs of a legitimate mover:
They have a real physical address (not just a P.O. box)
They're properly licensed (DOT number for interstate moves)
They have positive reviews across multiple platforms
They perform in-home or video estimates
They provide a detailed written estimate
They don't demand large deposits
They answer questions clearly and directly
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we meet all these criteria and more. We're happy to provide references from our many satisfied customers in the Lansing area.
What are the warning signs of a moving scam versus just poor service?
Moving scams typically involve intentional deception, such as:
Dramatically increasing prices after loading your belongings
Refusing to deliver without additional payment
Taking deposits and not showing up
Charging by cubic feet for interstate moves
Demanding cash only
Poor service, on the other hand, might involve:
Running behind schedule
Accidental damage to items
Disorganization
Poor communication
Forgetting supplies
The key difference is intent. Scammers plan to deceive you from the start. Poor service is unintentional.
Is it normal for movers to ask for a large deposit upfront?
No, reputable moving companies like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving don't require large deposits to book your move. Be extremely cautious of any mover asking for substantial upfront payment, especially if they want cash.
What should I do if my moving company increases the price after loading my belongings?
This is a classic moving scam. If you have a binding estimate, they cannot legally charge more unless you've added items or services. If this happens:
Remain calm but firm
Reference your written estimate
Take photos/videos of the situation
Contact the FMCSA (for interstate moves)
Call the police if they refuse to deliver your goods
With Mr. BigStuff, you'll never experience this problem. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Are last-minute additional fees from movers legal or a scam?
It depends. Legitimate additional fees should be outlined in your contract for specific situations (like discovering an undisclosed piano). Random fees that appear on moving day for standard services are typically a scam.
We always discuss potential additional charges during the estimate process, so there are no surprises.
How do I know if a moving estimate is honest or a bait-and-switch?
Honest estimates:
Are provided after a thorough assessment of your belongings
Are presented in writing with clear terms
Explain all potential additional charges
Are consistent with other estimates you've received
Bait-and-switch estimates are usually significantly lower than competitors and lack detail.
What recourse do I have if I think I've been scammed by movers?
If you've been scammed:
File a complaint with the FMCSA (for interstate moves)
Report to your state's consumer protection agency
File a police report if your goods are being held hostage
Submit complaints to the BBB
Consider legal action to recover losses
Can movers legally hold my belongings until I pay more than the estimate?
For interstate moves with a non-binding estimate, movers can legally require payment of 110% of the estimated cost before delivery, with the remaining balance due within 30 days. Anything beyond this is illegal.
With a binding estimate (which we provide), they cannot demand more payment for the services and items listed in the estimate.
What's the difference between legitimate additional charges and price gouging?
Legitimate additional charges:
Are disclosed in your contract
Apply to services or items not included in the original estimate
Are assessed at the same rate as your original estimate
Price gouging:
Involves dramatically higher rates than originally quoted
Often appears suddenly on moving day
Is not documented in your contract
May include vague fees like "logistics fees" or "travel surcharges" that weren't mentioned before
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we're committed to transparent pricing. All our charges are clearly explained up front.
How do I verify a moving company's credentials and reputation?
For interstate movers, verify their DOT number on the FMCSA website. For all movers:
Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB
Ask for references from recent customers
Verify their physical address
Check their insurance coverage
Look for memberships in professional associations
What documentation should legitimate movers provide before moving day?
You should receive:
A written estimate (binding or non-binding)
A copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet (for interstate moves)
Information about the company's dispute settlement program
A bill of lading on moving day
Inventory list of your items
We provide all this documentation and more to ensure you feel secure and informed.
Is it a red flag if movers show up in an unmarked or rental truck?
Yes, this is a significant red flag. Professional moving companies like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving have branded, company-owned trucks. If movers arrive in a rental truck or unmarked vehicle, be very cautious.
Are online moving brokers legitimate or more likely to be scams?
Moving brokers can be legitimate, but they create an additional layer between you and the actual movers, which increases the risk of miscommunication or scams. When possible, work directly with the moving company that will handle your belongings.
Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving is a direct service provider, not a broker. When you hire us, we're the ones who show up on moving day.
What protection do I have against moving fraud?
For interstate moves, the FMCSA provides some protection and can fine companies for violations. However, prevention is your best protection. Choose a reputable company like Mr. BigStuff with a proven track record of honest service.
How quickly should I expect a resolution for damages or missing items?
Legitimate moving companies typically handle claims within 30 days. At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we address any concerns promptly and fairly. We stand behind our work and will make things right if accidents happen.
Don't Become Another Moving Scam Statistic - Call Mr. BigStuff Today!
After reading about all these moving scams and horror stories, you might be feeling worried about your upcoming move.
That's exactly why Jae Burnham founded Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving - to provide the honest, transparent moving service that Lansing residents deserve.
Since January 1, 2024, we've completed hundreds of successful moves and earned 88+ five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper.
Our customers consistently praise our:
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
Professional, courteous moving crews
Careful handling of all belongings
On-time arrivals and efficient service
Total transparency throughout the process
Don't risk your valuable belongings and peace of mind with unproven or questionable movers. Choose the company that's quickly becoming Lansing's most trusted moving team.
Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving today at (517) 948-0894 for a free, no-obligation estimate. Mention this article and receive a special 5% discount on your move!
Visit us online at https://justthebigstuff.com to learn more about our services and read our glowing reviews from satisfied customers.
Remember: A stress-free move starts with choosing the right moving company. Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving - where honesty and quality service are guaranteed.
